Penafrancia celebration

Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia 2009

The feast of our Lady of Penafrancia was celebrated on the Third Saturday of September at 10:30 in the morning at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Beaverton. The Rosary was recited by the children and some of the youth, a total of 62 participants. Each bead was represented by a child to complete the formation of the Living Rosary. Since it is the "Year of the Priests", we dedicated each bead to pray for our priests in the Archdiocese. The children did a wonderful job praying and were asked to continue praying for our priests who minister to us from the different parishes. After each decade, the children sang "Ave, Ave, Ave Maria" and offered their flowers to give honor to our Blessed Mother, our INA. Grateful to all the parents who help their chilren to practice praying the rosary.

The solemn mass was started at 11:00 o'clock. There were 5 priests and 2 deacons who concelebrated during the mass. Fr. Cary Reniva, our newly ordained priest was the main celebrant. Fr. Maro Escano, our other newly ordained priest concelebrated along with Fr. Tony Ong, the chaplain at the St. Vincent Hospital, Fr. Beda Martinez, a visiting priest from Bicol and Fr. Dave Gutmann, our Pastor at Holy Trinity. The two deacons who assisted as Deacons of the Word and the Eucharist were Deacon Rally Bien and Deacon Joey Frez. The Mt. Angel Seminarians Choir sang joyfully with their angelic voices the song "Lord, I lift up Your Name on High" while Carlo Tejano and Jeremiah, the two seminarians did an amazing job with their sign language during the gathering rite. Readers from Bicol, Pampanga, Cebu, Ilocos, and Manila proclaimed the readings in their own vernacular languages aside from English. Since we are rich with our cultural heritage, the youth performed a cultural dance during the preparation of the gifts and several couples from the Bicol Region offered baskets of fruits. After communion, our seminarians at Mt. Angel Seminary were introduced. The congregation extended their hands while Fr. Dave blessed them with a prayer as they start their new year of study.

Well, the celebration was not complete without the bountiful reception prepared for the occassion. The food was sumptuous and delicious starting from the main dishes, the famous Lechon, Laing, Bicol Express, Pansit, Lumpia, Pinakbit, Dinuguan, Caldereta, Minudo, Salmon and Langkang may Gata. The variety of desserts filled up the two long tables. All our guests were fully satisfied. And guess what, we even had left overs and it was given to the seminarians to take home.

While dining, the CFC-FFL Youth performed a song and a hip-hop dance. Boy of boy, they were terrific, if you weren't there you missed a lot. We truly enjoyed their performances. The fine fellowships continued to lingere and it seemed for others was like a re-union. We had more than 500 attendees and had some guests as far as Blaine, Washington and Idaho who joined in the festivity. They had so much fun . The following day, I got a phone call from them and said, "We plan to come back for next year event." What a good feeling to hear them said that.

One might ask why we continue to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia. About 7 years ago, we are grateful that Fr. Wilmer Tria, the prefect at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga City visited the Portland Area promoting the book of "INA"to benefit the seminarians who cannot afford to study. When he celebrated mass in our place, his homily was so powerful and touched me deeply. When he came back to the Philippines, he sent the image of "INA" to Lulu Ruperto from Bicol who is one of the core leader in our community. When Lulu and her family moved to Fresno, California, she left the image of "INA" to the Bicolano families here in Beaverton. Then, about five years ago we celebrated the first mass, we noticed that more and more Bicolano Seminarians are entering the Mt. Angel Seminary for the Archdiocese of Portland. This year, two newly ordained priests and one deacon are from Bicol. Another two seminarians from Bicol are doing their pastoral year and yet, the other two new seminarians who entered at the Mt. Angel Seminary this year are also from the Bicol Region. One might say, this is just a coincidence, as for me, I would say Our INA is returning the favor to her people in the Archdiocese of Portland. The Filipino Community is honored to have these young fine men from the Bicol Region and at the same time, we are humbled by the grace of God. It is just right and fitting to give praise and glory to our loving God.

