JUNE 4—The 108th commemoration of the declaration of Philippine Independence will be highlighted by a street fair, cultural festival and parade led by Grand Marshal Dan de Guzman. The event opens with an 8:30 a.m. flag-raising rites at the Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Avenue, between 45th and 46th streets in Manhattan, followed by a thanksgiving mass. Street Fair opens at 10 a.m. on Madison Avenue from 24th to 26th sts. with Filipino food galore, corporate and merchants’ booths. The parade opens with brief ceremonies on Madison Avenue on 41st St. and at 12 noon starts to head downtown until the marchers pass the reviewing stand between 28th and 29th sts. before turning off onto 27th Street for dispersal. The cultural festival opens at 2:30 p.m. on an open-air stage set up in the middle of the Avenue just north of 23rd Street. For particulars, call Gani Puertollano 908-230-6468 or 908-964-5473, Dr. Boy Pangan 631-242-1837, Sevilla Belen Castillo 973-393-8018, Sofie Abad 718-849-4581, Raul Estrellado 201-262-3644, Lolita Compas 212-777-6423 or 212-995-6134, Arnie Rosario 203-877-7260, Wilson Verzosa 201-387-6046, Francis Sison 201-388-6364, Lolita Gillberg 212-255-9980 (Ext. 213), Paul Verzosa 908-764-9011, Rev. Gaudy Soriano 201-328-7987, Dan de Guzman 973-768-5677 or Juliet Payabyab 718-278-6747.

Fashion Show of Native Fabrics

JUNE 7—Opening reception of Habi Filipina, a fashion show and exhibit of indigenous Philippine fabrics as designed by Filipino couturiers in celebration of the 108th aniversary of Philippine Independence, presented by the Consulate General of the Philippines.. The fashion show at 7:30 p.m. will be preceeded by an opening reception at 6:30 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Avenue, NYC. National dress or business attire. For seat reservation, call 212-764-1330 ext. 336 or visit events@pcgny.net

2006 Filipino Film & Arts Festival at ImaginAsian NYC

JUNE 9-15—The ImaginAsian Theater, New York’s premier Asian American film house, will present the 2006 Filipino Film & Arts Festival at 239 E. 59th St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Avenues) in Manhattan. It will be followed by the New York Asian Film Festival from June 23 to July 2. For more information, call (212) 371-6682 or visit www.theimaginasian.com

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.

Philippine Independence ball

JUNE 10—The second and last of two culminating events commemorating the 108th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. The ball will take place at the Metropolitan Ballroom of the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, 811 7th Ave., in Manhattan, New York City. Reception is at 7 pm followed by dinner-dance at 8 pm until 1 am. Donation is $100.00 ($125.00 on the day of event). Attire is black tie or Filipiniana. For information and invitations call Gani Puertollano 908-230-6468 or 908-964-5473; Dr. Boy Pangan 631-242-1837; Sevilla Belen Castillo 973-393-8018; Sofie Abad 718-849-4581 or 347-558-3728; Raul Estrellado 201-262-3644 or 201-421-6187; Lolita Compas 212-777-6423 or 212-995-6134; Arnie Rosario 203-877-7260; Wilson Verzosa 201-387-6046; Francis Sison 201-388-6364; Lolita Gillberg 212-255-9980 ext. 213; Paul Verzosa 908-764-9011; Rev. Gaudy Soriano 201-328-7987; Dan de Guzman 973-768-5677; Juliet Payabyab 718-278-6747 or 212-647-2297; Dr. Alice Francisco 201-641-9452; Fe Martinez 973-222-0085; Ludy Corrales 908-693-4277; or Juliet Rosario 203-877-7260.

Quezonian potluck picnic, election

JUNE 10—All Quezonians are invited to the picnic and election of officers of Quezon Province Association from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Miller's Place, New York (Mac' residence). Potluck (bring your favorite dish to share). Bring your family and enjoy swimming. Call Mac for directions. Contact persons are Annie Bermudez (212) 428-2210, Lita Sarmiento (551) 358-4194, Ben Quiling (201) 432-1986, Cely Dorneo (201) 435-9809, Tita Merene Lugtu (201) 435-0627, Mac Villapando (631) 331-2441, Lucy Calicdan (973) 483-4430, Rene Compas (631) 868-0427.

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

NY Tri-State Speakers Assoc. forum

JUNE 17—The NY Tri-State National Speakers Association is sponsoring a full-day fund-raising program from 8 am-4:30 pm at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Fee is $99. The program of keynotes and workshops is specially designed for entrepreneurs, attorneys, authors, consultants, teachers, Toastmasters, trainers and others who want to turn their knowledge into profit ny promoting their business through public speaking. For more info go to: www.nsa-tri-state.org

Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

JUNE 21—Feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 411 East 68th St. and First Ave., tel. 212-988-8300. Celebration will start with rosary at 4:55 p.m., followed by mass at 5:15, exposition, novena prayers, candlelight procession and benediction.

