Retreats, Auctions, Faith Cafe and more ....

Dear Friends & Kababayans,


Hope you had a chance to watch the Presidential Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama yesterday. That was truly a historical event, almost 2M people watched it. They all stayed even with the cold weather. Total of four former presidents were present. For those of you who missed it, click this web link for his remarkable speech http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/president-obamas-inaugura_n_159370.html. Imagine if every one of us gives him and the members of the congress a blessing everyday he could lead our nation into the right direction. Wouldn’t it be nice if the nation’s economy will turn around for good, the schools will get better and will have an affordable health care for everyone to enjoy? Who knows even the “Freedom of Choice Act” proposed by the new Congress will be ignored to benefit the unborn babies. Kindly remember them in our prayers.

Here is a musical event that will add another feather in the cap for our talented musician Ken Canedo. He will be presenting this Saturday, January 24th, at St. Clare Parish, from 10:00am to Noon, a “Choral Reading Retreat” where he will share his music from Doxology with choirs from around the Portland region. It will also be a retreat for the participants as he shares reflections on the mystery of the Trinity. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Ladies do you need a break from your busy schedule? Holy Trinity Parish is offering a Women’s Retreat on Saturday, February 7th. We gather at 8:30 am for refreshments, retreat from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and then, it will end with a mass with Fr. Dave. My daughter and I had an opportunity to attend this kind of a retreat last year with a different theme and it was fabulous. We had a bonding time with each other and with the Lord. It is geared for women ages from 16 to 100+ so you can invite your daughters, moms, grandmas and friends. Kindly click this web site for the directions: http://h-t.org/.

“A Taste of Peace” Wine Tasting & Silent Auction to support the ministries of the “Our Lady of Peace Retreat House” in Beaverton will be held on Saturday, February 7th, from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Kindly, call 503-649-7127 or click this web site http://www.olpretreat.org/ for reservations. Our two Filipina Nuns (Sis Socorro and Sis Therese) who reside there, are extending their invitations to us. The members of the Legion of Mary volunteered to help with this Auction. Please come and join the fun.

Our community will be serving at the Faith Café on Sunday, February 8th, starting at 3:30PM until 8PM. We encourage you to join us and serve the least of our brothers and sisters in Christ. It will be a good opportunity for those needing community service hours. United First Methodist is located on the corner of SW 4th and SW Watson in Beaverton.

Do you have a reservation for Valentine’s Day? If not, the National Catholic Society of Forrester invites you to the Family Date Night. The Dinner features exotic Asian cuisine, from 6pm to 9pm, on Saturday, February 14th at our Lady of Sorrow Church in Portland. This event will benefit “Teresa Charities” Mission in the Philippines. It is heartwarming to hear the Filipino community at OLS is working together to raise funds to feed the elderly and poor back in our homeland. Detailed information is in the attached flyer.

There are lots of people hurting due to this down economy and one way we could help them is to give them support. If you or you know someone who needs a place to stay in the Beaverton area, there are two Filipino Families who have houses for rent. If you are interested, please give Grace a call at 503-531-9407 (h), 503-502-2715 (cell) and Remy at 503-645-9377.

Lastly, the intimate concert of Joey Albert at the Grotto last Sunday was a joy. We had another opportunity to see the Dambana. If you haven’t visited it lately, the new glass enclosure for the three statues was beautifully made. It survived the stormy weather. Dambana is a Filipino Shrine that every one of us should be proud of. We are truly grateful for all your support to make it happened. It was finally completed and this was only possible because of the excellent leadership of Pia Deleon, Titay Schoomer, and Dolly Specht.

Maraming Salamat Po and God bless us!

