By Gem C. Yatco

(Jersey City, NJ) Not only dedicated to its prime commitment to unconditionally serve the diverse ethnicities and the fast-developing Filipino-American community in the Hudson County but also to bridge any gap that could in any way hinder progress on either side, the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) has immensely carried out immeasurable tasks and incessantly extended its support to benefit the ever-growing number of Asian immigrants even way farther beyond its mission. Having been distinctly recognized as the only Asian Provider Agency by the Hudson Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office on Aging, PACCAL also extensively promotes Filipino and Asian heritage through cultural presentations and widely disseminated socio-economic programs and humanitarian services.

Earning another feather from the unprecedented success of its recently concluded annual Women’s History Month celebration at the Ramada Hotel (Frontage Road, Newark), the affair’s overwhelming success was undeniably credited to the collective efforts of the enthusiastic and hard-working PACCAL officers, members and volunteers, who, despite the short span of planning, preparations and limited resources, overpoweringly defied every possible hindrance and odd just to insure positive results—which they impressively did!

This year’s roster of honorees was composed of distinguished women who don’t only excel in their chosen career paths but simultaneously serve their community and mankind. Aside from being awarded with a symbolic loving cup distinctly embellished with a pink sash and a Citation Certificate from the Municipal Council of the City of Jersey City (through the auspicious courtesy of Councilwoman Nidia Lopez), the honorees were each handed a bouquet of blooms in season through a dramatically well-choreographed “Paghahandog” (offering rites) by PACCAL’s Pagbubunyi Beauties headed by terpsichorean guru, Virgie Alvarez.

The 2011 most outstanding women who magnificently composed the very core of the celebration, duly recognized and bestowed with honors were: Sinforosa “Rose” Tan, Ph.D., Education; Grace Hufano-Labaguis, Media/Production; Clarita “Tarit” Ramos, Cultural Heritage; Zenaida Mercado Almario, Community Service; Corazon Cajucom-Reyes, Humanitarian Service; Cristina Abuan-Zarejko, Government Service; April Talangbayan, Performing Arts; Vilma G. Fule, MD, Medical Profession; and Fe Mones-Saquibal, Nursing Profession. Dr. Fule stood tall and regaled the audience with her meaningful and substance-filled response in behalf of the 2011 Women’s Achiever Awardees.

The remarkable affair also highlighted the oath-taking of PACCAL’s new set of officers as formally inducted by Hon. Councilwoman Nidia Lopez after which the Hon. Dep. Consul Gen. Melita Thomeczek, who energetically represented the new Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr., delivered an inspirational speech. Sworn in to office were Luchie T. Vivas, President (unfortunately failed to attend due to a delayed flight from Manila); Bobby T. Yalong, 1st Vice-Pres. and Production Director; Rose P. Javier, 2nd. Vice-Pres. and Ball Chair; Mae Legaspi, Recording Secretary; Marilou Songco, Corresponding Sec.; Ric Respicio, Treasurer; Helen Dimaya, Asst. Treas.; and Delfin Iglesia, Auditor;

Board Directors: Clara Hayes, Helen Santillan, Rhea Doria, Crispy Mirasol, Joey Mayo, Edgar P. Rosales, and Jimmy Buenviaje. Technical Advisers: Linda Mayo and Betty Buenviaje. Cultural and Arts Consultants: Virgie Alvarez and Ogie Afable. Senior Program Advisers: Jose G. Red, Fred T. Diaz, Bing Antonio and Jose C. Santillan. Program Coordinators: Florentino T. Capili and Susan Liguori. Fiscal Officer: Annie Tan. Community Advisory Council: Dr. Leo A. Dela Cruz, Dennis Hayes, Oscar Fernando, Herbert Y. Magtoto, Romulo M. Luz, Henry Quiambao, Francis Sison, Ric Isip, Ledy Almadin, Atty. Merit Salud, Cherique Po, Dr. Francisco Yuvienco, Ronnie Atinaja, Tudie Basilio, Marietta Lamar, Marietta Salvador, Rolly Javier, Atty. Victor Sison, and Atty. J.T. Mallonga.
PACCAL easily scored tremendous accolades and sky-rocketing praises as undoubtedly attested by the outpouring of a slew of congratulatory email and text messages from appreciative attendees… especially the event’s honorees.
And to quote a few of the heartwarming and ego-elating messages:

“…the silver cup, the citation, and the beautiful bouquet all speak of your sincere intent to express your appreciation of the thematic and culture-based programs I have presented through the rondalla groups I’ve led for almost two decades now. I commend you all who have worked hard to produce a successful and well-organized affair, fun-filled and not an ordinary run-of-the-mill type as I’ve seen in many of our local events. Gleaning from your activities, PACCAL truly has a worthy mission and deserves support from our community!” Clarita “Tarit” Ramos, 2011 Women’s Achiever Awardee for Cultural Heritage.

“Please extend our deep appreciation to the PACCAL officers and members as well as the event chairpersons and committees for a job well done. I honestly did not expect such an elaborate and wonderful production! Congratulations to all who contributed to the success of the celebration and more power to PACCAL!” Rose Tan Kaung, Women’s Achiever Awardee for Education.

“There has never been an awarding event as colorful and touching as what PACCAL just recently hosted. The affair was simply grandiose and the award, worth treasuring! Impressive production! Well-organized program! Thanks for the recognition and the worth-treasuring memories!” Fe Mones-Saquibal, Women’s Achiever Awardee for Nursing profession.

“Friends who weren’t at PACCAL’s WHM celebration sorely missed the event’s showcase. The PACCAL team precisely knew themselves that made the strength of the evening’s festivities. This is the way Filipinos worked together, the way Filipinos and friends dress-up…as beautifully as they are in the presence of God. Mr. Bobby T. Yalong has began another transformation: multi-talented in decorating the stage and venue, designing lovely trophies with beautiful pink ribbons, beautiful flower arrangements in silver, gold and green…that leaves one breathless in the materials used like it was handled with the evening’s guests in mind. The souvenir journal was top of the line! The talented performers, with their God-given talents, were amazing. The Roster of Honorees celebrating Women’s History Month for their accomplishments and presented on a beautiful stage setting was for the future generations to emulate!” April Talangbayan, Women’s Achiever Awardee for Performing Arts.

“Without a single cloud of doubt, PACCAL’s Women’s History Month celebration gave us a very clear insight of the real plight and prominent status of the female populace in the current global set-up. I’m sending my sincerest thanks to every PACCAL officer and member involved for the recognition bestowed on me and my co-awardees… that was one unforgettable shining moment of my lifetime…!” Grace Hufano Labaguis, Women’s History Month Awardee for Media/Productions.

Also deserving of unending praises and accolades were young talented artists who performed and added glitz to the already glitzy affair: flutist April Talangbayan, promising divas Tiffany Viray and Alyssa Shoemaker, youngest singing tandem, the Viray Brothers, Patrick and Zachary, and tested chanteuse Maureen Javier Varco while good-looking male mannequins from PROFILES, Omar Negron and Jordan Balacating, smartly escorted the lady awardees.

“Suffice it to say that, through the years, PACCAL has constantly carried out and struggled to attain proficiency in community interactions and undoubtedly mastered the art of recognizing and awarding outstanding figures who peculiarly manifest the truest essence of unconditional service and excellent human relations. As always, PACCAL stands upfront in its continuous efforts to provide, assist, and empower the community through its varied programs. And for these, we thank everybody who continuously stands behind us and firmly believes in what we do.” Discloses the amiable Linda Mayo, PACCAL’s Founder and Executive Director.