2009 Charity Festival Gala Night Recap
Date Posted: 10/31/09
Souvenir Book: Graphic Design by Jimmy Nelle
This year's Gala Night, held on October 24, to crown Mrs. Philippines of North Texas 2009 was well supported by the community. The “Dula/Tula" Montage featuring the Lead Fund raisers, deserves merits for its consistency with the theme: "Women: Preserving Mother Nature for the Future." It utilized an assembly, overlaying and overlapping of parts of songs, poems and photos about nature. Equally effective and powerful in conveying the unifying message were the dance choreographies of songs about the beauty, (Unang Panahon), the destruction (Earth Song) and the preservation (One Earth) of Mother Nature.
Congratulations to the following Lead Fund raisers, who devoted enormous amounts of time and energy not only raising funds for PCCI and their respective beneficiaries but playing major and varied roles in the entire production for the event.
Maria Luisa Cedro-Cruz: Mrs. Luzon of North Texas 2009
Maria Victoria Palana Brockway: Mrs. Visayas of North Texas 2009
Lakambini Donor Madrigal: Mrs. Mindanao of North Texas 2009
Mabuhay sa Mga Kababaihan! Salute to the Women!
(Picture on the Left L-R) Lakambini Madrigal, Erlinda Reyes, Maria Luisa Cedro-Cruz & Maria Victoria Brockway.
(Picture on the Left L-R) Maria Reolada, Leno Madrigal, Bini Madrigal, Vivien Escaño, Grace Evangelista.
(Picture on the Right L-R) Tracy Brockway, Maria Thompson, Zayda Yadao, Marivic Brokway, Maryluz Farris.
Photos courtesy of Rico Villavicencio.
(Picture on the Left L-R) Judge Larry Taylor, Gilbert Cruz, Maria Cedro-Cruz, Amy Moore.
(Picture on the Right L-R) Dr. Manny Rivero, John Reyes, Erlinda Reyes, Hazel Avila (Mrs. Philippines of North Texas 2007).
Photos courtesy of Rico Villavicencio.
(Picture on the Left L-R) Zayda Yadao, PCCI President & Erlinda Bartolome Reyes, Mrs. Philippines of North Texas 2009.
(Picture on the Right L-R) *Vela Cordero: Mutya ng Luzon of North Texas 2009; Jennifer Cauldwell: Mutya ng Pilipinas of North Texas 2009; *Maria Thompson: Mrs. Visayas of North Texas 2009; Erlinda Reyes: Mrs. Philippines of North Texas 2009; Carmen Panares: Mutya ng Mindanao of North Texas 2009. *Prayer Leaders during the Gala Night.
The Lead Fund raisers take 20% of the net income and disburse half of it to their chosen beneficiary and take the other 10% as taxable income to recoup a portion of their own fund raising expenses. The beneficiaries for this year are: St Verona Catholic Church (Hermosa, Bataan Phil.); Agusan National H.S (Butuan City, Phil.); PCCI Scholarship Funds (Dallas, TX); Bantay Bata (Child Watch) 163 (Manila, Phil.)
The Mrs. Philippines of North Texas Charity campaign has raised monies and generated over 60% of the budget for PCCI. The consistent generous support of the Filipino-American community and its sponsors and donors make it possible for the organization to continue its mission. In the same way is the volunteer service of its officers and members.
Thank you very much and may God bless you all!
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A PCCI Production
(Back Row L-R) : Shea Jefferson, Choreographer (Earth Song and One Earth) with daughter, Daryelle
(Front Row L-R) Jennifer Cauldwell, Linda Reyes, Maryluz Farris (Production Coordinator), Jocelyn Ibarra: Playwright/Director of the "Dula/Tula" Montage, Marivic Brockway, Bini Madrigal and Marilou Cedro-Cruz. Photo courtesy of Marivic Brockway.
(Picture on the Left L-R) Linda Reyes, Shea Jefferson(Choreographer), Bini Madrigal,
Marivic Brockway & Marilou Cedro-Cruz. Photo courtesy of Marivic Brockway.
(Picture on the Right) Jeseli Flores, Choreographer ("Noong Unang Panahon")
Maryluz Farris
VP Community Relations
Little Princesses: Big Time Fundraisers!
Date Posted: 08/11/09When asked how she felt about passing her crown to her successor, Felicity Paige Rojas, Little Princess Philippines of North Texas 2007 said, “ I feel happy for the new Princess Philippines”. She also said that she would always be helpful to poor children. Her growing awareness and concern for others is surely shared by the other outgoing Little Princesses: Little Princess Luzon '07 Francesca Arroyo-Nelle, Little Princess Visayas '07 Jasmine Natalie Moreno, Little Princess Mindanao Raylin Cunanan, and Little Princess Manila Andrea Lynne Christian.
