PHHOSO’s 1st Mrs. Philippines America beauty pageant
MARCH 18—The Philippine Hearts and Hopes Society, Inc., with participation from the Mrs. Pearl Philippines USA, Inc., will hold their 1st Mrs. Philippines America 2006 beauty pageant and dinner dance at the Astoria World Manor, 25-22 Astoria Blvd., Astoria, NY, at 7 p.m. Attire is formal or Filipiniana, Open bar. Admission is $65.00 or $70.00 at the door. To RSVP please call Medadie Sy 516-285-8280.

MEGAWORLD investment clinics
MARCH 18-26—MEGAWORLD International Investment Clinics, sponsored by inNova Terra Ventures, Inc., for FilAms interested in affordable Philippine properties. Mar 18: 6237 Spring Knoll Dr., Harrisburg, PA, 12:30 to 4:30pm; Mar 19: Subic BBQ Restaurant at Route 440, 48 Kellog St, Jersey City, 1:00 to 5:00pm; Mar 20: Perlas ng Silangan Restaurant, 69-09 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, NY, 6:30 to 8:30pm; Mar 21: 21 Eagle Rd, Marlboro, NJ, 6:30 to 8:30pm; Mar 22: Kabalen Restaurant, 197 Mallory Ave.,Jersey City, 6:30 to 8:30pm; Mar 23: 8 Morgan Drive, Sparta, NJ, 6:30 to 8:30pm; Mar 24: Kalayaan Annex, Phil Consulate, Fifth Ave, 6:30 to 8:30pm; Mar 25: Manila Deli & Cuisine, 191 North Washington Ave, Bergenfield, NJ - 2:30 to 5:30pm; Mar 26: Barons Steak House, 168 White Horse Pike, Clementon, NJ - 11:00am to 4:00pm. For details and RSVP, call Lily Ledesma at 845-238-2595 or 917-622-2536 ; Lorna Schneider at 646-765-5957. www.megaworldinternational.com

Feast of St. Joseph
MARCH 19—Join us as we honor the foster father of Jesus at the Shrine of Mother Cabrini at Fort Washington Ave. New York, NY at 1pm. There will be Holy Rosary, novena to St. Joseph, Holy Mass, exposition of Blessed Sacrament, chaplet of Divine Mercy, benediction, distribution of blessed bread, fellowship and refreshments. For info call (973) 473-7366 or (201) 776-8288.

FAHSI Women’s Program Gathering
MARCH 19—The Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI), in celebration of Women’s History Month, will be sponsoring a Women’s Program Gathering from 11am to 4pm. The Women’s Gathering is open to all Filipina women. For more information, contact Alex Angel (Administrative Intern), at intern@fahsi.org or Vilma Nafarrete-Braga (Program Director), at vbraga@fahsi.org  or call (718) 883-1295 to learn more about the Women’s Program. You can also visit FAHSI on the web at www.fahsi.org

LIAF ‘Coping and Caring’ confab
MARCH 25—The Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation (LIAF) will host its 18th annual “Coping and Caring” conference and expo from 8am to 3:30pm at the Long Island Marriott Hotel, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale. The conference will be addressing topics such as: The physical and emotional benefits of leisure activities, how laughter can make a difference; and legal issues dealing with medicare, among other helpful presentations and workshops. The conference is aimed at families and professional caregivers for those with Alzheimerís disease and related dementias. Admission is $40 in advance or $45 at the door, and includes continental breakfast, lunch and program materials. For more info or to register, call LIAF toll free at 866-789-5423. The keynote speaker for the conferences will be Joe Verghese, MD, MS, Associated Professor of Neurology and the Feil Faculty Scholar at the The Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Circle of Excellence seminar at the Philippine Center
MARCH 25—The leaders of the Filipino-American communities in the tri-state area will conduct a seminar from 9 am to 5 pm at the Philippine Center, 556 5th Ave., NYC. There will be a comprehensive and complete mini course on English, written and oral, pronunciation and a special segment of professional development. Prof. Ramon Bagasan, Esq. will conduct the forum. For info call Marylou 718-675-8425 or Zeny 212-575-4774.

