MAY 3-Event will be held at the Asia Society, 725 Park Ave at 70th Street, NYC at 7 pm. Join writers Cristina Garcia, Jessica Hagedorn and Karen Tei Yamashita in a discussion about the rold of Asia and the Americas in their writing, moderated by Harold Augenbraum, the National Book foundation. Free admission. Reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. To RSVP, call 2121-517-ASIA or visit www.asiasocity.org/events/calendar

Evelyn Mandac-A Voice Master Class Benefit

MAY 5—Ma-Yi Theater Company in association with The Philippine Consulate General and Philippine Center Mgmt Board proudly presents Evelyn Mandac at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, 556 Fifth Ave, NYC at 6:00 p.m. Requested donation: $30 (includes a pre-concert reception with food and drink). Seating is limited, reservations recommended. Please call 212-971-4862 to RSVP. All proceeds benefit Ma-Yi Theater Company.

Samahang Gapan town fiesta

MAY 6—Samahang Gapan of the Eastern Seaboard, USA will celebrate its traditional town fiesta at West Long Branch Community Center, West Long Branch, N.J. (Exit 105 of Garden State Parkway). This year marks its 31st anniversary, according to its president, Hector Magno. Festivities start at 12 noon with a mass to be celebrated by Father Alex to honor its town patron saint, Divina Pastora. A sumptuous potluck dinner follows. A string of high rate entertainment that includes line dancing awaits members and guests. Among them, Ciello’s Rhythm Band, Dennis Escalona, etc. Special guest is Deputy Consul General Millie Sta. Maria-Thomeczek. For info call Hector 908-229-0155 or Louie 718-526-0218.

St. Anne’s Fil-Am Assoc. concert

MAY 6—The St. Anne’s Filipino-American Association presents a Jesuit music ministry concert for the benefit of St. Anne’s School from 12 noon-2 pm at St. Anne’s Church, 3545 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ. Donation is $20. For info call Merle Cansino (H) 201-217-1349 or (201) 328-4519 (cell).

San Lorenzo Ruiz Orchids Gala Ball

MAY 6—The Philippine Pastoral Center invites you to the San Lorenzo Ruiz Orchids Gala Ball to be held at Royal Regency Hotel, 175 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY 10710 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Attire: Formal. Donation: $65pp/$120 couple. Donation is tax deductible. Proceeds from this event will support the Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz, including the renovation of the Sanctuary of the Chapel. RSVP by April 24th, 212-966-1019 or 914-592-8607.

“Fiesta Asia” parade, festival street fair in Washington, D.C.

MAY 6—Come and savor the flavors of Asia in the nation's capital with "Fiesta Asia" parade, street

fair and cultural festival, in celebration of the Asia-Pacific Heritage Month. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (parade at 1 p.m.) on Pennsylvania Avenue NW (between 3rd and 6th Street) in

Washington, D.C. Feast on exotic Asian cuisine and rediscover the beauty of Asian culture, art, music, dances and martial arts. No tickets, ample parking space available. Visit www.asianheritage.org  for details.

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 Rd, Newark, NJ. 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.

2006 Dogswalk Against Cancer at Bear Mountain

MAY 7—When was the last time you and your dog saved a life? Join the American Cancer Society and thousands of fellow dog owners and animal lovers for this truly amazing event. This fun-filled day includes contests, entertainment, food, sponsor giveaways, and a free copy of the 2006 Dogswalk Journal! Make a difference in the fight cancer and register today! Bear Mountain State Park (rain or shine). $25 Pre-registration per dog. $35 Day-of registration per dog. 8 a.m. registration begins. 9 a.m. walk starts. 10 a.m. contest and activities. Online registration closes at 3 p.m. on May 5, 2006. Participants who pre-register by May 5, 2006 will receive a special gift and all registered dogs will receive a goody bag on the day of the event. For more information about the American Cancer Society's 2006 Dogswalk Against Cancer call 845-368-1252 or email: ea.dogswalk.rockland@cancer.org

6th Annual Filipino Heritage “Gabi Ng Parangal & Coronation Ball”

MAY 7—The Filipino Heritage Foundation, Inc. will hold its 6th Annual “Gabi Ng Parangal & Coronation Ball” on Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sheraton Newark Hotel Grand Ballroom, 128 Frontage Road, Newark, N.J. This will feature the awarding of Outstanding Filipino-Americans in their various fields of achievement, as well as the coronation of the Miss & Mrs. Filipino Heritage Beauties 2006. Attire is formal or Filipiniana. Donation is $65 or $70 at the door. Music by DJ Mel Panaligan. Free parking. For information or reservation, call Wilson/Jocelyn Verzosa (201) 387-6046/(201)647-6195, Buddy/Cely Deauna (201) 501-8388/(201) 647-3078, Romy/Henrietta Abenoja (201) 913-1624 or Lito Pernia (212) 965-2217.

