TheThe MabuhayMabuhay StarStar Official Newsletter of Mabuhay, Inc. A Filipino-American Association Winter 2011 www.mabuhayinc-md.org

Inside this issue: What I learned at Mabuhay Culture School by Kayla Argente

Get Into the MICS 2 Mabuhay Culture School is a Americans are Cristeta crosses and eggs are made great, fun, and educational Comerford a chef at the and decorated for Easter; Mabuhay, Inc. 2 place to learn about our White House; Manny tales and stories about Senior Events and Pacquiao, a famous champion creatures and monsters like Mabuhay, Inc. 3 heritage. I have been with boxer; Vanessa Hudgens, an the Duwende, Kapre, Cultural Mabuhay for about 3 or 4 actor and singer; and Nonito , , and Performances years now and I learned a lot Daniare (known as the flash), the (or impakto)for about my heritage. I like a flyweight champion boxer Halloween. 2011 Dental 3 learning about Filipino (some say he is the next Mission dances, famous Filipinos and Manny Pacquiao). Some The Mabuhay Culture School King and Queen of 4 famous Filipino-Americans, Filipino foods I learned about is the place to be to learn Hearts Filipino food, and more. are Adobo, , Filipino dances, language, Hamonado, , torta, our heritage, and more. I Mabuhay, Inc. 4 Filipino dances I’ve learned puto, pancit, kare-kare, and encourage all Filipino- Carolers and performed at various more. American kids out there to events are the Subli hat, come and join me at Silent Auction 4 Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Itik Itik, We also have crafts and Mabuhay, Inc. Culture Donors and hopefully next year, I activities for Filipino School. will learn how to dance the holidays and American Seasons Greetings from my Tinikling. Some famous holidays. For example, parols family to yours! Filipinos & Filipino- are made for Christmas;

May the miracle of Christmas fill your hearts with warmth, love, sharing, and forgiveness.

On behalf of the Officers, Board of Directors, Trustees and Youth Officers, we would like to thank all our volunteers, sponsors, guests, Ang Galing-Galing ng MICS Students by Liezl Argente members, and friends for a wonderful 2011. It was a The MICS parents watched great experience and opportu- busy year and all worth their children with pride nity for our young kids to it! Your presence and during their cultural perform- show our Filipino culture and tireless support to our ance at the Philippine Festival what they have learned at organization are very much Community Picnic and Sports culture school. The MICS appreciated. I wish you all a Fest located at Tucker Road, students also participated at fruitful and blessed 2012. Oxon Hill, MD on June 26, the parade and joined various 2011. games during this event. As Maligayang Pasko at what they always say about Manigong Bagong Taon sa The children performed the Mabuhay, Inc. Filipino- inyong lahat!! "Tiklos” and even American kids, “Ang galing- though it was a hot day, galing”!! everyone can only see smiles and enthusiasm on their faces Vicky Calizo until they finished their Mabuhay, Inc. performance. It was another President