NAASA First Annual Dinner

JUNE 23—The National Asian American Society of Accountants will be hosting its first annual dinner at the Sheraton LaGuardia Hotel in Flushing, NY. The dinner marks the close of our inaugural year, and the first ever elections for officer and board of director positions. Over 300 guests are expected to attend. The dinner will serve as an opportunity for NAASA to look back on its accomplishments during it inaugural year and to set the stages for the year to come. For more info on NAASA and the annual dinner, please visit www.naasa.org . For press registration, contact Liren Wei at liren@weiweico.com

NAASA Annual Dinner

JUNE 23—The National Asian American Society of Accountants will host its first annual dinner at the Sheraton LaGuardia Hotel in Flushing, NY, marking the close of its inaugural year and first elections for officers and board of directors. Over 300 guests are expected. For more information on NAASA and the annual dinner, visit www.naasa,org . For press registration, contact Liren Wei at liren@weiweico.com

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.

Baclaran Fiesta

JUNE 25—Fiesta ng Baclaran honoring Our Lady of Perpetual Help starting with procession at 2;00 p.m. and novena at 2:30 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 111-50 115 St., South Ozone Park, NY. For more information, contact: Precy and Oscar de la Isla, 718-296-2367; Mayette Figuracion, 718-296-0326; Sonia Miller, 718-779-2633 and Fr. Joe Cadusale, 718-262-0596. Note: a donation of finger food and soda per family will be greatly appreciated.

UPAA-NJ presents MusiKapistahan

JUNE 29—The University of the Philippines Alumni Association in New Jersey (UPAA-NJ), in cooperration with Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition and Franklin Township Human Relations Commission, is sponsoring “MusiKapistahan 2006: a festive concert of choral music, costume and choreography” at The Edward Nash Theatre, Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch at 7:30 pm. This concert features the world renowned UP Concert Chorus (UPCC), the official Philippine state university choir composed of 25 select UP students and 2 Conservatory of Music professors. Tickets are at $20 each. For more information contact upnjalumni@yahoo.com  or call Luz J. (732) 329-1071, Nora (732) 568-0368, Luz C. (732) 323-0698 or Luisa (732) 297-7955.

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

UPAA-NY hosts UP presdient

JULY 9—The University of the Philippines Alumni Association-New York will host the first woman president of the UP, Emerlinda Roman, from 1 to 5 pm at the Sheraton LaGuardia East hotel in Flushing, NY. Tickets are $45. For more info call Jackie 212-203-7921, Elaine 917-939-5723 or email: upaa-ny@nyc.rr.com

2nd Ambassador’/Consul Generl 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

Pilgrimage to Montreal/Quebec

JULY 21-23—Our Lady of the Angelus invites devotees to a pilgrimage to St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal and St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec for $200 covering bus fare and two-night hotel accomodations (meals not included). Departure: July 21, 7 a.m. Starting point at Our Lady of the Angelus parish at 63-63 98th St., Rego Park, NY. Valid and unexpired passport necessary. For reservations and more information, call Bernie at 718-897-4331; Linda, 917-705-0313; Myrna, 917-698-7097 and Bellie/Susan, 718-459-8038.

Sing Unto the Lord a New Song concert

JULY 29—Lift & Lift production presents Sing Unto the Lord a New Song: All the Earth concert at 7 pm, DRC Christian Worship Cathedral, 310 Fulton Ave., Hempstead, NY. Tickets are $5, $10, $20 at the door or call 646-318-0083 or 516-808-4355.

PAMET USA's 10th biennial convention in San Francisco

AUG. 2-6—All medical technologists are invited to join the 10th biennial national convention of PAMET USA, Inc. at San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel in California. There will be workshops for CEU's, masquerade ball, gala ball, youth night and guided tour of San Francisco and lab tour of Stanford Hospital. Registration id $35 paid by June 1 ($395 after June 1). Contact persons are Belle Ocampo (707) 342-9870, Mila Braganza (650) 303-2707, Letty Acosta (408) 930-5820 or Aida Enriquez Ramos (718) 767-8926.

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.

QPA's 'Yugyugan sa Niyogan' at Holiday Inn, Newark, N.J.

AUG. 19—Quezon Province Association will sponsor “Yugyugan sa Niyogan" (Hawaiian Motif) from 6 p.m. to

1 a.m. at Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom on Frontage Road, Newark, N.J. "Walang pakulo….puro sayawan lang" with music by DJ Eddie Carlos. Tickets: $50 with buffet dinner and dance. For reservations, call Annie Bermudez (212) 428-2210, Lita Sarmiento (551) 358-4194, Lucy Calicdan (973) 482-4430, Cely Dorneo (201) 435-9809, Fennie Orfalas (718) 458-6111, Mac Villapando (631) 331-2441, Ben Quiling (201) 432-1986, Chris Lugtu (201) 435-5391.

Eucharistic pilgrimage

SEPT. 3-8—Pilgrimage to Mother Angelica's Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Eternal Word Televesion Network (EWTN), and Ave Maria Grotto - Little Jerusalem, in Alabama, Belmont Abbey in North Carolina, Christus Garden in Tennessee and Basilica of Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. Bus and accommodation: $425.00/person (4 occupancy), $475.00/person (2 occupancy). All payments should be made to ADORNO Fathers and mail to Gloria Ramos, 359 Union St. Lodi, NJ 07644 by Aug. 15, 2006. Bus pick up St. John, the Baptist church, 31st St. at 6:45 AM, St. Joseph church, 40 Spring St Lodi, NJ at 7:30 AM. For the benefit of the ADORNO Fathers in Ramsey, NJ and in the Philippines. For info call Gloria (973) 473-7366, ADORNO Fathers (201) 327-7375, Gerry & Naning (718) 931-4254, St. John's Prayer Group (201) 568-2967.