Vol. 6   |   No. 220
PCGNY Lecture on the Spratley Islands Oct. 6
Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey  |  October 4,  2015
See you in one of our many events!
Philadelphia on the spotlight 
An fgluyun15 Photo
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania known as, "The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection" became the world's center of spiritual attention this past week by hosting the World Meeting of Families. The Vicar of Christ, Holy Father Pope Francis attended this historic and memorable event held at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The mere mention of his coming produced palpable excitement, enthusiasm, and elation in this part of the Christian world. His humanness, piousness, caring, and charismatic personality magnetized Christians and non-Christians alike. From one hundred countries, people converged in this great city not only to listen to his spiritual wisdom, but also to see him in person while also hoping for the opportunity to talk to this saintly man affectionately called the "People's Pope."
     Pope Francis showered the people with his love. His affection shown from his numerous stops in the pope mobile to hug and bless babies and the sick, to his visiting and shaking hands with the incarcerated, and most notably when he broke bread with the homeless. His love for all people mesmerized the American people and garnered more love and respect from the many pilgrims who were touched by his humble yet noble gestures. His speeches left a profound impact. He spoke of love and respect for human life, human right, immigration, abortion, sexual abuse of children by priests, the importance of women in church activities, equality of all mankind, and the importance of family life and values. At the heart of his talks, he shared his focus on returning the church to its core mission of service to all people, particularly to the disadvantaged and the poor. He prayed for the modern eradication of modern day slavery and human trafficking.
     The Festival of Families was a lively celebration on the day of Pope Francis's arrival. Major TV networks from all over the world focused on His Holiness. Choirs from different areas of the USA and cultural dances from all over the world including Philadelphia's own Mutya Philippine Dance Company entertained the audience at the Parkway. Upon his arrival back to the parkway, Pope Francis and his popemobile were greeted by thousands of pilgrims lined up along the sidewalks. Cheers of "Viva Papa" or "Long Live Pope Francis" in numerous tongues could be heard throughout the crowd. Academy Award Nominee Mark Wahlberg hosted the event, while recording artists Andrea Bocelli, Aretha Franklin, the Fray, and other prominent figures entertained the Holy Father and the audience. Although he appeared tired from his whirlwind adventure in the Northeast, a smile remained on his face.
     On Sunday, the security checkpoints were congested with long lines composed of faithful Catholics and those curious of the faith. The Papal Mass brought such a crowd that many people waited in line for up to 5-6 hours hoping to participate in mass with the Holy Father. Unfortunately, some individuals were unable to pass through security in time due to the strict security measures. Members of Federal Agencies, from military to the police force, were scattered throughout the city. Their presence made people feel safe. Large TV screens were set up on every corner of the parkway and the streets for people to view and participate in the festivities and the papal mass.
     Some of the drawbacks of the celebration were the three to four mile blockades of all the streets entering the city. Due to this, pilgrims and locals had to walk these distances to get to the parkway.
     In the end, the 3-year preparation for the World Meeting of Families was successful. Pope Francis made a lasting impression in the hearts of many. Although it was a somber day when he left, his teachings of mercy and compassion had made its mark. His last request was for the world to pray for him. We hear you Holy Father. The whole world LOVES you and will ALWAYS pray for you. Thank you your Holiness.
 
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Rondalla Benefit Concert at International House Oct. 4

Join us in our celebration of Filipino-American History Month with a Rondalla Benefit Concert to support disaster victims in the Philippines.  Enjoy the sounds and melody of 14-stringed instruments as we play traditional folk music and some of your favorite tunes. Website version

Sunday, October 4 @2pm
International House of Philadelphia
Corner of 37th & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Tickets are available from any PFASI Rondalla member or online, click here. See you all there!
Street parking is available as well as in the following parking garages.
1. University of Pennsylvania - 3810 Sansom Street
2. Sheraton City Parking - 55 South 36th Street
3. Drexel University Lot C - 3482 Filbert Street

  
China Lecture at the Kalayaan Hall, New York
Justice Antonio Carpio
A special lecture concerning our issues with China entitled: "South China Sea: The View From the Philippines" will feature Justice Antonio T. Carpio Senior Associate Justice Supreme Court of the Philippines as guest speaker. The lecture sponsored by the PCGNY and the Asia Society.
It will be held at 6 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, October 6 at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center 556 5th Avenue New York, NY 10036.
     Please join other leaders to hear the views of one of the distinguished experts on the legal issues surrounding one of the most pressing issues of our time: the international dispute over the South China Sea.
     What are the implications of Chino's recent buildup in these waters? What should the Philippine response be? How should the rest of ASEAN, and the global community. respond? Are there hopes for a resolution?
Justice Carpio will deliver remarks, to be followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Asia Society Executive Vice President Tom Nagorski.  Website version.

"Water for Life in the Philippines" event set Dec. 10


By: Ruben David
The Philadelphia Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-PA) will conduct a fundraising event in collaboration with the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia this coming December 10, at 6pm - 9pm.
      This is a casual evening of socializing, networking, camaraderie, dining and dancing.
      The event will go to the community project of EWB-PA in Apatut, Balaoan, La Union province under their "Water for Life Project in the Philippines".
      It will be held at the Michael G. Lutz Lodge #5 Philadelphia, Fraternal Order of Police. The lodge is located at 11630 Caroline Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154, you can call 215-629-3600 for details.
      Tickets are at $35 per son payable in Cash or by check payable to FECGP. If you are unable to attend, tax deductible donations are appreciated. Make checks payable to FECGP, Memo: Water for Life Project Philippines, and mail to 4 Sugar Maple Lane, Horsham, PA 19044.
EWB-PA and the FECGP are both 501�3 organizations. Contacts: FECGP President Ruth B. Luyun; Fernando "BB" Dacanay, President, ICAGP.
      "Every drop of clean water is a shining jewel in improving the quality of life." according to Engr. Ruben, FECGP Liaison Director in Pennsylvania of EWB-PA.
 Successful celebration of San Lorenzo Ruiz at Our Lady of Hope 
Our Lady of Hope celebrated the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, September 24 with a record high number of attendees during the Mass. Cardinal Luis Tagle who earlier during the week received an honorary degree form Philadelphia's Lasalle University was the main celebrant. 
People from far and away came and even the elderly that needed help came to the special occasion. Choirs from many other Catholic parishes were in attendance and civic and religious leaders were also present.  The organizing committee would like to thank everyone who helped and were part of the event.  Blessings to all and your families.
(FB Photos by Tess Byrne and others) 