We owe the success of the event from our INA and from the big Bicolano families here in the Beaverton area, the Fabricantes and the Turianos' clan who continue to pour their hearts into this celebration since day one. We are grateful indeed, and of course to the rest of the Holy Trinity Parishioners who were so eager to help out in anyway they can. Thank you to the choir from the Mt. Angel Seminary directed by Manolito Jaldon Jr. who sang joyfully praising our loving God. We are indebt to Fr. Cary Reniva from driving all the way from Medford for gracing the occasion and for celebrating mass with us and we extend our gratitude to the other priests who concelebrated. We thank Fr. Dave Gutmann for allowing us the use of this venue. We are grateful to everyone for your presence and for your continued support to our festivity. Special thanks to Matthew and Lulu Stevenson for capturing the event with photos and video. In addition, thanks to Dennis Mayers for editing and creating the above video clip.

Kindly continue to pray for our Priests and Seminarians so they can serve their parishes and parishioners with loving and joyful hearts for the greater glory of God.

Maraming Salamat Po!

Viva La Virgen!

God Bless,

Franz & Monette Mallari

H1N1 in Oregon - Newsletter

Dr. Mel Kohn
flu.oregon.gov
October 27, 2009

H1N1 flu in Oregon - Update Mel Kohn MD, MPH, director of Oregon Public Health Division
To help make sure that everyone in our state has the best and most current information about H1N1 flu in Oregon, the Oregon Public Health Division is launching this newsletter that will come out on a regular basis. You are receiving it because you attended the Flu Summit, you signed up on the DHS Web site to receive information about H1N1, or you are an employee of the Oregon Department of Human Resources.

Please forward this email to anyone you think would like to receive it. To subscribe, visit: www.oregon.gov/DHS/govdelivery.shtml, select Subscribe, then H1N1 Influenza Information.

Web site and statewide influenza hotline
Oregon Public Health's Web site, http://www.flu.oregon.gov/, and the statewide influenza hotline at 1-800-978-3040, have the most recent information about H1N1 in Oregon and vaccine clinics across the state.

The influenza situation in Oregon and throughout the country
The pandemic H1N1 strain continues to spread in Oregon. Between September 1, 2009, and October 26, 2009, there have been 482 hospitalizations and 15 deaths in Oregon linked to influenza. Hospital capacity across the state is adequate to handle the increase, although some hospitals have expressed concern that they may be at full capacity soon.

We are also experiencing outbreaks of flu in schools across the state, in some cases with 30 percent or more of staff or students out ill. So while H1N1 influenza is not more severe than the seasonal flu, more of us are getting sick because none of us have immunity to this new strain of influenza.

H1N1 vaccine update
As you have likely heard, supplies of H1N1 vaccine are arriving more slowly across the country than originally anticipated. Currently Oregon has only about 6 percent of the supply necessary to vaccinate the priority groups. While more is coming every day, demand for H1N1 vaccine is currently outpacing supply. That means that some vaccine clinics have been delayed or cancelled, which has left people wondering what will happen in their communities if the vaccine doesn't arrive in time to slow the spread of H1N1.

The vaccine is being distributed as soon as it hits the state and divided up equally among the counties. A few vaccine clinics are scheduled around the state; flu.oregon.gov has the most recent statewide information. As supply increases, there will be more clinics scheduled. Pregnant women, children, health care providers and public safety workers, people caring for infants under 6 months, and people with underlying health conditions remain the top priorities for the vaccine.

I have heard people express concern that because of the slow pace of vaccine arrival it may be too late to do much good. That is not accurate. It is likely that there will be a second wave of illness from pandemic H1N1 in the spring, so vaccinating as many people in the priority groups is still likely to be very beneficial, even if that takes until early in 2010.

We are working hard, even without much vaccine, to help Oregon get through the coming weeks. Oregon Public Health has a central operations center that is staffed full-time to help coordinate the state's response and ensure that the most up-to-date information is available for decision-makers and the public.

Supporting our healthcare system is an important focus of our work. We are carefully monitoring hospital capacity and medical supplies, and filling requests for resources such as antivirals, masks, gloves and ventilators. Although the healthcare system is stressed, so far hospital and intensive care unit capacity and supplies across the state are adequate. Additionally we have been providing assistance and guidance to hospitals and healthcare providers in managing a surge of patients due to the pandemic.

