“A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world.” –Ellen G. White
It is “pag-malasakit” (compassion) and “pag-ulikid” (concern) for their fellow Ilonggos, who will be arriving in New York City for the 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 3, that prompted Boy Dinzon and his fellow Ilonggos, based in New Jersey and New York, to launch the “Dinagyang and Manggahan sa NYC Fundraising Dinner,” which will take place on June 1 at the Draesel Hall of the Church of the Holy Trinity, located along 88th Street in the Yorkville section of Manhattan.
“As much as possible, we want to remain anonymous; we only want to help – that’s all,” sighed Dinzon, a former staff member of the Philippine Airlines ticketing office in Iloilo, who now resides in New Jersey. “Sin o pa abi ang mag binuligay kundi kita man nga mga Ilonggo (As Ilonggos, we all need to help each other).”
Dizon’s group includes Grace Uy Bico, Camille Dabao, Agnes Jamora, Agnes Montelibano, Vincent Dabao, Tonette Dabao, Frankie Uy Bico, Shirley Cordova, and Joe Nick ‘Nonot’ Dinzon, who are mostly from the Iloilo Assumption Group.
“We are aware that they always encounter problems [with] funds; they definitely need financial support and we are doing our part to at least contribute something,” Dinzon added. “By all means, we need to help them because they are representing and promoting our culture and heritage as Ilonggos.”
Dinzon is referring to the contingent from Iloilo City and Guimaras, led by officials and “warriors” from the Dinagyang Festival and Manggahan Festival, who will be join the Independence Day parade, which will run along Madison Avenue, carrying the theme “Pagbubunyi Sa Ating Mga Bayani-Ang Hangarin ay Pagkakaisa,” or “Honoring Our Heroes-Inspiring Solidarity among us all.”
With the support of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), led by President Antenor ‘Ner’ Martinez, is the parade organizer.
Joji Juele-Jalandoni, a New Jersey-based registered nurse, personally visited Iloilo City and Guimaras earlier this year to invite the festival groups.
She is a former PIDCI president and a native of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
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Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III; the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., led by Ramon Cua Locsin; Gina Sarabia-Espinosa; Iloilo City Tourism Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia; Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Bombette Golez Marin; Guimaras Provincial Tourism Officer Liberty Ferrer; and 10 Guimaras officials will be joining the Iloilo City Trade Mission, sponsored by the Philippine Council of Management, in partnership with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce Washington DC.
According to Dinzon, Sarabia-Espinosa will be joined by a group of Iloilo City’s top fashion designers and artists, led by the highly-regarded Bo Parcon.
Sarabia-Espinosa’s group will also hold an exhibit to showcase Iloilo City’s potential on June 4 at the Philippine Consulate General, located along on Fifth Avenue./WDJ