Wednesday 12/5/07 was a great day to have a celebration of life! The occasion was the Christmas party held at the Philippine Consulate in honor of the media. Address was in Los Angeles at 3600 Wilshire blvd on the 5th floor. In attendance were the wonderful officers and crew of the consulate spiced up by media members representing different publications in Southern California, USA.A traditional Holy Mass kicked off the party. Fr Palines delivered the sacrament and was a superb host at the same time. The Filipinos present were pleasantly reminded of younger days attending evening mass at the old country. The Christmas spirit was embodied in this tableau of Holy Eucharist being held in a cozy environment. Attended by persons who were bonded together in their quest to serve a nation that needed guidance in one way or another.
The Philippine national anthem was rendered by Romy Borje ( he rocks!) who has the energy of a young adult but the wisdom of a media patriarch. Mr Borje is an icon in the local Fil-Am journalist world and an inspiration to who ever wants to pursue a career in the media. A treasure indeed.
Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon adresses the media
Consul General MaryJo Aragon delivered the welcoming address. She introduced her two brand new cohorts in Daniel Espiritu (Consul) and Charmane Serna-Chua (Vice Consul). ConGen Aragon is as good as they come in representing an interactive leader who at the same time embodies the positive qualities of a Filipina. She is a non-stress type of person, which is reflected by her staff who smiles a lot. You can just imagine how hectic it can get at the consulate during peak periods!
At his point, the officers and staff of the Consulate gathered front and center to sing the Noche Buena Christmas song. Like a practiced choir, the group sung and delivered with such professional quality. That moment was reminiscent of our tradition when a choir group would come to our houses and sung songs making the holiday complete.
Dinner came after the welcoming address. The food spread was a feast of Filipino cuisine cooked to perfection. The roasted pig (lechon) melted in the mouth while the pancit and lumpia tasted so good. Again, this food tradition reminded us of how our culture knows how to party!
While having dinner, the entertainment portion went into action with James Saspa belting out a couple of songs. Ms Janelle So, hostess to KABABAYAN LA, sung two karaoke hits. She is so young but so loaded with talent. Also pleasing to the eye. Proud to be Filipina! Tess Villanueva, and Romy Borje contributed to the entertainment with more songs.
Florante, who is a legend in the Phillipine music world, came and honored the occasion with songs and ballads reflective of life in the old country. His pieces brings memories of yesteryears when the baby boomers where growing up and wondered what the future held for them. His ballads trigger soft spots in the Filipino psyche which makes a true pinoy think of going back to the homeland to take a walk down memory lane. Florante is like the Bob Dylan of the Philippine music industry. He too, rocks!
The media party winded down with participants exchanging gifts and a dance. Congen Aragon sung a duet with Johnny Pecayo. A lot of food still on the table. Wine flowed and the people were happy.
The Philippine Consulate and its warm staff are representative of our nation. They work hard and know how to have a good time. It is in these celebrations that they open up their hearts and homes to people in need. It gets busy at the Consulate since they are the corridors ultimately leading back to the homeland. They embody the spirit of assistance, which is Christmas itself. It is wonderful that the Consulate honored the media at this event. May these two entities work in the Christian spirit of giving. Merry Christmas and a Great New Year, po!
By: John Lacson
Photo Coverage by: Albert Vargas