On Friday October 23, President Obama issued a declaration that will allow the secretary of Health and Human Services to grant hospitals temporary waivers of certain federal regulations on a case-by-case basis. This will help hospitals establish alternate care sites, modify patient triage protocols, as well as patient transfer procedures and other actions that occur when they fully implement disaster operations plans.

We are also planning to expand our hotline in the next few weeks to include a nurse advice line for people experiencing flu symptoms, which will help reduce the demands on our healthcare system across the state.

Another important focus of our work relates to providing accurate information to the public using our Web site. This week we plan to unveil a major Web site redesign that will make it even more useful.

We work closely with local health departments who are on the frontlines of our response in all of these activities.

Declarations of emergency
Last Friday, Josephine County declared a county-level emergency because of H1N1 pandemic stress on the healthcare system there. This will help the county better marshal its resources for addressing the pandemic. We do expect that other counties may make similar emergency declarations in the near future as the situation in individual counties warrants.

At this point, the situation in Oregon has not merited a statewide declaration of emergency because we are able to deploy supplies and resources to local communities. However, it is reassuring to know that if the need arises for a declaration, Governor Kulongoski is prepared to act.

There are important actions for individuals to take now until the vaccine arrives
While it is disappointing that the vaccine hasn't arrived yet for everyone who needs it, there are things we can do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities by slowing the spread of H1N1 influenza. Also, it's important to remember that for most people, this flu is not more dangerous than the regular seasonal flu. Most people who contract H1N1 will have flu symptoms for 7-10 days, then get better. For the overwhelming majority, the best treatment is to stay home, get plenty of rest and fluids, and treat the fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In a few rare cases, medical care will be required. Click here for information about whether symptoms call for medical care.

Also, be proactive. If you have the flu, don't spread it. Stay home for 24 hours after your fever subsides. If you are a business owner, have a plan that allows your employees to stay home. Also, protect yourself from getting the flu--take germ-killing actions such as frequent hand washing and sanitizing surfaces.

Again, http://www.flu.oregon.gov/ and our statewide hotline at 1-800-978-3040 are the best places to get the latest information on flu in Oregon.

I hope that you have found this newsletter interesting and useful. It is the first of regular updates Oregon Public Health will be sending out to make sure you have the most current information possible as we get through this flu season together.

Faith Cafe infection Control measures

Faith Cafe Cooks and Volunteer Coordinators,

Below are some materials to read and share with your Faith Cafe volunteers - and everyone you know on controlling the spread of flu and norovirus. The Washington County Health Department is gearing up for a horrendous flu season. Let's do our part to not spread any infection to our already immuno-compromised guests.

Please note no volunteer should serve at Faith Cafe until 72 hours after flu symptoms end. Coordinators, you may want to have a list of "on call" volunteers to fill in if you hear from a last-minute sick person.

Barb

----- Original Message -----
From: Annette Evans

Infection Control Measures
Norovirus Brochure
How to Sanitize
Cleaning up Vomit and Diarrhea
Handwashing


Annette M. Evans
Homeless Program Coordinator
Chair, Housing and Supportive Services Network (HSSN)
Washington County Department of Housing Services
111 NE Lincoln Street, Suite 200-L, MS-63
Hillsboro, OR 97124-3082
(Phone: 503-846-4760 (Fax: 503-846-4795
http://www.co.washington.or.us/Housing/10-year-plan-to-end-homelessness.cfm

Candlelight Rosary Procession this saturday oct. 10

Hello all,
Peace!

Pls. come join us this saturday Oct, 10 for our Annual Candlelight Rosary procession. Mass start @ 5:00pm, after mass we will start our procession around the block of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

We will pray and offer our Candlelight Rosary Procession for all our Kababayans who are in great sufferings right now in the Philippines and also for all the victims of the tsunami in Samoa & American samoa, earthquake victims from Indonesia & flood victims in Vietnam.

Let us all pray & ask Our Merciful & Loving father in heaven, that He will continue to bless them, grant them His Divne Mercy & comfort them all in this times of trials, sorrows, sufferings & trying times in their lives.. Let's pray & ask GOD to increase their FAITH, HOPE & TRUST in the Lord in this trying times and that GOD will grant them Healing & forgiveness & peace in their hearts through the intercessions of MAMA MARY.

Pls. come join us this saturday, Mass start @ 5:00pm Our Lady Of Sorrows Church.....Our LORD JESUS & MAMA MARY needs you there to be one of the Prayer warriors THIS SATURDAY... Let us pray also for the conversion of all sinners...see you all there...thank you and God Bless.

Pls. Click the Attachment/flyer for address & more INFO. thank you.

In His Divine Mercy,
Melba

The Grotto's response to the flooding in The Philippines

Fr. Jack wanted me to let you know what we are doing at The Grotto for The Philippines following the typhoon. There is a display board in the main chapel with some photographs of Fr. Jack's visit in August paired with others of the flooding. The Grotto's appeal is directed to help the Servite Seminary/House of Formation in The Philippines. Here is the letter from Fr. Jack that accompanies the pictures:

Fall 2009

Dear friends and visitors to The Grotto,

In August of 2009 I had the opportunity to travel to The Philippines to visit our fellow Servite friars and seminarians there. The Grotto has developed a strong relationship with the Servite community in The Philippines. We are fortunate to have had a number of Filipino Servite priests ministering here at The Grotto over the past several years.

On September 26 of this year The Philippines were hit by Typhoon Ondoy, which poured more than a month’s worth of rain in just six hours. Hundreds of people lost their lives, and many parts of The Philippines were submerged under water.

The Servite community in The Philippines, especially their House of Formation/Seminary, was not spared the flooding and damage. Here are some photographs from my visit before the typhoon paired with photographs of the flooding.

If you would like to help support the needs of the Servite friars and seminarians in The Philippines, please use one the envelopes below. Thank you for your generosity in supporting our Servite family in The Philippines.

Sincerely yours in the service of Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Jack Topper, OSMExecutive Director of The Grotto

___________

I hope all of your loved ones in The Philippines are doing OK.

Larry Kirby
THE GROTTO
PO Box 20008Portland, Oregon 97294-0008

LKirby@thegrotto.org

503.261.2429 My Direct Line
503.254.7371 The Grotto Office
503.254.7948 The Grotto FAX

Free Shipping for in-kind donaions for Ondoy

Hello everyone!

Here is an article about giving through in-kind donations.
Have a good weekend! Welo Rivera

Blog: Organizing Efforts in Oregon & SW Washington for Typhoon Ondoy Victims
Post: LBC Branches now offering FREE SHIPPING for in-kind donations Link: http://oregon4ondoy.blogspot.com/2009/10/lbc-branches-now-offering-free-shipping.html

St. Therese Mass on October 11th

Ondoy Offering - Pacific NW Relief Project

Dear Fellow Filipinos and friends of the Filipinos,

On behalf of the other leaders in the Filipino Communities of Oregon and SW Washington, I would like to ask for your help in disseminating this information to all Filipinos and friends of Filipinos who may want to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippones.

Below is a document prepared by leaders from the Council of Filipino American Association in Oregon, from the SW Washington Filipino American Association and the Filipino Catholic Community of Oregon. This is a HUMBLE but EARNEST appeal to all to step up and make a difference in lives of thepeople who were gravely affected by the typhoon and those who may be in danger as stronger typhoons pound on the country.

This relief project is called ONDOY OFFERING - Pacific Northwest Relief Project. The document describes in detail the steps you can take to help. By bringing out this guideline, we may be able to help people navigate the process of donation. It also provides guidance on organizing efforts as groups, families or institutions.

A website called http://oregon4ondoy.blogspot.com/ is up and running and which you can access to get updates on the process, for more information and data on the situation of typhoonn victims, and other pertinent information on the relief effort here in Oregon and SW Washington and in the Philippines.

