Pasko Filipiniana 2010 a success
FAFNM's sold out Annual Christmas Party held at Kirtland's Air Force Base marks a big year end splash to 2010. It was great to see friends and celebrate the Holiday Season and to see performances of the Cultural Group showcase Philippine culture in the form of folkdances from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao regions as the theme for the evening is Pasko Filipiniana. Kudos to the group headed by Ligaya White for a brilliant performance. Kudos to the Progressive Arnis Group headed by Rafael Noguera.
Earlier in the day, during the General membership meeting at Cesar Chavez Community Center, new members of the Board were elected and right afterwards a new set of officers were elected as well. These new members were inducted into the Board of Directors at the Pasko Filipiniana Christmas Party.
Congratulations to our new members of the Board 2011-2012: Carlo Cala, Editha Saludo, Connie Perkins, Evelio Sabay, Vilma Lopez, Teresa brown, Cris Underwood, Kristelle Siarza, Armeli Bertram, Emilie Underwood, Aurora
Noriega and Rafael Noguera.
Congratulations to our new 2011 Officers: Myrna Samson-President; Armeli Bertram-Vice President; Kristelle Siarza-Secretary; Teresa Brown-Treasurer.
Newly ordained Filipino Priest Fr. Joel Bugas thanks the Filipino Community of New Mexico
Fr. Joel Bugas was ordained at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, NM, last May 30, 2009, by Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan. The solemn ceremony was attended by many Filipino Americans from Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Espanola. Also, Fr. Joel's family from Virginia and Maryland traveled to New Mexico to attend and be with him in this very special occasion. Some of the highlights of the mass was the (second) reading by Lector Mrs. Jessica Pascual in Tagalog and the Communion hymn, " Ang Katawan ni Kristo", sung by the Cathedral Choir. Present to celebrate the mass with Fr. Joel were other newly ordained priests and his best friends from seminary days in Maryland.
There was a Fiesta Filipiniana reception at Santa Maria de la Paz Social Hall later that evening to honor Fr. Joel by the Filipino Community. Among the entertainment portion was Kundiman songs performed by Doming Escano and Mon Vicente; and Philippine folkdances by the FAFNM folkdancers: Cora Romillo, Evelio Sabay, Blesila Hartom, Kila Hartom and Ethan Sabay; who perfromed Subli, Binasuan (Cora), and Tinikling.
Even more pleasing was the community spirit of the evening, and the kind words said about Fr. Joel by his many friends and family towards the end of the reception. A slide show about Fr. Joel's journey to priesthood was also a highlight of the evening.
Many many thanks from the bottom of our hearts to all who volunteered and donated to make this whole event very memorable and successful for Fr. Joel. Special thanks to the Pascuals of Santa Fe; Nita, Jose, Jessica, Leonard, Leland, and everyone in the Pascual family for their generosity and kindness. Our heartfelt thanks to Heddy Long, Cris and Emilie Underwood, Myrna Samson, Largin Tan, Cora Romillo, Evelio Sabay, Bonnie Rogers, Perli Clark, Wilma Harder, Carlo Cala, and to the Filipino American community in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico for their dedication, selflessness, and love that made this special occasion memorable.
Fr. Joel Bugas will be going to the Annunciation parish as announced by the Archbishop during the ordination. He will celebrate his first mass there at 5:00pm Saturday, June 13. You are all encouraged to attend this mass celebration with him.
Nao de China: The Manila Galleon Trade 1565-1815 Exhibit will be at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque until May of 2009
The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is proud to announce the opening of a new historical exhibit entitled "Nao de China: The Manila Trade, 1565 – 1815" on Saturday, November 8 in the Center's History & Literary Arts building. The NHCC is located at 1701 4th St. SW on the corner of 4th St. and Bridge Blvd. The opening will take place at 2 pm, is free to the public and authentic Filipino and Mexican refreshments and Filipino entertainment will be provided. In attendance to inaugurate the exhibit will be the Consul General of Mexico in Albuquerque, the Honorable Gustavo de Unanue Aguirre and the Consul General of the Philippines in Los Angeles, the Honorable Mary Jo Bernardo de Aragón.
From 1565 to approximately 1815 there existed a lucrative trade between Spanish merchants and traders in the Philippine Islands using Acapulco and Veracruz ports in Mexico as transshipment points and using Guam as a rest stop on the long voyage across the sea. Since the Philippines had been a center of trade between China and other Asian countries like Siam and India for hundreds of years, even including major trade with Islamic peoples, the Spanish encountered many items that contained different cultural accoutrements. Thus, the ships that sailed from Spain to Veracruz then from Acapulco to the Philippine archipelago brought back to Mexico items of trade, as well as people, which over time became a part of the Mexican folklore tradition.
This exhibit examines some of these Mexican traditions and traces them to the trade that took place with the Philippines, especially through the port of Manila. Such Mexican icons as la China poblana, majólica pottery, papel de china, etc. are examined and their roots traced to the Manila trade which employed large galleon ships called "Naos" to transport merchandise and people. Thus, the title: "Nao de China: The Manila Trade, 1565 – 1815." This exhibit will remain on view through May 30, 2009 and will be accompanied by a series of lectures and public presentations that will be announced at a later date.