Asian Pacific American Community Media Luncheon
MARCH 25-The Asian American Journalists Association, Chicago Chapter, invites members of the various Asian American community papers and televisioN shows to a luncheon from noon to 2 p.m at the Jose Rizal-Filipino American Community Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL. In the past decade, the numbers of Asian American community papers and TV news programs in Chicago have grown tremendously. Join for lunch and a lively discussion. No charge but please RSVP to AAJA President Lorene Yue at: chiaaja@yahoo.com

FAHSI Career Day 2006
MARCH 26—The Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI), will be sponsoring its annual Career Day from 4pm to 7pm. Students will be able to meet young professionals in various fields, such as medicine, business, entertainment and education. Free workshops on resume writing and interviewing skills will also be offered. Career Day is open and free for all high school students. Refreshments and give-aways will be provided. For more information, contact Alex Angel (Administrative Intern), at intern@fahsi.org  or Rose-Ann K. Ubarra (Youth Program Coordinator), at roseubarra@fahsi.org or call (718) 883-1295 to learn more about the LYFE (Leading Youth to Find Empowerment) Program. You can also visit FAHSI on the web at www.fahsi.org

Financial strategies for today's woman
MARCH 28—Learn How To Take Control Of Your Money And Your Future. Prepare yourself for a better financial future. Attend a free educational seminar that addresses the special needs and concerns of women and money. Tuesday, March 28th from 7:00 PM ñ 8:00 PM. Primerica Financial Services, Juniper Plaza, 3499 Route 9 North, Suite 2-A, Freehold, NJ 07728. To reserve a seat or, if unable to attend, to request a personal appointment, call (732) 845-0006, Monday-Friday (9AM-5PM), or 888-827-6257.

‘Ampalaya’ book launching at Philippine Center
MARCH 29—FullLife Natural Options, Inc., in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General New York and Philippine Trade Investment Center of New York, will hold a press event and book launching of “Ampalaya: Nature’s Remedy for Type I and II Diabetes,” from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the lobby of the Philippine Center, 556 5th Ave., NYC. There will be refreshments and tea tasting. Please RSVP by March 20 to (212) 254-2066, or email: pcoralde@charanteausa.com

Fil-Am engineers 11th anniv. dinner-dance, induction ball
APRIL 1—The Filipino-American Association of Engineers, Inc. will hold its 11th anniversary dinner-dance and induction ball at the grand ballroom of Astoria World Manor at 25-22 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, N.Y., from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Attire: strictly formal. Donation is $65. Music by The New Dynamic Band. $75 at the door. Buffet and cocktail hour: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Open bar entire evening. Free parking. For reservation, call Mario Garcia (732) 833-6484, Joann Carman (718) 318-0697, Ferdi Taruc (917) 365-7000, Nestor Hermosura (203) 357-0900, Realinda Unay (973) 919-3247, Rudy Quiambao (718) 898-7500, Pete Bonus (718) 843-1156, Jimmy Marcos (516) 248-0750, Ed Macaraeg (201) 343-7321, Antonio Pungot (201) 983-1296, Rudy Jimena (516) 805-4777.

Cultural folklore and music
APRIL 8—The parish community of St. Joseph Church in Jersey will present an afternoon of cultural folklore and music from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Loews Theater, 54 Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ. Donation is $10 for general admission, $5 senior citizens and children 13 and under.There will be a dinner dance after the cultural show at the Fiesta Grill restaurant, West Side Avenue corner Montgomery St., beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person which includes the show For info call (201) 653-0392 or (201)963-8210.

Philippine Day Organizing Council (PDOC) Grand Marshal Night
APRIL 8—The Philippine Day Organizing Council (PDOC) cordially invites you to its Grand Marshal’s night honoring Monina Tan Latuja, 2006 Grand Marshal at 6:30 p.m. at The Doubletree Hotel, Newark Airport, 1000 Spring St., Elizabeth, NJ 07201. Tel # (908) 436-4631. For more info, please call: Monina Latuja (732) 583-8293; Sionette Laceste (973) 523-7125; Anita Cristobal (973) 471-3622; Linda Arellano (973) 662-1265 or Carlos Sinung 973-779-1519.

‘Battlegrounds of the Braves’ in Cherry Hill
APRIL 9—Join us in remembering Bataan and Corregidor “Battlegounds of the Braves” from 11am-5pm at the American Legion Post 372, Marlboro and Martin Ave., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. A Catholic mass will be held at 11:15am in memory of our deceased veterans and their wives. We invite your family and friends for social gathering and complimentary food. Sponsored by: American Legion Gen Alejo Santos Post #717 and the Ladies Auxiliary South Jersey Volunteers for Veterans. For details, please contact Emmanuel Goce 856-435-8632, Lambert Santos 215-923-7723 or 856-795-5576, Jimmy Soriano 215-467-7984 or Jaime Peralta 856-428-2450.

Bukas Palad Choir to launch album at St. Malachy's NYC
APRIL 12—Bukas Palad, the flagship choir of the Jesuit Music Ministry in the Philippines, is coming to St. Malachy’s Church, The Actors’ Chapel, on April 12 to launch its seventh album, “God of Silence,” in New York City. As part of the Holy Week Presentation of St. Malachy’s, Bukas Palad will present new inspirational and liturgical songs from “God of Silence,” some of which were composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, known for composing famous inspirational songs like “Hindi Kita Malilimutan,” “Tanging Yaman,” and “Sa Yo Lamang,” to name a few. (To hear sound bytes of “God of Silence,” visit www.bukaspalad.com ) The show will also feature the Cathedral of St. Patrick Young Singers, the official children’s choir of St. Patrick Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. For advanced ticket sales or to get involved in a committee, email joy@actorschapel.org  or call (212) 489-1340 x 101. Tickets are $20 ($15 with student ID). Group discounts available for 10 or more.