The foundations chosen to handle our cash donations (Philippine Jesuit Foundation and Ayala Foundation, both 50`1c3 organizations) have been tested the last 2 days and they work. We have provided you also with more choices of avenues for donating and they are all in the website. However, many of them do not offer tax deduction on your donation nor have they been tested for efficiency, effectivity or accountability.

This collaborative organizing is an effort to HELP but also to BUILD, a stronger Filipino community, its bayanihan spirit and resilience to the challenges that face us today. We hope that the power of this spirit will move you to pass this on to ALL the people in your networks: parish, organization, schools, workplaces and social circles. Let this action of love and compassion ripple throughout until it reaches our brothers and sisters in the Philippines.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO! (Thank you very much). We do apologize though for any cross postings.

Together...ONE!

Respectfully,

Pia de Leon
Eric Tadeo
Welo Rivera
Titay Schommer

--------------------------------

ONDOY OFFERING
Pacific Northwest Relief Project

The Filipino communities of Oregon and SW Washington are joining together to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in Manila, Philippines.

We encourage everyone to step up and help in organizing and donating the very much needed help for those whose lives have been gravely affected by Ondoy.

In this document we have described for you in detail the ways you can help, what you need to do with what you feel compelled to share. This document serves as a guide to donors and is to be disseminated to all who may be interested in donating or organizing efforts.

CASH DONATIONS:

Cash donations are the most expedient and helpful for the local economy and so it is recommended that efforts be focused in asking people to donate cash.

We are recommending two foundations that have 501c3 tax status in the United States: Philippine Jesuit Foundation and the Ayala Foundation. This means that your check or online donations are tax deductible and they will be sending you tax receipts.

Here are the ways to donate:

1. For donations by check

a. Issue the check to "Philippine Jesuit Foundation"

b. On the memo line please write: For "Ateneo Task Force Ondoy c/o OSA & SLB"( "OSA" means Office of Student Activites, Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University and "SLB" means Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan)

c. Send or mail the check with the donor's (1) full name, (2) email address, and (3) postal address to:

Cristina Tabora Executive Secretary, Philippine Jesuit Foundation

236 West 27th Street, Ninth Floor

New York, NY 10001, U.S.A.

Telephone (212) 627-2788, (212) 233-0888

Downloadable PJF Donation Form available at http://www.philjesuit.net/illhelp.asp

Please email Cristina Tabora <taboracom@gmail.com> or <exsec@philjesuit.net> or Julie Calderon <juliecalderon65@gmail.com> to inform them that you have sent or mailed a check to them. The PJF has waived the 3% service fee for all donations toward the relief of typhoon Ondoy victims. Full donation amounts will be remitted by the PJF to the Ateneo as quickly as possible within the week for typhoon relief.

2. For donations online:

a. Open the Ayala Foundation USA website: http://www.af-usa.org/donate_now.asp

b. Click on the "donate now" button, click on the credit card icon, and select Ateneo de Manila in the drop down menu. Write "Ateneo Task Force Ondoy c/o OSA & SLB" for your choice of beneficiary.

c. Please email Marivic Padilla <marivic@af-usa.org> or <marivi.padilla@gmail.com> or <info@af-usa.org> or call her (+650) 598-3126 for step by step assistance or to inform her that you have made a donation online.

Marivic Padilla Administrative Assistant, Ayala Foundation USA

255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428

Redwood City, CA 94065, USA

Telephone (+650) 598-3126, Facsimile (+650) 508-8898

AF-USA Donation Form available at www.af-usa.org/forms/Donation_Form.pdf

Donations through the AF-USA online through credit card will be remitted to the Ateneo as quickly as possible within seven days net of AF-USA 5% service fee and credit card charge.

Donations through the PJF and the AF-USA are monitored by the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations, Alingal Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

*Ateneo de Manila in Quezon City is a designated evacuation and drop off center. If you wish to click on other centers serviced by Ayala Foundation such as the Philippine National Red Cross, you may do so as well.

