Thursday, May 24, 2018

Ilonggos in New York show big heart for ‘Dinagyang, 'Manggahan'

“A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world.” 
--Ellen G. White

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY
-- It is their “pag-malasakit” (compassion) and “pag-ulikid” (concern) for fellow Ilonggos who will arrive here for the 120th Philippine Independence Day 28th Annual Parade on June 3, 2018 that prompted Boy Dinzon and his fellow Ilonggos based in New Jersey and New York to launch the “Dinagyang and Manggahan sa NYC Fundraising Dinner” on June 1 at the Draesel Hall of the Church of the Holy Trinity on 88th Street in Yorkville, Manhattan.
“As much as possible we want to remain anonymous; we only want to help. That’s all,” sighed Dinzon, former staff of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Iloilo ticketing office, who now resides in New Jersey. “Sin o pa abi ang mag binuligay kundi kita man nga mga Ilonggo (As Ilonggos, we all need to help each other).”
Dizon’s group include Grace Uybico, Camille Dabao, Agnes Jamora, Agnes Montelibano, Vincent Dabao, Tonette Dabao, Frankie Uy Bico, Shirley Cordova, and Joe Nick “Nonot” Dinzon, who are mostly from the Iloilo Assumption Group.

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Dinzon added: “We are aware that they always encounter problems on funds. They definitely need financial support and we are doing our part to at least contribute something. By all means we need to help them because they are representing and promoting our culture and heritage as Ilonggos.”
Dinzon is referring to the big contingent from Iloilo City and Guimaras led by officials and “warriors” from the Dinagyang Festival and Manggahan Festival, which will join the parade’s anniversary commemoration with a theme, “Pagbubunyi Sa Ating Mga Bayani-Ang Hangarin ay Pagkakaisa” or “Honoring Our Heroes-Inspiring Solidarity among us all” on Madison Avenue.
With the support of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) led by president Antenor “Ner” Martinez, is the parade organizer.
Joji Juele-Jalandoni, a New Jersey-based registered nurse, personally went to Iloilo City and Guimaras in January this year to invite the two festival groups.
She is PIDCI past president and a native of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

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Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III and the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. led by Ramon Cua Locsin, Mrs. Gina Sarabia-Espinosa, Iloilo City Tourism Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia, Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Bombette Golez Marin, Guimaras Provincial Tourism Officer Liberty Ferrer and 10 Guimaras officials, will also join the Iloilo City Trade Mission sponsored by the PHILCOMAN in partnership with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce Washington DC (PACC DC).
Mrs. Sarabia-Espinosa will be joined by a group of Iloilo City’s top fashion designers and artists led by highly-regarded Bo Parcon, according to Dinzon.
Sarabia-Espinosa’s group will hold an exhibit to showcase Iloilo City’s potentials on June 4 at the Philippine Consulate General on Fifth Avenue.

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