NOV. 4-27—The National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO) under Mia Katigbak will present the world premiere of “Cowboy vs. Samurai” by Michael Golamco, a contemporary retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac set in the mythic American west. Written by Michael Golamco and directed by Lloyd Suh. With Timothy Davis, Joel de la Fuente, C.S. Lee, Hana Moon. Showtime: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 3 p.m.(exceptions: 11/5 no matinee, 11/24 no show, 11/25 additional 3 p.m.). Previews 11/4-11/6 ($15), Opening 11/8 ($50). For tickets, call (212) 352-3101 or (866) 811-4111.Tickets can be purchased online 24 hours a day: http://www.theatermania.com  For group sales, call (212) 244-0447. For details about NAATCO, visit www.naatco.org

Mary Help of Christians Group thanksgiving, healing mass

NOV. 5—Mary Help of Christians Prayer Group will mark its first anniversary with a Thanksgiving celebration and healing mass from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mary Help of Christians Church, 4410 East 12th Street, corner Avenue A, in Manhattan (212-254-0058). With Rev. Fr. John Connor, Cssr, of the Preaching & Healing Ministry, St. Alphonsus Retreat House. For particulars, call the Rectory or Jesse Chan (212) 810-0682, Susan Gasis (646) 227-8582 or Ofelia Perez (516) 735-7033.

Jam with Hotdog band at The Gallery in JC

NOV. 6—“Ang Hotdog...Masarap pa rin!” featuring the legendary Hotdog band, will take center stage at The Gallery (formerly Rascals Comedy Club) at 360 Marin Blvd., downtown Jersey City, N.J. starting at 2 p.m. Presented by Group Ole International. Tickets are $25 (in advance) and $30 (at the doors). Dance, sing and reminisce as Hotdog performs its big hits like Manila, Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, Annie Batungbakal ang Bongga Ka Day. Contact numbers are (212) 418-4438, (908) 229-0155, (917) 335-8436, (914) 793-5351, (973) 344-5692, (718) 779-2991, (201) 281-2047, (201) 641-2726 or (800) 339-5155.

Prof. Jose David Lapuz to speak on Dr. Jose Rizal

Nov. 6—The Order of the Knights of Rizal, New York Chapter, is inviting the public to hear its Supreme Chancellor, Sir Jose David Lapuz, KGOR, a university professor and a commissioner to UNESCO, who will speak on “Dr. Rizal and the Emergence of his Whole Idealism for the Filipino Nation,” at 2 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Center, located at 164-41 84th Avenue, Jamaica Hills, N.Y. Contact persons are Dr. Prospero Lim, KCR, at (347) 248-5106 or Tom Rodriguez, KGOR, at (718) 657-4116.

DOLE to host 1st int’l Labor Mart in Manila

NOV. 8-11— The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is calling on all foreign employers and licensed placement and manning agencies to participate in the 1st International Labor Mart (ILM) to be held in Manila, to generate more local and overseas jobs for Filipinos. Interested parties may contact the DOLE Secretariat at (632) 726-8965 or (632) 722-1162, or at e-mail marketing@poea.gov.ph  Registration forms are also available at the Philippine Consulate in New York at 556 Fifth Ave (bet. 45th and 46th Sts), NY, N.Y. 11365. Participation in the DOLE recognition night of international employers will be by invitation only.

Thursday night series of bible study with Fr. Bill

NOV. 10—A bible study with Fr. Bill Halbing is being held every Thursday at Mary Help of Christians Church, 440 East 12th St. cor Ave. A, in Manhattan. The weekly Thursday night series (focusing on The Genesis) starts at 7:30 p.m. Fr. Bill Halbing, pastor of St. Antoninus Catholic Church, Newark, N.J., is known for his exciting presentations on Holy Scripture and dynamic talks on Catholic Teaching and Apologetics. Tapes of Fr. Halbing will be available. Bring note and pen. The series already began last oct. 27. For more information, call Esmyrma and Garth at (212) 388-1757 or the Rectory at (212) 254-0058.

FEU nursing alumni to hold dinner-dance fund-raiser in N.J.