The Mabuhay, Inc, annual Winter 2011 Page 2 picnic was held on August 7, 2011 at Schrom Hills Park and it was a great success! The great weather, the camaraderie, Get Into The MICS (Mabuhay, Inc. Culture School) by Moks Laureles special guests, youth awards, games, line dancing and all the Established in 1985, What can MICS offer you following activities: yummy food were enjoyed by Mabuhay, Inc. was organized and you child(ren)? all! We hope to see you all Arts and Crafts ~ History and again next year. in response to a need from the MICS will provide your Culture ~ Performing Arts ~ Filipino American child(ren) the opportunity to Language and Literature SPONSORS community for a support discover and learn about Mabuhay, Inc. Officers, group that is comprised of a their Filipino-American Directors, Trustees, Youths, Mabuhay, Inc. Culture School Members, Dr. Bong & Zeny network of individuals, culture and heritage while Juanitez, and food/beverage families and their friends who having the chance to develop Saturday sessions: donors have similar concerns about skills in arts and craft, folk From October 2011 through VOLUNTEERS assimilating into the May 2012 ~ 10am until 12pm Set-up, Grillers, Food Servers, dancing, and the Filipino Halo-Halo, Interactive & Clean- American mainstream, language. They will also be @ College Park Community up at marami pang iba interracial marriages, raising exposed to the historical and Center bi-racial children, and cultural similarities between COMMITTEE maintaining ties with the "old Chair ~ Manny & Mylene Filipino and American life. What will it cost for attending Lopez country" -- the . MICS? Co-Chair(s) ~ Liezl Argente & Under the auspices of its Vicky Calizo founding members, Lulu What is a typical MICS Aside from bringing your child Adviser ~ Zeny Juanitez Alexander and Mencie Saturday morning? on time, especially during field Emcee ~ Sharon Richardson trips, it is free to all Mabuhay Raffle ~ Roy Cobo Hairston, Mabuhay Inc. MICS teachers and student Interactive tent ~ MICS Parents Culture School (MICS) began volunteers create an Inc. members. Non-members Youth Award ~ Liezl Argente & its’ humble roots. atmosphere where your child will be asked to pay a nominal Trustee (ren) not only gain a sense of fee to cover operating expenses. Games & Halo-halo~Monette A weekend of cultural and Roxas-Tharp & Youth educational enrichment their Filipino-American roots For further inquiries or Sounds ~ Jomike Cardano & program for Filipino- and traditions, but they also questions, please contact any of Kevin Argente American children ages 4 - build and nurture in the following MICS teachers: themselves a deeper COMMUNITY MASS 16, MICS, is designed to appreciation of their Celebrant ~ Msgr. Balbago, Jr. teach the common bonds of Mencie Hairston: 240-355-4930 ancestral roots and EMs ~ Zeny Juanitez, Alice history, geography and [email protected] Roxas, and Darryl Roxas strengthen their self-esteem culture between the United Choir Director ~ Dr. Robert as a productive and civil- Bagtas States and the Philippines and Moks Laureles: 202-957-1620 minded Filipino-American in Holy Family Filipino Heritage enhance the self-esteem and [email protected] the United States and of the Choir: “cultural competence” of our Pianist ~ Mrs. Wilma Bandong globally-expanding citizen of young Filipino-Americans --- Liezl Argente: 301-595-5813 Alto ~ Glo Balbalec,Mildred the world. Lagrana & Boots Padayhag youth who know, shares, and [email protected] Soprano ~ Renalou Albano, are proud of their parents’ Mary Robelyn Bagtas, Dianne customs and traditions. Each weekend, we have the Ferrer, Carla Matthews Base ~ Rey Bandong & Ruben Calizo Tenor ~ Rico Lagrana & Junel Mabuhay, Inc. Seniors by John Richardson Padayhag

The Mabuhay, Inc. Seniors have been active this year in attending and participating in many community events. On May 24, 2011, our seniors attended a reception for former President Fidel V. Ramos at the Mrs. Philippines Home for Seniors in Oxon Hill, MD. President Ramos’s spoke about supporting our veterans who were there to protect and defend the liberties that we enjoy. An Ilocano harana serenaded him and group pictures were taken. Mabuhay senior members who attended were: Elena Barnachea; Marcelina Rosal; Adoracion and Fernando Calizo; Lulu Alexander; and John and Nenita Richardson.

A Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast was hosted by the Knights of Columbus in Bowie, MD on June 19, 2011. A dinner and dance was held on October 16, 2011 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bowie, MD and participating seniors were sponsored by Mabuhay, Inc.

Please make sure that the membership committee has your up-to-date contact information so that we can keep you informed about up-coming events. Many times we can arrange transportation for you as well. Hope to see you on our next event! Winter 2011 Page 3

Mabuhay, Inc. Cultural Performances by Kierra Sartor On May 26, 2011, Mabuhay Roy Cobo and Lulu Festival Picnic at Tucker Inc. was invited to perform at Alexander); Carinosa Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland.

