“There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.” –“Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of Your Ability” author Idowu Koyenikan
In a forceful and passionate show of volunteerism and bayanihan, members of the Ilonggo community in New York and New Jersey, led by the Iloilo Assumption Group, successfully launched the “Dinagyang and Manggahan sa NYC Fundraising Dinner,” which took place at the Church of the Holy Trinity’s Draesel Hall, located along 88th Street.
“Warriors” from the two festivals, and major winners in the 2018 Metro Manila Aliwan Festival, entertained guests with cultural dances during their first-ever performance ahead of Sunday’s 120th Philippine Independence Day Parade.
Ilonggos from as far away as Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC showed up to show support for the two festival groups from Iloilo City and Guimaras.
“This event was organized primarily to help our fellow Ilonggos, who are here to showcase our culture and promote investment and tourism,” an emotional Boy Dinzon, the event’s prime mover, stressed. “Most of all, they are here to make us all proud.”
Dinzon’s group is composed of Grace Uybico; Camille Dabao; Agnes Jamora; Agnes Montelibano; Vincent Dabao; Tonette Dabao; Frankie Uy Bico; Shirley Cordova; Joe Nick ‘Nonot’ Dinzon; Beverly Rosales; Joy Jacqui Jaji; Tess Salvador; Gigi Gumban; and Ilonggo Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. officials, led by former President Joji Juele-Jalandoni and Board Member Jocelyn Sanches Aligarbes, among other affair convenors; former Consul General Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr.; Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin; Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III; among other VIPs and Philippine Consulate General in New York officials.
“Thank you so much to all our friends in the tristate area for the overwhelming support for our fundraising event for Dinagyang and Manggahan,” Dinzon announced. “Without you lovable people this affair wouldn’t be a success.”
My sincerest, heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you,” he added. “Thank you, Lord, for a very successful outcome; I love you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Dinzon called on the audience to “witness [the Dinagyang and Manggahan cultural dancers] again” after the parade, at 23rd Street and Madison Avenue./WDJ