(L-R) Little Princess Philippines of North Texas 2009, Amber Glory
& Little Princess Philippines 2007, Felicity Rojas.
(Photo courtesy of Lystra Glory)
(L-R) Ms. Teen Philippines Princess of Hearts 2009 Courtney Evangelista, Mr. Orlando Glory, Little Princess of North Texas 2009 Amber Glory, Mrs. Philippines of North Texas 2007 Hazrel Avila & Little Princess Philippines of North Texas 2007 Felicity Rojas
(Photo courtesy of Joanne Mendoza)
The 2009 Little Princess Philippines of North Texas candidates are five endearing girls, very young of age and maybe perplexed by their role as fund raisers. Listening to the excerpt of the story,“Little Princess” written by Frances Burnett (about a brave, kind and helpful girl named Sara Crewe), the young candidates may have heightened their consciousness about her admirable qualities that lies in each one of them. These beginning fund raisers were challenged to continue the mission of the “Little Princess” : helping starving children.
With their princess-like charms and delightful talents, Megan, Amber , Chasity, Adriana and Marielle enchanted the hearts of the community members during the event held last July 26, 2009 at the PCCI Bldg. When these Little Princesses were going around with their bags to solicit for more funds for their mission, some spectators frantically searched for hidden bills and coins in their purses or pockets. Who could have ever refused the plea of innocent, mesmerizing eyes right in front of them?
The combined monies solicited by the Little Princesses during the event and the amount collected by their parents through ticket sales and donations determined their ranks in the friendly competition. Regardless of the status or title earned , the young girls have unequivocally proven that they are all winners. Small as they are, they have accomplished an enormous humanitarian service of sharing part of themselves for the good of other children. Cheers to Little Princess Philippines of North Texas 2009 Amber Destiny Glory, Little Princess Luzon '09 Megan Buchar, Little Princess Visayas '09 Adrianna Isabelle Mendoza, Little Princess Mindanao '09 Chasity Lei Lopez, and Little Princess Manila Marielle Nolasco! Mabuhay!
(Back Row L-R) Parents of the Little Princess: Joe Lopez, Doug and Joy Buchar, Lystra and Orlando Glory,
Joanne Lopez, Jenny and Darwin Nolasco
(Front Row L-R) Little Princess Mindanao Chasity Lopez, Little Princess Luzon Megan Buchar,
Little Princess Philippines Amber Glory, Little Princess Visayas Isabel Mendoza & Little Princess Manila Marielle Nolasco
(Photo courtesy of Jimmy Nelle)
The Philippine Community Center Inc. under the leadership of Zayda Yadao, deeply appreciates the magnanimous support of the parents of the past and present Little Princesses and the “bayanihan” spirit of the Filipino-American community. Thanks to the 'Mutya ng Pilipinas' of North Texas and the Mrs. Philippines of North Texas fundraisers who were present during the occasion.
Special mention goes to Courtney Evangelista, Ms. Teen Philippines Princess of Hearts 2009 (MTPPH), together with Caitlyn Shipman and Sherri Cruz (MTPPH 2009 Runners-Up) for co-hosting the program; to Grace Evangelista, Mutya ng Pilipinas of North Texas 2007 for supervising most of the entertainment numbers; to Vela Cordero, Mutya ng Luson of North Texas 2009 and to Hazel Avila, Mrs. Philippines of North Texas 2007 for assisting in the awarding and crowning ceremonies. Kudos to all the members of the event working committees especially to Maria Reolada for spearheading the popular fund raising project!
Maryluz Farris
VP Community Relations
Mutya: Queen of Charity
Date Posted: 06/09/09A fund raising event of the Philippine Community Center Inc. (PCCI), 'Mutya ng Pilipinas - Texas' focuses the precious charm of women in campaigns for charity. It promotes the traditional and more personal fund raising principle of looking someone in the eye when asking for money. It started in 2005 and will continue to provide support to the biennial major project of the organization, the Mrs. Philippines of North Texas.
The event on the 10th of May 2009 was overwhelmingly attended by the supporters of the candidates. The special guests were the 2007 'Mutya ng Pilipinas - Texas' fund raisers as headed by Grace Evangelista, the 2007 title holder. Also in attendance were representatives from other organizations such as the AACA, FEAT, Filipino Lions Club and Maharlika – USA. Numerous families also attended since the program coincided with the Mother’s Day celebration. Moms did not have to worry about preparing food for their families that day. A minimal entrance fee of $10.00 paid for the delectable food served plus the entertainment for the night. An array of Hula dances and Philippine folk dances was provided by the Grace Wahine Dancers, Maharlika Dancers and PCCI Dance Group.
The overall outcome of the Fiesta Filipiniana reflects the generous support of the Filipino-American community, the potential of the fundraisers, definitely the acumen of Maria Reolada, VP Fund Development, and the leadership of the Executive Officers and Board Members.