Many Thanks and Future Ordinations

Dear Friends and kababayans,

What a glorious festivities last Saturday at Mount Angel in honor of our Santo Nino! It was truly a great honor in our community to have Archbishop John G. Vlasny who celebrated the mass and the President-Rector of the Mount Angel Seminary, The Very Reverend Richard Paperini who concelebrated along with several priests. It was a joyful and memorable event because your presence and the invited religious congregation filled up the Damain Center. They kept putting more chairs to accommodate everyone and yet, we had a standing room. The angelic voices of the Filipino Seminarians in the choir and some guests from San Francisco sang the liturgical songs so beautifully. The decoration was so festive, especially the bahay-kubo which brought some fond memories of our homeland. And yes, the feast of Santo Nino wasn’t complete without the Sinulog Procession (a dance offerings and prayers), the dancers were followed outdoor by the enthusiastic crowd. God is so good to us, even the weather cooperated! Of course the delightful food (rice, chicken adobo, pancit, lechon, lumpia and many more were served for everyone to enjoy! While eating, our international acclaimed artists, Joey Albert rendered a few songs, the famous TINIKLING dance was performed by the Sinulog of Portland, and a video that the seminarians put together was presented. Wow, the fine leadership of Manolito Jaldon and the rest of the Filipino Seminarians united many of us and did a wonderful job in organizing this amazing event, kindly see their email below. We are truly grateful for the outpouring support you have given to them.

This year there will be more blessings coming to our community. Mark your calendars, on Saturday, May 23rd, Rally Bien will be ordained as a deacon and on Saturday, June 13th, Deacon Cary Reniva and Deacon Maro Escano will be ordained in the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Portland. All of them will serve in the Portland Archdiocese. Here is the web link http://www.usccb.org/nab/ of the scripture readings for today which talks about the priesthood of Christ. You might want to listen also to the daily reflection. Please continue to pray for them that they will meet all the requirements for their graduations and ordinations. We are grateful Lord in grooming these fine young men into priesthood to serve YOU and your people.

The Lord takes delight on His people (you and me). Let us love one another as Christ loves the church and continue to pray for each other. Pray especially for our New-Elect President Barack Obama as he will begin his office starting tomorrow that our loving God will continue to guide his decisions and give him double dose of wisdom to serve the country and its people. For your leisure, check out the attached email about a Filipina chef in the White House.

Wishing you a peaceful day and enjoy the sun!

Maraming Salamat Po and God bless us!

Gentle Reminder - Feast of Santo

Dear Friends & Kababayans,

This is a gentle reminder of our upcoming event and of course the excitement is building up for the festivity at Mt. Angel Abbey/Seminary this coming Saturday, January 17th at 11 am. Kindly click this blog site http://mas-filipinos.blogspot.com/ that our Filipino Seminarians put together for our common love to the Santo Nino. Some of you asked for the directions to the Abbey, please see below:

DIRECTIONS TO MT. ANGEL ABBEY

Mount Angel Abbey
One Abbey Drive
St. Benedict, Oregon 97373

From Beaverton, take Hwy 217 South and merge onto I-5 South
Take exit 271 – WOODBURN

LEFT on Hwy 214 (Newberg Hwy) East
RIGHT on Hwy 99E South (Mt. Angel Abbey) (Landmark on your left is Safeway Store)
PROCEED through 2 stoplights
At the 3rd stoplight, turn LEFT on YOUNG Street (Hwy 214)
(Landmark: Smuckers) (Sign: Mt. Angel 7 miles)
CONTINUE driving. You will see a “WELCOME OCTOBERFEST” Sign.

PROCEED past MAIN Street (NOTE: SPEED LIMIT is 20-25 mph)
LEFT on CHURCH Street East. (Landmarks: Chevron, Clock, NAPA Auto Parts)
RIGHT on East COLLEGE Street. Continue driving
Turn RIGHT on ABBEY DRIVE. We will meet at the Damian Center.

We look forward to see all of you and remember to invite your families and friends so we can show our big support to our seminarians.

Maraming Salamat Po and God bless!

Feast of Santo Nino

Dear Friends & Kababayans,

Peace of Christ be with you!

Thank you for all those who came and celebrated the Simbang Gabi Masses in the EASTSIDE and at St. Helens Parish in Sweet Home. Some of you braved the weather even for two or three nights. These would not have happened if it is not for the fine leaderships of Millette Dela Cruz, Titay Schommer and Fr. Denish Ilogon in the eastside and Fr. Henry Rufo in Sweet Home. We are also grateful to Maryann Gaviola, Gigi Wolf and Divinia Poe for organizing the feast of the Holy Family in Salem. It was a joyful event with fine fellowships after the mass, delicious food and marvelous entertainment.