The recent visit of Pope Francis to our country, particularly in Philadelphia was somewhat a real life confession for all of us: we public confess our faith, our belief in the doctrines of the Catholic faith and we professed our love to one another across all faiths on that one awesome particular day.
       I am sure that many of you started your trek so early "just to be in time" to arrive in the city before the great multitude start massing around the parade route.  Surely some were lucky to have a "vantage point" and some were not so lucky to be too "far away" from the epicenter of the activity.
       Some friends have to walk a mile away because literally the city looked like a vacant parking lot with everyone walking with the exception of a few official vehicles authorized to navigate the city streets put on heightened security. (Photo by Allen Villarin)


       Each one of us will surely have fond memories of this great event: something we could tell our children and grandchildren. Upon his return to the Vatican, Pope Francis told the press that on all the cities that he visited: Havana, New York, and Washington, D.C. it was Philadelphia that have the most electrified crowd and he can feel the love.        Let us support the PFASI as they present their Rondalla Concert this October 4th at the International House, in Philly near Drexel University area. My congratulations to them for another event that promotes our culture.
      Thanks also to all of you who made the celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz a memorable one. Cardinal Tagle was very happy along with Fr. Efren Esmilla for the all out support and confession of our faith during the celebratory Mass. The Cardinal earlier received his honorary degree from Lasalle University together with his mother, brother and family.

       We are posting in advance the Dec. 10  event of the Engineers without Borders PA Chapter. Our Liaison Officer (PA) Engr. Ruben David is in-charge and we will make this again another great one like we did the last year. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat and let us continue working to improve our communities! 
Ruth Bayle Luyun
President
 


 


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The WEEKLY UPDATE Staff 

Ruth B. Luyun, Executive Editor & Publisher
Freddy Panes, Editor-in-Chief
Ferdinand Luyun, Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Sherry Sorono, Managing Editor
Sen Fontanilla, Ruben David, Contributing Editors
Hermie Aczon, Guest Contributing Editor

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Sunday Oct. ____
Monthly Meeting
__________
1:30 PM
 
we have an exciting and interesting agenda and snacks too! Bring a friend. 


  Everyone had their way of keeping memories 
during the Pope's visit 



 

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------------------------------



More photos of the Pope's Philly Visit
Photo: Jairam Imperial 
Photo: Lucy De Smone

Thanks to many who shared their FB photos.
 
 

Upcoming Events
-------------------
Members: Submit your event date at least 60 days before event.
-------------------

Oct 4  |  PFASI
Rondalla Concert @ International House
2 PM, Chestuntu Street, Phila.
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Oct 17 | PCSNJ
Golf Outing and Dinner
Ramblewood Country Club
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Oct 23 | FANHS-PA Banquet
6 PM
Annual Fil-American History Month
Joy Tsin Lau Restaurant
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Nov 6 | PMSGP
Annual Charity Ball
Hilton Hotel, City Ave, Phila.
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Nov 21 | KSOP
Outstanding Parents of the Year
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cherry Hill
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Dec 5 | FAABCI Pasko sa Nayon
7 PM
Saturday at the Radisson Hotel
Trevose, PA
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Dec 6 | ICAGP Christmas Party
6 - 10 PM - FREE EVENT
OSAC Matthew Carr Hall
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Dec 5  | IBC Christmas Cantata
Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church
Saturday 
500 Midvale Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082
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Dec 13 | FAAMCI
21st Anniversary & New Year's Party
1 PM
Blue Bell Country Club
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Dec __  |  FAAPI
Rizal Ball and Miss Maria Clara
Venue TBA 
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Dec 10  |  Fund Raising Event
Engineers Without Borders
11630 Caroline Road
Northeast Philadelphia
(see news item on left side)
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Dec 31 | ICAGP New Year's Party
7 to 12 Midnight
OSAC Matthew Carr Hall
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Feb 13 | FASSJ
Valentine's Day Love Award
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cherry Hill
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The Men and Women of FECGP

Council Officers |  2014 -2016

President: Ruth B. Luyun 
1st Vice President: Nida Imperial
2nd Vice President: Lyn Javier 
3rd Vice President: Femy Whitzell 
Corporate Secretary: Ernesto Arcilla
Recording Secretary: Mayette Baglieri
Corresponding Sec:  Lucy De Simone
Treasurer:  Bel Lopena 
Asst. Treasurers: Dr. Lita Manguba,

Imelda Itchon 

Auditor: Arlene Seneres 
Asst. Auditor: Ann Bratelli
Liaison Officer PA: Ruben David
Liaison Officer NJ: Frances Estella 
Business Managers:

Dr. Ferdie Aczon | Medy Arevalo | Nora Benitez | Lorelei Laurencio | Cesar Manguba | Elgene Morales 

PROs:

Imelda Alpas | Kim Barroso | Loriann Boco | Norma Arcilla | Gloria Pineda | Senn Fontanilla | Sherly McLean 

Historian: Freddy Panes, Editor-in-Chief
Legal Counsel: Ed Galang, Esq.

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