NOV. 11—The Far Eastern University Nursing Alumni Foundation (FEUNAF), East Coast Chapter, will hold a fund-raising dinner-dance at Step by Step Dancesport Inc, 24 New Bridge Road, Bergenfield, N.J., from 7 p.m. to midnight. Proceeds will benefit scholarship program. Attire: casual. For details, log on to FEUNursing.com or call Nelson Co (201) 767-6460 or Irynne Sixon (718) 698-9541.

PHILCOM Center-NJ’s 7th awards night, foundation ball

NOV. 11—The Philippine Community Center Foundation of NJ, Inc. will hold its annual testimonial for college honor graduates of Filipino descent from New Jersey during its foundation ball from 7 p.m. to midnight at Marriott Hotel, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. For particulars, call Baby Manuel (908) 668-0552, Al/Nancy Cadenilla (201) 954-0765, (201) 333-9130, Nita Malazo (973) 674-9277, Celi De Leon (973) 239-3979, Remy/Francine Savellano (201) 333-4966 or Evelyn/Francis (201) 388-6364.

Fil-Am engineers to hold seminar workshop, election

NOV. 12—The Filipino American Association of Engineers, Inc. will hold its 11th annual seminar workshop for all engineering disciplines and election of new set of officers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Philippine Center, 556 5th Ave. (near 46th St.) in Manhattan.  Prospective members are welcome. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast at 8-9 a.m. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Donation is $10 per person. Contact persons are Nestor Hermosura (203) 357-0900, Mario Garcia (732) 833-6484, Joann Carman (718) 318-0697, Realinda Unay (973) 919-3247, Val Banzon (718) 803-2013, Pete Bonus (718) 843-1156, Ed Macaraeg (201) 343-7321, Freddie Taruc (732) 905-4084 or Antonio Pungot (212) 244-2410.

Trip to Atlantic City by St. Michael’s Marian group

NOV. 12—The Marian Community of St. Michael’s Parish will hold an Atlantic City fund-raising trip to Trump Taj Mahal. Bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. sharp at St. Michael’s Church parking lot on Kelly Street/High Street, Union, N.J. Bus fare: $30. Coin return: $15. Limited seating. Contact persons are Paul or Christine Verzosa at (908) 688-7667, Louie or Ann Francisco (908) 209-0498 or (908) 688-0180, Gani or Baby Puertollano (908) 230-6864, Angie or Bong Zoleta (908) 687-4936, Paz Chua (908) 656-5675, Tom or Lida Zabala (908) 265-7957, Arnel or Marissa Guttierez (908) 686-9192, or Boyet or Cita Cruz (908) 688-4396.

GSFAA 36th anniv. ball, induction, coronation

NOV. 12—The Garden State Filipino American Association, Inc. will hold its 36th anniversary dinner-dance to be highlighted by the coronation of Miss Garden State 2005 and induction of the new set of officers at the grand ballroom of Sheraton Newark Airport Hotel, 128 Frontage Road, Newark, New Jersey, starting at 7:30 p.m. Live/DJ Music by El Dano. Formal attire, $60/per person in advance and $65 at the door. Contact persons are Jun & Millie Hornilla (201) 432-7876, Rolly & Rose Javier (201) 433-2464, Francis & Evelyn Sison (201) 332-7696; Rod de la Paz (732) 671-7282;Cely Miralles (201) 451-8120; Ador & Lily Equipado (201) 333-4739; Tony & Mely Garcia (201) 378-0448; Gerry Austria (201) 433-4524, Arthur Acosta (973) 731-5537; Ani & Nitz Camarce (201) 433-3005;Fely Lintao (201) 333-4988; Ness & Vicky Quijano (732) 297-3245; Jake & Eden Marquez (201) 985-3768; Armand Francisco (201) 434-9950; and Ronnie Atinaja/Tudie Basilio (973) 633-5199.

Singing MDs to hold free concert for war veterans

NOV. 13—The UERMMCPMAA will hold a free concert to salute the veterans, featuring the singing MDs, at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ St. Albans Campus, Pratt Auditorium, 179th Street and Linden Boulevard Saint Albans, NY 11425.