the County Administration (Jimmy Cardano and Lulu A big thank you to Jimmy Building in Upper Marlboro, Alexander, Mike and Alexis and Judy Cardano for MD in celebration of the Isip, Roy Cobo and Marcdina Lulu Alexander performing at opening their home for the a PGCPS ESOL Event on Asian Pacific Heritage held Rosal, John and Nenita dance practices. “Bravo” to June 26, 2011 during the month of May. Richardson); Muslim- Ian everyone for their The group was headed by Dance (Judy Cardano and commitment and for a great Judy Cardano and Lulu Alice Roxas); and Tiklos performance. Judy and Lulu Alexander who in a short (Ruvi Ann Calizo, Julia also shared their collections Fun Trips to AC! period of time prepared and Cardano, Carmelina Lim and by Mely Alcazar of Philippine Arts and Crafts practiced four types of Carmelisa Lim). After their which will be displayed at the dances. performance, the performers Two successful Atlantic County Executive Office for Several Mabuhay Inc., Board, received two invitations to the whole month of May. City trips were held on perform at the following March 26 and July 23, Trustees, and Members Community outreach is a performed the following events: June 10, 2011 for the very good exposure for 2011. All the participants Prince George’s County had fun and played Bingo dances: La Jota Moncadena Mabuhay Inc. We need to (Judy and Jimmy Cardano, Board of Education, ESOL continue to make an effort to and raffles games while Office at the Holiday Inn, on the bus and snacks Mike and Alexis Isip, John make people aware of our and Nemita Richardson, College Park and on June 26, wonderful organization. were provided. 2011 during the Philippine

All proceeds from these 2011 Dental Mission by Lita Dialino trips will help us support cultural and outreach The third Mabuhay, Inc. Dental distribution of dental supplies. A say mass at another site was projects sponsored by Mission was held on January medical mission was also held on attended by approximately a 2011 and continued to touch site by local physicians. thousand people who were Mabuhay, Inc. lives and bring smiles to patients served by this mission. who were not able to afford The first part of the dental We would like to extend dental expenses. This endeavor mission was held at St. Cabrini Mabuhay Inc. members and our heartfelt thanks to all was made possible by partnering Medical Center in Santo volunteers raised funds for this volunteers, food donors, with and recruiting volunteer Thomas, Batangas. Mabuhay mission by hosting various fund and committee members dentists from the Philippine Inc. sponsored 2 children ages 6 raising events such as Christmas for this trip, specially to Dental Association, months and 18 months for cleft caroling and golf tournament. Roy Cobo, Ways Dental Association, and La lip and palate surgeries. Jimmy Thank you to the 2010 carolers &Means; Alexis Isip, Union Dental Association. The and Judy Cardano and Lita headed by our musical director, dentists provided free dental Dialino observed during the Dr. Robert Bagtas and to all the Auditor; and Lulu examination; tooth extraction, surgery and the thought of these donors who supported this Alexander our first denture construction and oral children having beautiful normal worthy cause. Thank you as well Mabuhay, Inc. President prophylaxis services. smiles is a gift they will treasure to all the golfers who and Trustee. forever. participated during the golf Spearheaded by former president tournament. With your support, Hope to see you all on our Jimmy Cardano and chaired by The second part of the dental the mission was possible and next AC trip! former president Lita Dialino, mission was held in the parish of very successful. Mabuhay Inc. provided funding St. Joseph the Worker in Bauang, A ton of gratitude to the for transportation from Manila to La Union of which Fr. Edwin members of the 2011 Dental the mission sites and for Fontanilla, is the parish priest. Mission: Jimmy, Judy and Julia purchase of dental and medical This underprivileged church Cardano; Manny and Lita supplies and other miscellaneous where parishioners had to travel Dialino; Marita Canlas; John and expenses. Mabuhay Inc. through mountains to get to Nenita Richardson, and Alex volunteers assisted the dentists in church and attend mass or Fr. anyway possible especially in the Fontanilla will travel on foot to and Marita Canlas. Winter 2011 Page 4

King and Queen of Hearts by Sharon Richardson Welcome to On April 9, 2011, the Performances by songstresses Special invited guests and our new residents of Attick Towers in Kayla Argente and Marjorie presenters included: Former College Park, Maryland, were Desamito, and violinist, Julia Prince George’s County Clerk members! entertained by Mabuhay, Inc. Cardano were also very well of the Court, Ms. Peggy This annual outreach event received. Part of the program Magee; Councilman Eric Ofelia and James Olsen provides an opportunity to include acknowledging any Olson; Wanda Brooks-Asst to Mark Barnachea showcase the many talents residents who are 90 years the Councilman; Mayor of and offerings of the Mabuhay, and older and to draw this College Park, Andrew John Michael Cardano Inc. organization to the year’s King and Queen of Fellows; Dale DeShame; and Jacquelin Cobo American community. The Hearts. Congratulations to Dr. Marlene Desamito. Lynzander and Beverly residents were serenaded by Dale S. and Vincent Mabuhay, Inc. wishes to Marantal and Family