3. Other agencies you can use to send money through are listed in the website listed below. Those agencies are not necessarily 501c3 accounts and may not be able to give you a tax receipt.
Other Ways of Helping:

1. Prayer services and fellowships may be organized in various groups and organizations in the next few weeks to provide Filipinos here in Portland and SW Washington the opportunity for community and a safe place to share their grief and concerns about this tragedy in our homeland. If a collection is to be made, please designate from the two choices the agency you want to handle your donation.

• Checks collected may be sent to CFAA (Council of Filipino American Associations, P.O Box 65053 Vancouver, WA 98665) and they will send it to the agency of your choice. CFAA will send you an acknowledgement they have received your gift.
• When you have done a collection, please include with the checks a list of names, addresses and amount so you or CFAA can send that information to the agency who will distribute your money in the Philippines and at the same time track our progress.
• We would appreciate a report back of activities organized and money collected so we can keep track of how Oregon is responding to this appeal. Please direct your reports to Welo Rivera – welo.rivera@gmail.com with the subject heading: “FUNDRAISING EFFORTS” or to any of the other organizers of this project.

2. IN – KIND Donation -At this point, we are NOT receiving any collected goods. If you wish to collect goods and send to the Philippines, either as individuals or groups:

• Please call LBC or Willex and send them as you would any Balikbayan Boxes. Some of these companies have promotional deals that can help you help the people in need. Please check our website for more information.

Medical Teams International is sending a medical mission to the Philippines to help in the disaster relief. For more information about this group, please check their website: http://www.medicalteams.org/.

Updates, information, other links related to ONDOY OFFERING will be posted regularly in our website: http://oregon4ondoy.blogspot.com/

For questions and more information, you may also contact the following:

Eric Tadeo – evcntadeo@msn.com – 360-690-0774

Council of Filipino American Association (CFAA) Chair
Titay Schommer – tkschommer@gmail.com
Welo Rivera – welo.rivera@gmail.com
Pia de Leon – piadeleon343@yahoo.com – 503-481-5228

Intel Matching Donations for Ondoy

Quick News offers short highlights of selected news, events, and announcements involving Intel or our employees.

Intel Foundation will match donations for Typhoon Ketsana hitting Philippines and Vietnam

Posted Sept. 29, 2009

In the wake of Typhoon Ketsana that recently struck the Philippines and Vietnam, the Intel Foundation is offering an employee matching program to assist with the relief efforts.All documentation of donations must be received by the foundation by November 3. Gifts will be matched up to $2,000 per employee. To donate:

1. Choose your agency and make your donation as follows:

U.S. blue-badge employees: Make donations to American Red Cross, or any other U.S.-based 501c(3) relief organization. If the organization does not have a specific program for this particular disaster, please choose the generic fund or the international fund for that organization.

Non-U.S. blue-badge employees: Make donations to the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies, your local Red Cross organization, or any other organization specifically assisting with the relief efforts with dedicated funds.

Green-badge contractors are not eligible for this program.2. Obtain a receipt of payment. Valid options are:

Receipt (e-receipts from online payment are encouraged)
Copy of your check (make copy before you mail it to the organization)

3. Submit your receipt of payment by November 2, 2009. All documentation must be received by the Intel Foundation by this date electronically. Include your name and WWID on all correspondence. If the donation is in a different amount other than USD, please provide the amount in USD. Email your electronic receipt or a scanned copy of your check to Relief Funds.

Please include the word "Philippines," "Vietnam," “typhoon” or “Ketsana” in the subject line of the receipt—this will ensure you receive an email acknowledgement of your donation. Do not also send a hard copy.

4. While employees may give to the organization of their choice, the Intel Foundation will maximize the impact of its matching grant (and minimize overhead) by giving to the American Red Cross who is supporting relief efforts in the Philippines, Vietnam, and other impacted geographies.

Do not make checks payable to the Intel Foundation, do not send cash, and do not send original checks to the Intel Foundation. Donations must be personal donations from the employee only.

Site collection

If you are coordinating a site collection project in which monetary collections will occur in the cafeterias or for your business unit, please contact relief.funds@intel.com immediately for the information on the process that must be followed. Site collections for goods and food are discouraged. For questions on this process, contact: relief.funds@intel.com