Thirteen at Pines

Thirteen at Pines

Thirteen, at Pines

by: Marlie Diaz

Pines Manor, Edison, New Jersey was the site of FACOB’s 13th year anniversary grand ball. It was held last October 13, 2007 with over one hundred forty people in attendance. On occasions like this, FACOB men and women can’t be beat. To start with, it was a perfect autumn night to party. Men in fitted tuxedos and ladies in their dazzling eveningwear regaled the ballroom. Yellow mums cosseted with peach colored linens adorned each table and the glitter of the huge chandeliers brightened the ballroom.

At the reception area, Calyn Cruz, Sally Palustre and Helen Ho registered guests, while the officers welcomed each one as they entered. Those who were seated found themselves inspecting the Souvenir Journal and Program.

As soon as everyone was settled, the order of the night was read from the program, through a collaborative effort of two very able emcees, Odette Tolentino and Manny Maramara.The national anthems were announced and Fe Reyes rendered the Star Spangled Banner. This was followed by a duet by Manny Marquez and Ernest Roldan of “Lupang Hinirang”. The songs were remarkable; it blew away the likes of Fr. Bob Gorman who was seated next to me. He asked if “mabuhay” was an appropriate word to say?

When it was his turn to say the Invocation, Fr. Bob Gorman, pastor of St. Ambrose Church, asked “that grace and blessing be bestowed on FACOB on this occasion of joy on coming together to help support each other and the community at large” and thanked the association for its kindness and support to St. Ambrose and the community.

At this time, our guest speaker, New Jersey Senator Joseph Vitale, who was introduced by Ted Diaz, gave his honorary remarks. Senator Vitale said that “New Jersey is a microcosm of our country” in that a lot of cultures and organizations converge and continually promote goodwill. He expressed his admiration for an organization such as FACOB that aims to preserve the Filipino culture in the families and develop it in conjunction with the community.

Dinner and dessert followed while the beautiful music and love songs of the Ultrasonic Band entertained the audience.

Soon, the new set of officers was introduced as they approached the dance floor to form one semi-circle. Later on, a waltz number was played and the incumbent president, Paul Reyes and his lovely first lady, Zeny Reyes, initiated the dance as the rest of the officers and guests joined in.

Shortly thereafter, Paul Reyes delivered his speech. He thanked the officers, members, the donors and those who came for participating in such an important endeavor. He also read a quotation that “talented people want to be part of something that they can believe in …with meaning on their work and on their lives…”

Later on, a plaque of appreciation was awarded to past president Keith Olivares for his contribution to the affairs of the organization.

At intervals, raffle tickets were distributed and prizes given away. Lucky winners went home with a karaoke machine, donated by Topnotch Electronics of Gani & Lita Morales; digital camera from Madison Home Mortgage/ Ted & Marlie Diaz; mini-component system, donated by Zaldy & Linda Castillo; magic bullet, from Jerry & Calyn Cruz; cordless phone, from Eric & Joie Tuazon; 5-$20 gift certificates, courtesy of Asian Food Market / Jonathan Chan; and a gift certificate from Leo & Nona Alquiros of Tropical Hut.

After the closing remarks and thank you from the executive vice-president, Delfin Balili, everyone sang the FACOB Song to culminate the party. To put it in a nutshell, as one guest commented, this was a party with good music, exceptional dancing and so much fun!

FACOB would like to recognize the people behind why the event turned out be that great! Alda Soliman, for taking control of the venue and program preparation; Zaldy Castillo, for the compilation and typeset of ads submitted for the souvenir journal; Odette Tolentino and Manny Maramara co-emcees; Helen Ho - floral display; Linda Castillo and Calyn Cruz- seating plan; Malou Paderon – who took time to invite our guest speaker; Louie Tolentino – solicitation of raffle prizes and awards; Lilia Manlapaz – for dance lessons; to the officers and members who invited family and friends and solicited ads; and most of all, to our President Paul, Zeny, Leo and Fe Reyes for the transparent zeal and dedication to take charge.

In my own opinion, this was The Party of choice. The sacrifices and days of preparation did pay off. Everyone had fun and the party was great, and most of all, another meaningful fund-raising project was achieved.
As mentioned in our solicitation letter, proceeds of this event will go into funds that will provide housing for poor people in the Philippines in partnership with “Gawad Kalinga”. FACOB has committed to help create one village and has advanced $15,000, which is only a portion of the total project.

With some work done, the long road ahead is not that hard to tread. In the meantime we shout aloud “Mabuhay ang FACOB”, Long Live FACOB!
For that’s what it’s all about.

FACOB Updates

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Entry Notes

Category: Social

Event: FACOB Grand Ball

Venue: Pines Manor