‘Somebody’s Praying Me Through’ musical concert

NOV. 13—A glorious and inspirational musical concert about the “Power of Prayer” will be presented by Bukas Loob Sa Diyos (BLD), featuring live performances by the BLD choir, solo and dance acts, at Felician College Auditorium in Lodi, New Jersey, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donation is $15. Please call (732) 851-5851 or (908) 208-1705 for tickets and information.

Ballet Flamenco performs at Queensborough Community College

NOV. 13—The Queensborough Performing Arts Center will feature Ballet Flamenco with Jose Porcel leading the dance troupe in a performance that will overwhelm the audience with sensations of happiness and sensuality, at 3 p.m. at 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside, N.Y. The explosion of rhythms, colors and emotions shows the passion of the Spanish people. Tickets ($42, $39, $35) are available at (718) 631-6311 or www.theatermania.com

‘The Ark’ musical opens at 37 Arts Theater NYC

NOV. 14—”The Ark,” a musical by Erik Orton and Karen Walter Goodwin, with music by Michael McLean and book and lyrics by McLean and Kevin Kelly, will have its official opening night at 37 Arts Theater (Theater B) at 450 W. 37th Street in Manhattan. Performances started on Oct. 14. The Ark is a new musical that takes a fresh, contemporary look at the classic story of Noah by showing us the backstory of his family. Living inside the now infamous floating community to escape a drowning world, we see that when facing the challenges of life, we’re all in the same boat. It features Filipino-American actress Marie-France Arcilla. Tickets are $66.25. Showtime Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 7p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Call Ticketmaster (212) 307-4100 or visit www.ticketmaster.com  For group sales: 1-800-BROADWAY and www. Broadway.com. For more information, please visit: www.thearkmusical.com

Tanglaw’s 27th anniversary induction ball in Huntington

NOV. 19—Tanglaw-Filipino-American Society of Long Island, Inc. will hold its 27th anniversary dinner-dance and induction ball at the New Huntington Townhouse, 124 E. Jericho Tpke, Huntington, NY. (631-427-8485). Cocktails at 8 p.m. Dinner-dance: 9 pm-1 am. Attire: formal. Full open bar-Viennese dessert extravagnza. Tickets $80 ($90 at the door). Call Dahlia Aman 631-907-2917, Sonia Carasig 631-286-1351, Lettie or Rene Compas 631-868-0427, Dette or Tony Enriquez 631-698-4354, or Bess or Danny Madrazo 631-471-3152.

Pagbilao Neighborhood’s 17th anniv. coronation ball

NOV. 19—The Pagbilao Neighborhood Association will celebrate its 17th anniversary and coronation ball at Wyndham Newark Airport Hotel, 1000 Spring Street, Elizabeth, N.J. For particulars, call Ronald Merene (201) 951-3037, Tita Merene Lugtu (201) 435-0627, Tina Guerra (201) 332-7928, Connie Sevilla (908) 782-8999, Eddie Lustado (973) 228-7080 and Jun Glorioso (703) 768-4572.

NY Manila Lions Club’s Thanksgiving Dance Party

NOV. 19—NY Manila Lions Club will hold its annual Thanksgiving Dance Party at 8 p.m. at the famous Lourdess Restaurant, 58-02 37th Ave., Woodside, N.Y. Tickets at $40 each, cash bar. Attire: semiformal. For more information, Albert Diala (718) 249-6990, Lucy dela Paz (718) 729-4270, Belen Gonzalez (718) 464-0153 or Nancy Cruz (917) 584-5861.

BIBAK Northeast USA’s dinner ball in Secaucus

NOV. 19—The BIBAK Association, Northeast USA will host a dinner-dance, in cooperation with the United Kalinga Apayao Association (UKAA), from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, at Prime Suite Hotel, Mill Creek Drive, Secaucus, N.J. Proceeds will go to BIBAK NE’s ongoing 3rd medical, surgical and dental mission to Kalinga, Philippines. To donate or support, call Erwin Killip at (201) 894-1611, Mario Manzano (973) 893-0549, Val Salvador (973) 884-8858, Delia Duyan-Famarin (908) 687-7087, Annabelle Marchadesch (718) 821-8817 or Esther Aligmayo (973) 715-1694.