Deadline for Mrs. Phil-USATM ’07 application/nomination set
APRIL 15—Deadline for submission of application/nomination for Mrs. Philippines-USATM 2007, sponsored by the Filipino Social Club of New York, Inc. Candidates must be a Filipina descent, married, divorcee r widowed in good standing. Candidates will be presented during the Mother’s Day ball at Riccardo’s Tiffany Room. Winner will receive a round trip ticket to the Philippines, crown, trophy, sash and bouquet of roses with formal coronation rites at the grand ballroom of Astoria World Manor. She will serve as the ambassadress of goodwill and will distribute the club’s charity to needy Filipinos. Contact persons are Joann Carman (718) 318-0697, Lea Segard (718) 318-0697, Tessie Tadle (212) 828-7016, Abel/Tess Baylon (718) 479-1929, Sam/Yolly Robeniol (516) 328-3281, Mimi Lipscomb (914) 963-9786, Pearl Winthal (914) 968-8703, Connie Pornillos (212) 876-7565, Minda Kennedy (718) 418-1092, Serafina Sengco (201) 876-1830, Eli/Alfie Bergancia (516) 385-9898 or e-mail mrsphil95@aol.com

Audition for PIDCI Cultural Show
APRIL 19—Audition for the Cultural Festival will be held at the Philippine Consulate, New York City between 6:30 PM-10:00 PM. Deadline for registration will be on April 15. Preference will be given to those who did not perform last year. The cultural show will be held on June 4, 2006 after the Philippine Independence Day Parade from 2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. on Madison Avenue between 23 and 24 streets. For further  information, please call Dr. Emmauel Pangan { chairman } 631-242-1837; Dr. Bernie Dela Merced { co-chairman } 973-699-1849 or Vivian Velasco 917-623-3827.

Maharlikang Pilipino USA presentation
APRIL 21— Maharlikang Pilipino USA will hold a presentation at Puccini’s Restaurant, corner Broadway & West Side Avenue, Jersey City, N.J. For more info call Alex & Neng Angeles (201) 432-2783 or (201) 234-9539; Dr. Jose Marmol (201) 435-6675; Dr. Tony Mendoza (917) 536-3837; Dr. Eugene Marcos (201) 936-3893; Dr. Leo dela Cruz (201) 936-9411; Flor Alvarez (201) 936-6186; Rose Lontoc (201) 432-1682; Sister Ma Soledad (551) 580-0719; Lydia Anaya; (201) 432-0947; Joel Adriano (718) 639-5108; Erno Hormillosa (212) 727-0800; Engr Danny Pagsambugan (201) 925-0961; Engr. Jim Aquino (201) 569-4640; Engr. Zaldy Bayan (732) 563-0925; Engr. Nick Tabajonda (732) 940-7798; Ron Reganitt (201) 714-9860; Naty Caballero(201)435-6727; Fely Lintao (201) 333-4988; Pilar Rosriquez (201) 339-9244.

The Filipino Apostolate Gala Piano Benefit
APRIL 22—Gala piano benefit recital featuring Raul Sunico at Cathedral High School auditorium, 56th St. and First Ave., NYC at 2pm. Sponsored by the Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of NY for the benefit of the Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz. Tickets: $30- general admission; $50-patron; $100-sponsor. For tickets, call 212-966-1019.

Day of Prayer to mark feast of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge
APRIL 23—Join for a day of prayer at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge Massachusetts in honor of the feast of Divine Mercy. Bus pick up at 7 a.m. at 179 St. cor. Fort Washington Ave. NYC; 7:15 a.m. at St. John's Church Broad Ave. in Leonia NJ; and 7:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 40 Spring St. Lodi, NJ. Donation is $30 to benefit the Seminary of the Adorno Fathers in Ramsey, NJ and in the Philippines. Make checks payable to "The Adorno Fathers" and send to Gloria Ramos at 359 Union St. Lodi, NJ 07644. For further info., call Ramon and Gloria (973) 473-7366, The Adorno Fathers (201) 327-7375, Gerry & Naning (718) 931-4254, or St. John's Prayer Group (201)568-2967.

APMAA spring fashion show
APRIL 23—The Auxiliary to the Philippine Medical Association in America presents their spring fashion show and dance, from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, at the Sheraton LaGuardia East hotel in Flushing, NY. Music by Dj Express Ernie Bugarin, choreography by Erno Hormillosa, photography by John Militar. Donation is $55.00 ($60.00 at the door). Children under 12: $30.00. Please make checks payable to APMAA by April 10, 2006 and mail to: Cleoty de Dios, 210 W. 16th St., Deer Park, NY 11729. Proceeds will go to the government hospital Jose Reyes Medical Center n Sta. Cruz, Manila, PMAA Medical Mission 2007, and other organizations aiding the country. For more info call Cleoty de Dios 516-330-5082 or Winda Cadag 516-466-9159.

Filipino American Catholic Action (FACA) Pilgrimage
APRIL 23—The Filipino American Catholic Action invites the public to a pilgrimage to the shrine of the Divine Mercy at Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Bus pick up at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Jersey City and at Journal Square (Sip & Jones) Jersey City at 7:00 AM. Cost $25 per person. For seat reservation, please call Meynard Espeleta (201) 451-1784 or Sonia Balandra (201) 420-9128.

PWUAA Canadian pilgrimage
APRIL 29-MAY1—The Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of the tri-state area will depart for a Canadian pilgrimage to the shrines of Montreal and Quebec City. First pick up will be at 8 a.m. on April 29 in front of the Sheraton La Guardia East hotel, 135-20 39th Ave., in Flushing, NY. Second pick up will be at 9:30 am at the Journal Square station in Jersey City, NJ. The group will head up to the St. Joseph Oratory and Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal and the St. Anne de Beaupre Basilica and Our Lady of the Cape in Quebec City. Along with stops at the Montreal underground shops and Quebec old town. Cost is $280.00 for bus and 2 night stay, double occupancy, at Des Deigneur Hotel. For more info please contact Miner Monserrat 917-862-2715; Leni Capito 718-465-1453; Lydia Gozun 914-779-4685; Precy Mendoza 646-322-8830; or Linda Rupel 212-878-3238 or 201-892-8681.

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo at Our Lady of the Angelus
MAY 7—Friends of Our Lady of the Angelus Parish will hold their dinner-dance ‘Fiesta Cinco de May’ from 2 pm to 8 pm at Our Lady of the Angelus parochial school gym, 63-63 98th St., Rego Park, NY. Donation is $20.00 per person. This is a fundraising event under the ministry of Fr. John Mendoza. Reserved seats only. Ballroom dancing with DJ Ernie Santos. For info/reservations call Bernie Bantolino 718-897-4331; Linda Guanzon 917-705-0313; or Dr. Myrna Littlewort 917-698-7097.

Filipino Heritage Foundation ‘Gabi ng Parangal,’ coronation
MAY 7—The Filipino Heritage Foundation, Inc. will hold its 6th annual Gabi ng Parangal & Coronational Ball 2006 from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the grand ballroom of Sheraton Newark Airport Hotel, 128 Frontage Road, Newark, New Jersey. Donation is $65/person. Cash bar. Attire: Formal/Filipiniana. Music by DJ Mel Panaligan. RSVP by April 16 by calling Wilson/Jocelyn Verzosa (201) 387-6046, Buddy/Cely Deauna (201) 501-8388, Romy/Henrietta Abenoja (201) 569-5331, Lito/Marie Pernia (212) 965-2217, Robert Rivas (201) 387-8123 or Bing Fabricante (201) 501-8388.

San Juan de Dios Hospital RN Class ’61 reunion in HI
MAY 12-13—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.

Mrs. Philippines-USATM ‘07 presentation, Mother’s Day ball
MAY 14—A Mother’s Day ball and presentation of candidates for Mrs. Philippines-USATM 2007 will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Riccardo’s (Tiffany Room), 21-01 24th Avenue, Astoria, N.Y. (718-721-7777). Attire: Hawaiian (best costume will be awarded). Music by Revival Disco. Donation: $55/person ($65 at the door), unlimited wine, beer & soda. Free parking. For reservations, call Joann Carman (718) 318-0697, Tessie Tadle (212) 828-7016, Lea Segaro (718) 429-1567, Abel/Thess Baylon 718-479-1929, Pearl Winthal 914-968-8703, Sam/Yolly Robeniol 516-328-3281, Mimi Lipscomb 914-423-6685 or Connie Pornillos 212-369-8967.

PWUAA global alumni congress and reunion in Davao City
AUGUST 16-20—The Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of the tri-state area will hold a global alumni congress and reunion in Davao City. All Manila, JASM Q.C., PWC Davao and Bayanihan are invited. Featured events are Kadayawan activities, songs and dances, Indak-Indak Kadalanan, floral parade, display of nature;s bounty flowers and plants, etc. For more info call Leni Capito 718-465-1453; Precy Mendoza 646-322-8830; or Linda Rupel 212-878-3238 or 201-892-8681.

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