Our Filipino Seminarians at Mt. Angel Abbey are now busy preparing for the upcoming celebration of the Feast of Santo Nino, on Saturday, January 17th, at 11am. Archbishop John G. Vlasny will be presiding the mass. Please see the attached email from Pia DeLeon and Manolito Jaldon for detailed information including the concert of Joey Albert on the following day. In addition, Rudy Del Rosario is directing the SINULOG "Pit Senyor" procession/parade for the entertainment and they are still in need of people to join in. If you are interested to join in the fun, there will be a rehearsal on Saturday, January 10th, at 12:30pm, at Holy Trinity Parish in Beaverton. For more information, please see the attached email from Vanessa Bradley.

Are you looking for a Filipino Restaurant? If you happened to be in the Westside, there is a Filipino Restaurant called Zensation that opened a few months ago, click this website http://www.zensationrestaurant.com/ to get their menu. Also Ken Canedo mentioned after coming back from the Holidays that there is a Vegetarian Filipino Restaurant in the Los Angeles area. He said, “A Filipino restaurant in America is rare, but a VEGETARIAN Filipino restaurant is truly one-of-a-kind. I could not believe how good their adobo and pancit tasted, even without the meat. They use firm tofu that is shaped like meat and cooked the Filipino way. Incredible! I only wish they had a franchise here in Portland. Here is the website http://www.papillonvgcuisine.com/index.htm. They also serve meat dishes for those in the dinner party who might prefer their homba with real pork.” Speaking of our national talented artist, Ken Canedo just released a New CD – DOXOLOGY. Please see this website http://h-t.org/Doxology.htm to order. We love Ken’s music. It is always a nice treat to listen to him especially when he plays the piano at the 11:15 mass at Holy Trinity. He also shares his talent to the community when we have big events. He’ll be there for the feast of Santo Nino and greet him when you see him.

Wishing you a happy and peaceful day!

Simbang Gabi on the 23rd is cancelled

Dear Friends and Kababayans,

The weather is not cooperating with us. The snow continues to accumulate this afternoon and it is almost 2 feet in our backyard. We regret to say that our plan to celebrate the mass on the 23rd (tomorrow) with Bishop Kenneth Steiner is also cancelled.

As I gazed at the windows and see the snows falling I couldn’t help but to give glory and praise to our loving God for the beautiful sight. I’ve seen my neighbors joyfully dancing outside along with their loved ones while the children are having a blast playing and throwing snowballs to each others. I don’t even have to drive many miles to enjoy this once in a life time scenery. Even though there are several cancellation due to this inclement weather, it reminds me of what Fr. Dave said during his homily when we attended the Sunday morning service, “we need to yield (give way) to God’s plan. The event that is happening may not be in our favor and sometimes it gives us anxiety but like Mama Mary, she said yes to conceive a child and give birth to our Lord Jesus Christ, our SAVIOR!” May we also YIELD to the plans of our loving God in our lives for us and welcome Jesus in our hearts especially this coming Christmas! Moreover, we are truly blessed and we have so much to be grateful for: the gifts of life and love, the gifts of family and friends, also the freedom to express our gift of FAITH. Since we have more bonding time with our families, may we remember and pray for the homeless during this severe cold weather, the soldiers fighting for our freedom and the people who are away from their loved ones.

The Christmas Eve masses at Holy Trinity Parish are at 4 PM, 6 PM and 9 PM while Christmas Day Mass is at 9 AM. The forecast weather will be above freezing point and hopefully some of the snow will thaw.

Other events to keep in mind are the Feast of Holy Family at Queen of Peace Parish in Salem on Sunday, December 28th, at 4 PM; the mass will be officiated by Fr. Henry Rufo and the Feast of Santo Nino at Mt. Angel Abbey, on Saturday, January 17th, at 11am, Archbishop John G. Vlasny will be the Presider. Refer to the attachment for additional information. It is greatly appreciated if you could pass on the information to your families and friends. Come and help us celebrate!!!

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Blissful New Year!