ANCOP/GAWAD KALINGA to sponsor “WowGK 2005”

NOV. 19—The ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor) Foundation USA, Inc. Northeast Region, and Gawad Kalinga (GK) will hold a road show exposition and concert called “WowGK 2005” at John Breslin, Jr. Theatre in Felician College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, N.J., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. The concert’s theme is “Bayani na, Beauty pa!” which aims “to celebrate Filipino heroism and excellence in restoring dignity and beauty to the Philippines” through the GK movement.For more information, call Manny Sabenicio, New York ANCOP branch coordinator, at (516) 972-7781, Rollie Balanza (201) 306-2524 or Al or Gertie Go (973) 342-3425.

Filipino therapists in N.Y. to mark 3rd year at Lourdess

NOV. 20—The Philippine Physical Therapy Association-New York, Inc. will celebrate its 3rd anniversary at the popular Lourdess Restaurant, 58-02 37th Avenue, Woodside, Queens, N.Y. Party is from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Attire: semi-formal. Fee: $35 ($30 for non-PT). For details, call Oliver (516) 241-7357, Glenda (516) 220-0572, Marifel (917) 402-9255, Ron (973) 773-0842, Criselda (201) 889-3429 or Rafael (718) 749-6838.

‘A Date with Carmen’ at Tappan Zee High auditorium

NOV. 20—The Franciscans of Our Lady of the Poor (FLP), in cooperation with the Filipino-American Community of Rockland, will present “A Date with Carmen,” featuring the Asia’s Ambassadress of Song, Carmen Pateña, at 2 p.m. at the Tappan Zee High School Auditorium, Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg, N.Y. in Rockland County. Joining Ms. Pateña are singers Ellen San Miguel and Kats Alvir, Boots Babushka, Cienesse Lontoc, Lyza & Jellyn Echon, KTE & Global Rhythm Productions, Charisse Trinidad, Michelle Roque, Belle Surban, with international pianist Rene Dalandan. Dr. Boy Pangan will emcee. All proceeds will go to the disaster victims of the Prelature of Infanta, Quezon, Philippines, and the renovation of St. Joseph Parish Church in Sitio Llavac, Real, Quezon. Tickets are $100 for corporate sponsor, $50 for individual sponsor, $25 for general admission, $15 for senior citizen and kids under 12. Call Sr. Vi at FLP (973) 844-9502, Lina Marbella (845) 536-7128, Heidi Medina (845) 359-5534, Ramon & Macline Labitigan (845) 639-6813, Roland Mendoza (845) 624-3045 or Cynthia Llames (973) 667-0588.

APPNY CME, election, induction at International Buffet

NOV. 20—The Association of Philippine Physicians in New York (AAPNY) will hold a continuing medical education, to be followed by election and induction of officers, starting at 11 a.m. at the International Buffet in Garden City, N.Y. Contact persons are Dr. Frank R. Rabadam, chairman of election and nominating committee, at (631) 475-8212, or Dr. Rey Reyes, president, at (631) 427-4784.

PLMAA, N.A., foundation’s holiday dinner, induction

DEC. 2—The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Alumni Association of North America and its foundation will hold a holiday dinner and induction ball at Crowne Plaza New York/LaGuardia Airport, 104-04 Ditmars Blvd, E. Elmhurst, NY 11369 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets: $60 per person. For details call Rene or Vangie Estrella (516) 327 0824, Jophy Quiocho (631) 521 9968, Caloy or Helen Leonardo (201) 488-6347, TJ or Beng Santos Tirona 718-740 3599, Manny Quintal 212-732-0055, Rudy Reyes (973) 759-5587, or Flor Diaz-Villanueva (201) 328-5728.

Feast of Baclaran in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

DEC. 3—A mass to celebrate the feast of Baclaran in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 111-50 115th Street, South Ozone Park, N.Y. Procession starts at 2 p.m. and novena at 2:30 p.m. Finger food or bottle of soda per family will be greatly appreciated. For details, call Precy or Oscar De La Isla at (718) 296-2367, Mayette Figuracion (718) 296-0326 or Sonia Alvarado (718) 779-2633.

SGV Alumni X’Mas party

DEC. 3—The SGV Alumni Association of Eastern USA will hold its Christmas Party from 7 pm to midnight, at the PACBC Center, 156 Bridle Way, Paramus, NJ, back of Paramus Honda on Rt. 4 West, near the Garden State Mall, Tel. (201) 888-0330 or (201) 845-9674. Friends of SGVAA are also cordially invited. Music with DJ and food are provided by Dance Bergen. Interesting activities are planned to make the evening enjoyable and memorable. Donation is $35 per person. Early reservation is requested. For details and direction, please contact SGVAA Pres.Rene Enriquez at (732) 259-1807 or email rene.enriquez@ey.com , Phil Toriano at (201) 986-0295 or email torianocpas@msn.com, Joseph Tieng at (201) 797-6977 or email jvtieng@juno.com

FAHSI hosts financial, immigration seminars

DEC. 4—The Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI) will hold financial and immigration seminars focusing on managing one’s money, credit, debt, buying a house, and taxes, as well as immigration issues and immigrant rights. Speakers are Charley Gonzales,Oscar Membreno, Reuben Seguritan, and Pinky Vincent. It will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Philippine American Center at 185-14 Hillside Ave., Jamaica, N.Y. 11432. Open to the public. For more information or to register, call Ryan Natividad at (718) 883-1295 or e-mail rnatividad@fahsi.org

FAHSI to hold Light-A-Parol at Queens Museum of Art

DEC. 18—Filipino-American Human Services Inc. (FAHSI) will hold its 3rd annual Light A Parol celebration from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Queens Museum of Art located in Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Queens, N.Y. A parol is a colorful Philippine Christmas lantern, usually in the form of a star that represents the star of Bethlehem, and used as Christmas decor throughout the Philippines. The community is invited to sponsor a parol that will be lit on a Christmas tree at the museum. Refreshments will be provided. Performances by the FAHSI community, silent auction and a Filipiniana marketplace. For particulars, call Ted Martinez at (718) 883-1295 or e-mail fahsi@fahsi.org  or visit www.fahsi.org

San Juan de Dios Hospital RN Class ’61 reunion in HI

MAY 12-13, 2006—The Hospital de San Juan de Dios, College of Nursing, Class 1961 will hold a grand reunion at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Kauai, Hawaii. For complete information, call Perlita Senti-Cruz Mararagan at (808) 337-9588, Mila Salvador Yuson (415) 681-2250, Mercy Rodriguez Nelson (973) 989-0764, Imelda Basconcello Tecson (757) 466-0459 or Aida Arce Fusilero (925) 292-1515.

St. Paul High Class ’81 gear for grand reunion

All graduates of St. Paul College of Manila, High School Class of 1981, are asked to sign up for the membership directory and join preparations for the grand alumnae homecoming and silver jubilee celebration in January 2006. A year-long series of fund raising activities are being planned in the U.S. and the Philippines. For details e-mail Cres Llorca-Logan at spcmhs81@yahoo.ca  orMica Calica-Kerkdijk at gelikerk@yahoo.com  or Loudette Torres-de Leon at EdgarLou@juno.com

Arellano High Class ’56 to mark golden jubilee

Arellano High School Class of 1956 will celebrate its golden jubilee on April 30, 2006. One celebration will be held back home for all Philippine-based alumni, and one in the United States for those who have migrated here. The locations and other data will be announced later. Ray Olmos of Southern California is the U.S. coordinator. He can be reached at (800) 883-7243 ext. 1005 or by email: rpolmos@rcmclean.com  Contact persons in the Philippines are Horacio See at 09174681875 (rexysese@yahoo.com ) and Herman Gamboa at htgamboa@dcdc.com.pha