(L-R) Vela Cordero, Carmen Panares, Jennifer Cauldwell & Maria Thompson. Photo courtesy of Jerry Tungal.
As the day concluded the winners were awarded their titles: 'Mutya ng Mindanao', Carmen Panares ; 'Mutya ng Visayas', Maria Thompson ; 'Mutya ng Luzon', Vela Cordero ; and finally crowned as the 2009 Mutya ng Pilipinas - Texas, Jennifer Cauldwell.
All the participants looked radiant in their Filipiniana attire. They also exuded grace and inner beauty throughout the presentation. Each of them epitomizes the evolving meaning of being a “mutya” from that of a reserved, passive Filipina to becoming a contemporary and active individual. Mutya is a woman who is very much in tune of what is going on around her, a selfless individual, and a queen of charity.
Maryluz Farris
VP Community Relations
A Spring Hulla-ba-loo!
Date Posted: 03/28/09Springing into action, PCCI held its launching of the Mrs. Philippines of North Texas 2009 Charity Campaign last March 21, 2009. The dinner dance was attended by the families and friends of the lead fundraisers, PCCI members and supporters of the organization.
The Caribbean- and Hawaiian-inspired outfits of everyone blended with the flowers and plants which adorned the venue, the Holy Family of Nazareth Parish Hall in Irving. Grace Evangelista and the Wahine Dancers captivated the audience with their impressive Hula dances. The special numbers of the Ms. Teen Philippines, Princess of Hearts of North Texas winners and Ricky Cabug-os provided additional entertainment during the night.
Bini Madrigal with husband Leno, Marilou Cedro-Cruz with dance partner Jun Frando, Marivic Brockway with escort Enrico Frando, and Linda Reyes with spouse John, danced to the rhythm of Latin music after each was introduced by the Master of Ceremony Gerald Napoles.
Photo courtesy of Gerald Napoles. To see more photos taken during this evening's festivities click here.
One point of interest during the night was the declaration of the First Canvassing Results. The respective managers of the candidates endorsed to the Canvassing Committee the amount of money raised for the event. The topmost fundraiser is Erlinda Reyes, followed by Maria Cedro Cruz, then Bini Madrigal and finally, Marivic Brockway.
This is just the beginning of a long-term fundraising campaign. Our goal is to raise more funds for the following beneficiaries:
- Agusan National High School (Butuan City, Phil.)
- Bantay Bata 163
- PCCI Charities
- St Peter de Verona Catholic Church (Bataan, Phil.)
Maraming salamat sa lahat ng nag-sidalo, sa mga kapwa na nagbahagi ng tulong, panahon at kagandahang-loob, sa namahala ng programa, at lalung-lalo na sa mga kandidata at ang kani-kanilang pamilya! Hanggang sa muli!
Maryluz Farris
VP Community Relations
PCCI Medical-Dental Outreach in Cebu
Date Posted: 03/21/09What began as a one-man band, so to speak, pleasantly metamorphosed over time into a hardworking team of professionals and volunteers in a heartwarming display of compassion and selfless service.
A $2,500 donation from electronics retail store, Best Buy, Inc. snowballed across the globe to far-away Mandaue City in Cebu, Philippines where it gained amazing support from United Laboratories, Inc. (free medicines valued at more than 85,000.00 pesos), the local government of Mandaue City (other logistics), the Cebu Dental Society (dental instruments and dental van), Globe Telecom (give-away gifts for volunteers), volunteer medical doctors and dentists, even the local bakery (for the delicious bread), the legal community (for the venue) and a lot of well-meaning and generous friends and relatives.
All in all the medical-dental outreach for and in behalf of PCCI served 687 (457 medical patients and 230 dental patients) indigents in a day, many of whom were children. To sooth "nerves" after every tooth extraction, "dirty" ice-cream --- needless to say, another kind donation from a friend --- awaited every tearful child. Doctors and community health workers tirelessly tended to a stream of patients enduring the searing tropical heat in makeshift tents, nay any complaint, from 9:00 in the morning until past 3:00 in the afternoon. Volunteer professionals and common folks, not allied with the medical profession proved to be equal and very able partners, the perfect complement to the doctors.
As the day wore on, it became more and more apparent how badly needed free medical and dental services are for these simple folks, no heat from the sun could deter them from waiting for their turn to see the doctor. Near the registration table, moving was the sight of mothers carrying small infants, one of whom was not even a month old. Then from the corner of one's eye, a little girl can be seen proudly cradling her medicines, ingeniously placed in the very same hat she walked in and one can't help but smile. These and more made the medical-dental outreach so much worth all the time and effort poured into it. It was capable of tugging at your heartstrings yet it still managed to plant a smile in your face.
Indeed there is still so much good in humanity no matter what the cynics say.
Atty. Mailah Tumulak
Hall of Justice Grounds
Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines