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo Dinner Dance

MAY 7-Our Lady of the Angelus Parish Church, 63-63 98th St, Rego Park, NY 11374 (back of Marshalls and Sears, Queens Blvd) will hold a dinner dance at the school gymnasium from 2pm to 8pm. This is a fundraising event by the Friends of OLA for the parish under the ministry of Fr. John Mendonca. Donations is $20 and costume is Spanish fiesta motif. For more info, pls. call Friends of OLA: Bernie 718-897-4331; Myrna 917-698-7097 or Linda 917-705-0313. Come one, come all and join the fund with pinatas (pabitin), raffes, and lots of dancing with DJ Ernie Santos.

Manila mayor to address Filipinos at Kalayaan Hall

MAY 10—Manila Mayor Lito Atienza will address the Filipino-American community regarding Manila and Philippine tourism at 6:30 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue. For more information, call Betty Garcia at (973) 641-6181.

Spotlighting the Sunspots on PBS

MAY 10—10:30 p.m. on Thirteen, follows the veteran music and comedy lounge act, The Sun Spots, from their beginnings as teens in the Philippines in the 1960s to their most recent gig as the house band at Las Vegas' Plaza Hotel. An Untold Triumph, airing Monday, May 29 at 10 p.m., is a tribute to the 7,000 men of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments of the U.S. Army who fought in World War II. Pictured: regiment members get together in Catbalogan, Samar, in the Philippines shortly after the atom bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, August 1945.

San Juan de Dios Hospital RN Class ’61 reunion

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.

“Fusion: A Musical Feast-East Meets West”

MAY 13—The Philippine Chamber Rondalla of NJ, Inc. will present an afternoon of heartwarming and sizzling Filipino and South American music  at Zion Lutheran Church, 559 Raritan Road,Clark,NJ 07066 (Exit 135 GSP) at 3:00PM. Admission: $10.00 ($15.00 at the door); children aged five and below, $5.00. Hear the mixed sounds of our traditional rondalla instruments and their Western classical counterparts violin,viola,violoncello,and bass performed by talented teens,the Sampaguita String Quartet, in rousing songs,along with an accomplished soprano. Cynthia Wuco. Call 908-359-3297; 973-716-6886; 732-548-9663; 609-518-1546 for details.

FAHSI cultural fashion show

MAY 13—The Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI), will be producing a Philippine cultural fashion show in celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Entitled “2006 Estilo Filipiniana; Fashion Through Our Eyes,” will feature Philippine cultural costumes and Fil-Am apparel that are designed by the FASHI community. It is from 2-4 pm at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadow Park. Please RSVP by May 2 with a suggested donation of $25. For more info call Ted Martinez 718-883-1295 or visit: www.fahsi.org 

SGV 60th Anniversary and GILAS Fund Raising

MAY 13—The SGV Alumni Association of Eastern U.S.A (SGVAA), joined by the Association of Filipino-American Accountants (AFAA) of New York and New Jersey, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co., CPAs (SGV), with a dinner-dance at the Holiday Inn, 50 Kenney Place (corner Midland Ave.), Saddle Brook, NJ from 7-11 pm). Mr. Washington SyCip, an SGV Co-Founder and well respected business leader, will be the guest of honor and guest speaker of this event.This event is also a fund raiser for Project GILAS (short for Gearing Up Internet Literacy and Access for Students) of the Ayala Foundation. www.ayalafoundation.org . Donation is $75 per person, inclusive of the contribution to Project GILAS. Please make check payable to SGV Alumni Association and mail it to: SGV Alumni Association, c/o Toriano & Company, 912 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ 07661. For reservation and other details, please contact Rene Enriquez (732) 259-1807, Joseph Tieng (201) 797-6977, Email jvtieng@juno.com, Bert Aguilera (201) 934-2485, cell (201) 456-4790, email homemart@tmail.com  or Philip Toriano (201) 986-0295.

Mother’s Day Festival sponsored by the Teodora Group

MAY 13-Teodora, Couples for Christ’s (CFC) social ministry for the empowerment of women, will hold a Mother’s Day Festival at the Bishop Rodimer Community Center in Paterson, NJ from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The day-long activity will feature food fair, dance, music and talks by a Muslim mother on women, marriage and family life, a representative from the National Organization of Single Mothers, Inc. who will speak on how single moms could meet the challenges of daily life, and a CFC mother who will talk about the organization’s service to the poor as well as about its ministries. A mass at 5:00 P.M. will close the day’s activities. The Bishop Rodimer Center is at 387 Grand St., Paterson, NJ 07505. (973) 345-4070. The festival is open to the public.

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.

Mother’s Day Dinner Dance

MAY 14-Special Motherís Day Dinner Dance to be held at St. Demetrius in Cateret, NJ from 4 pm-10pm. $40. For reservations, please call Eleanor or Ray Atienza at 732-340-1788;908-463-0449. Part of the proceeds will go to GK.

Feast of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage- Birhen ng Antipolo

May 20—The 2nd Diocesan-wide celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Birhen ng Antipolo will take place at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 56-15 213 St. Bayside, NY 11364. Rosary, street procession and Mass will start at 4:30 pm. For more info, pls. call: Bert 718-229-0817; Blanche 718-224-9205; Ching 718-225-4219; Ceres 718-224-9205.

APPNY’s 12th presidential inaugural ball

MAY 20—The Association of Philippine Physicians in New York, Inc. cordially invites you to its 12th presidential inaugural ball honoring Edgar F. Lerias, M.D. at the Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Boulevard in Astoria, N.Y.; 718-278-7766) on Saturday, May 20, 2006. Reception: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner-dance: 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. RSVP by April 15, 2006. Music by: Berny and the Golden Band. Black tie; $75 per person; open bar. Contact persons: Dr. Edgar Lerias (631) 697-2830 - president; or Dr. Emmanuel Pangan (631) 242-1837 or Dr. Hedy Esguerra (516) 481-5511 - ball chairs.

PAFCOM’s 16th Friendship Night

MAY 20—PAFCOM’s ball will be held at Crowne Plaza Meadowlamds, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, NJ 07094 from 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Attire: formal or Barong. Donation: $65 pp. RSVP by May 1, 2006. For more info, please call PAFCOM office: 201-332-4711; Cely Miralles 201-926-5766; Seny Lipat 201-344-5071; Arthur Acosta 201-532-8169; Linda Rupel 201-892-8681; Lita Pena 201-725-5526; Gerry Austria 201-9363-6813.

AFTA Recognition Day And Induction

MAY 20—The Association of Filipino Teachers of America invites you to the Tenth Recognition Ceremony and Induction of Officers to be held at Skyline Hote1, 725 10th Ave and 49th St, NYC from 6:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. For details, call 212-764-1330 ext. 310.

6th Annual Filipino Heritage Fair

MAY 21—We would like to invite everyone to the 2006 Filipino Heritage Fair to be held on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park, New Bridge Road, Bergenfield, N.J. There will be a mass at 9 a.m. followed by Santacruzan Festival. The Fair will showcase Philippine culture and heritage through indigenous music, dances, exhibits and a cultural talent show. It will also feature food fair, health fair, voter registration, children’s fair, and education drive, as well as business exhibits. Free admission and parking. For information and participation, contact the following: cultural show - Joey/Connie Arcilla (201) 446-2056; booths & exhibits - Alan Ordonez (201) 887-1156; Santacruzan Festival - Lydia Barrientos (201) 281-9384; health fair - Joe Lozada (201) 384-0287; or overall chairman - Wilson Verzosa 201-387-6046/201-647-6195.

PAFCOM’s Flag Raising Ceremony

JUNE 10—PAFCOM’s Flag Raising Ceremony will be held at Jersey City Hall at 280 Grove St, Jersey City from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Filipiana attire. For more info, please call Cely Miralles 201-926-5766; Linda Rupel 201-892-8681; Lita Pena 201-725-5526; Hector Magno 201-229-0155; Paul Versoza 908-764-9011; PAFCOM office: 201-432-6092.