"Think of 5 things to be grateful today and feel the presence of God in our lives. Bless 5 people today and it will certainly enrich us. Pray that our lights shine bright so others may see the goodness of our loving God through us. Lord help us to know you more and guide us where ever you want us to serve you. Thank you for watching us grow in holiness, beauty, and wisdom." Monette Mallari

Cancellation of Simbang Gabi

Dear Friends and Kababayans,

Hope you are keeping yourself warm during this cold weather.

Our apologies, we won’t be able to hold the Simbang Gabi (Christmas Novena) Masses because of the severe cold weather we have in the Metro Portland area. The weather forecast for the next 7 days is below freezing point, more snows on Wednesday and Thursday while freezing rain will come on Saturday and Sunday. If the weather gets better on the 23rd, tentatively we will gather and celebrate as a community. Bishop Kenneth Steiner is scheduled to preside the mass at 7PM at Holy Trinity Parish in Beaverton.

I am grateful, our flight came back last Saturday from Sydney, Australia and avoided the snow and came home safely. My sister and I had a wonderful trip meeting our relatives from Down Under. Sydney’s weather is warm since it is their Summer time. We rode the ferry (super catamaran) going to the city and seen the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House. The view of the city was spectacular when we were up at the Sydney Tower. We also visited one of the local animal zoo, the FeatherDale Zoo. Some of the animals we have seen are the famous Kangaroos with their babies on their pouches, the Koala Bears and the Tasmanian Devils. It is a Sanctuary for varieties of birds. Our cousins brought us to see the three sisters at the Blue Mountains. What an amazing place! We also spent time with my nephew and his family in Melbourne. Thank you for your prayers while we were away. We were able to bond with my uncle’s family during their mornings and able to appreciate God’s beautiful creations.

Stay warm and hopefully will see you on the 23rd.

Maraming Salamat PO and God Bless us!

"Think of 5 things to be grateful today and feel the presence of God in our lives. Bless 5 people today and it will certainly enrich us. Pray that our lights shine bright so others may see the goodness of our loving God through us. Lord help us to know you more and guide us where ever you want us to serve you. Thank you for watching us grow in holiness, beauty, and wisdom." Monette Mallari

Simbang Gabi Schedule 2008 - Christmas Novena Masses

Dear Friends and Kababayans,

Peace of Christ be with you! Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

You are cordially invited on Monday, December 15th, at 7:00 PM, at Holy Trinity Parish in Beaverton to celebrate the first anticipated/Vigil mass of our Simbang Gabi. The culmination of the Christmas Novena masses will be celebrated by Bishop Kenneth Steiner on December 23rd. It is a great blessing that several priests from the Archdiocese of Portland have generously given their time to preside during the liturgies. In the Eastside of the town, the Simbang Gabi will be held at St. Therese Church in Portland. Like last year, the Servite Priest at the Grotto, Fr. Denish Ilogon will be presiding all the masses. Please see the attached flyer for detailed information.

We are grateful that several families and groups have volunteered to host and will provide light refreshments, typical Filipino kakanin after each mass.

In addition Fr. Henry Rufo, the Parish Priest at St. Helens Parish in Sweet Home will celebrate the Simbang Gabi masses, from December 16 through the 24th for the first time. The time of masses varies; please see the flyer for more information.

On December 28th, at 4pm, the Filipino Community in Salem will hold a mass for the Feast of Holy Family, at Queen of Peace Parish. Detailed information is in the attached flyer.

Boy oh boy, we are truly excited and we hope that by celebrating our traditions it will give inspirations to our brothers and sisters who need deeper fellowships during this advent season in preparation for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Kindly pass on this information to our brothers and sisters who may be interested in celebrating Simbang Gabi.
May God's Love, Peace, and Joy be with you during this Christmas Season!

Maraming Salamat Po and God Bless!

"Think of 5 things to be grateful today and feel the presence of God in our lives. Bless 5 people today and it will certainly enrich us. Pray that our lights shine bright so others may see the goodness of our loving God through us. Lord help us to know you more and guide us where ever you want us to serve you. Thank you for watching us grow in holiness, beauty, and wisdom." Monette Mallari