Mabuhay, Inc. Culture School Thompson, who drew the thank the many volunteers, (MICS) students, who sang winning tickets as King and Janet B. Gardose and guests, presenters, and Realito S. Villar and danced to Filipino custom Queen! especially Ms. Mitchell and music while wearing The event was successful due the residents of Attick Eric Strobel and Irva Defensor-Strobel and traditional outfits. to the hard work of the Towers, for making the King Performances of Subli Hat, Family volunteers and food donations and Queen of Hearts program, Tinikling, Cha-Cha, Carinosa from several Mabuhay, Inc. another memorable event. We Fred Laureles, II, were also part of the program. Eleanor Gutierez- members and community look forward to next year’s The Young at Heart Mabuhay organizations, including program! Mabuhay! Laureles, and Baby David

Senior Community graced the Eileen DeCesare and Lita Melissa Constantino stage with a fashion show and Dialino. The menu included a Liezl Argente and Sharon traditional Filipino dance, tasteful selection of Filipino G. Richardson ~ Outreach Kristian Felix while several Mabuhay, Inc. cuisine: lumpia, chicken Committee Co-Chairs Darryl Roxas members and volunteers adobo, rice, and pancit. Nadia Richardson presented various line dances. John Chavez and Family Thank you! Mabuhay, Inc. Carolers by Lita Dialino Lolita Cruz Mabuhay, Inc. would like to thank the following A.J. Valencia silent auction donors whose generous donations The Mabuhay, Inc. carolers shared the joyful made it possible for Mabuhay Inc. to support sounds of the holiday season from November Jonathan Juanitez different service projects such as the cultural 2010 until January 6, 2011 to raise funds for the Nenette Shimek & Family school; senior citizens program; outreach Dental Mission. projects; and the dental mission to the remote Andrea Calizo areas in the Philippines. The choir group was directed by Dr. Robert Bagtas and chaired by Lita Dialino. Carolers ♦ Gloria Mongia (Travelco) who generously lent their special talents were ♦ Cross Creek Golf Club Ted and Lynette Aspillera; Ruben, Vicky and ♦ Gerry Berdan (Kamagong Balikbayan Box) ♦ Jojo Chavez Ruvi Anne Calizo; Mike and Alexis Isip; Leo, ♦ Todd Velazques (Roadrunner Sports) Liezl, Kevin, Kyla, and Katherine Argente; ♦ Nick and Elly Cabanayan Jojo and Jasmine Chavez; Aurora Albano; ♦ Holiday Inn (Cathy Hockman) Alice Roxas; Jimmy, Judy, and Julia Cardano; ♦ Manila Mart (Tony and Emma Bioc) Carol Daquis; Andy, Lea, and Yna Madarang; ♦ Hoffmaster’s Auto Care (Steve) Manny and Lita Dialino; Jenifer Aranico; and ♦ Ted and Lynette Aspillera Nellie Balmoris. ♦ Ash and Elsa Moustafa (Ask Maids Inc) Parol Making at Asian Festival ♦ Mike and Alexis Isip We want to thank all the July 23, 2011 ♦ Pete and Alan Belen families that welcomed us ♦ Joy Valdellon ♦ Carlos and Beth Lim into their homes, for Newsletter Committee ♦ Leo and Liezl Argente supporting our worthy cause, ♦ Ruben and Vicky Calizo and for the sumptuous ♦ Juancho and Midgie Cajayon delicacies on each visit ♦ Paul and Angie Buan Your generous donations ♦ Jimmy and Judy Cardano gave children in the ♦ Cynthia Vankirk ♦ Mabuhay, Inc. Philippines a chance to have beautiful smiles and a normal life and for that reason; we cannot Liezl Monette Paul ♦ John Bechet (BechetPhoto.com) Argente Roxas-Tharp Buan thank you enough for supporting us. Maraming salamat po and Merry Christmas to you and your family!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!