Worship concert

JUNE 17—An interactive concert celebrating contemporary songs of praise and worship. The Cathedral Hall at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church 502 West 41st Street, NYC (corner of 10th Avenue) at 7 pm. $25.00. Special Guest Mark Nimo, praise and worship leader from Ghana, Africa and featuring the choirs of Our Lady of Peace Church Prayer Community, Mary Help of Christians Charismatic Prayer Group of New York and the Encountered Couples Prayer Group of New York. Concert proceeds to benefit Our Lady of Peace Church. For tickets and information please call Our Lady of Peace Rectory (212) 838-3189; www.ourladyofpeacenyc.org

Pilgrimage to St. Joseph Oratory & St. Anne de Beaupre

JUNE 21-23—Our Lady of the Angelus invites devotees to a pilgrimage trip to St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal and St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec. Cost: $200 which covers bus fare and two nights hotel accommodation. Meals are not included. Starting point at Our Lady of the Angelus on Friday and 8 a.m. and returning on Sunday 8 p.m. A valid and unexpired passport is needed. For more info, please call Bernie 718-897-4332; Linda 917-705-0313; Myrna 917-698-7097; Bellie/Susan 718-459-8038.

Fil-Am Social Club of the Hamptons 1st annual picnic

JUNE 24—The Philippine American Social Club of the Hamptons will hold its first annual picnic at the Aman residence, 1 High Ridge Rd., East Hampton, NY, from 2 pm until dark. There will be music, karaoke, food and refreshments. Feel free to bring your favorite dish. Among the activities will be swimming and tennis. For more info call Dahlia Aman 631-707-5784 or 631-907-2917.

PAFCOM’s Grand Parade and Festival

JUNE 25—PAFCOM will hold its 16th annual grand parade and festival to commemorate its Philippine American Friendship day. The parade will start from the Jersey City Armory at the corner of Montgomery St and Jordan St. The festival will take place at Exchange Place. The event will start with our 8:00 a,m. mass at St. Aedanís Church, 9:30 am assembly, parade at 11 a.m. Festival from 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. For more info call Cely Miralles 201-926-5766; Lita Pena 201-725-5526; Hector Magno 201-229-0155; Paul Versoza 908-764-9011; Eduardo Pena 973-669-1211; Robert de Tagle 551-655-1222; Doris de Leon/PAFCOM office: 201-432-6094.

USTPMYBBAA Fourth Annual Grand Reunion

JUNE 30-JULY 1—The fourth annual grand reunion of the University of Santo Tomas Pharmacy, Medical, Technology, Biochemistry and Botany Alumni Association will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. All alumni with degrees in Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Biochemisty and Botany are welcome to attend. The reunion will be held a the Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham Conference Centre. For further info contact Jose Gallardo, PO Box 45, Iowa City, IA 52244-0045 or email: jpbgallardo@yahoo.com

2nd Ambassador’/Consul General tour of the Philippines

JULY 13-22—The Philippines Embassies, Consul Generals, Tourism Offices, and Trade Offices of the U.S. and Canda will be touring the Philippines led by the highest-ranking officials in North America. Limited space, first come first served. For more info call 212-764-1330 or 212-575-7915 or visit www.pcgny.net , or www.philippinetourism.us

Our Lady of the Angelus Canadian pilgrimage

JULY 21-23-OLA invites devotees to a pilgrimage trip to St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal and St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec. $200 covers bus fare and two nights accommodations. Meals are not included. Starting point us Our Lady of the Angelus Parish Church, 63-63 98th St, Rego Park, NY 11374 leaving on Friday, 8 AM and coming back to Rego Park on Sunday 8PM. A valid and unexpired passport is necessary for travel. To reserve your seat is to pay for the trip. For more information, please contact: Bernie 718-897-4331; Myrna 917-698-7097; Linda 917-705-0313; Bellie/Susan 718-459-8038.

Divine Mercy Healing Ministry “Life in the Spirit at the Sea”

Aug. 7-12—Presented by Fr. Tom Ganley and Fr. Bill Halbing and the LSS team abroad the Carnival Victory. We sail Monday, August 7 from NYC for five nights to Canada. For further info contact: Geri Galle 732-878-2444 (ggalle458@aol.com ) and Fr. Tom Ganley 732-545-6549 (dmhealing@aol.com ).

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.