SINO'NG KARAPAT-DAPAT SA 2010?

Takbo ng pulitika sa Pilipinas, walang pagbabago..pinaghaharian pa rin ng mga oportunista at mapagpaimbabaw. Ang kailangan natin ay isang lider na may tunay na malasakit at handang magtiis o mag-sakripisyo para sa kapakanan ng buong sambayanan, isang lider na may tunay na hangaring maiahon ang bansa sa lugmok ng kahirapan. Hindi pulitikong nadadala lamang ng simpatya at awa..disin sana'y ganito na rin ang ginawa ng inyong lingkod nang yumao ang aking ama noong araw, marahil naging alkalde ako ng aming bayan sa dami ng mga nakiramay sa aming pamilya ng mga panahong yaon. Mag-isip naman tayo ng malalim mahal kong mga kababayan.. sino ba sa mga naghahangad maging pangulo ang karapat-dapat? Huwag naman sana tayong padala sa ating mga damdamin, sabi nga ng isang popular na awitin, isip o puso? Sino ba sa mga ito ang may tunay na hangaring maglingkod? Kung ang ihahain nila sa bayan ay habulin ang kayamanan ng mga Marcos, lumang tugtugin na ito. Bayan ko, gumising ka naman!!!

Calumpit Fiesta in Canada
The Samahang Calumpit-Canada (SCC) had another successful annual fiesta/picnic celebration (their 15th year) held at Simeon Park in Gormley, Ontario last 25th of June. SCC’s outgoing president, Joven Talampas was very pleased with the outcome of this year’s celebration, which according to him (and as evidenced by the photos shown in this link) was the best one ever, with everyone taking part and the first celebration ever held on a Sunday. I’m really proud of SCC as it serves as a role model for other overseas Filipino groups. This group demonstrates the true spirit of solidarity and is passionate, keeping our local tradition alive in a modern society with a different culture. Mabuhay ang mga kababayan natin dyan sa Canada!!

More about fiestas, the Provincial Government of Bulacan will again be holding the “Pistang Bulacan sa Amerika” by participating at the Philippine-American Exposition Home Show and Auto Show, this time at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, Los Angeles, California on September 30 & October 1. Last year, Pistang Bulacan was held in Las Vegas. This year's event was made possible through the efforts of the United Bulakenyos of California and the Bulacan International Services Investment group (BISIG) led by Ms. Jessie N. Sioson in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bulacan. Governor Josie dela Cruz has made an announcement of this special event and details can be found by following this link.

Laguna Provincial Governor Teresita Santiago-Lazaro is a Kalumpitenya...Laguna Provincial Gov. Teresita Santiago-Lazaro hails from Calumpit, Bulacan. Gov. Lazaro was born in Barangay San Jose on November 18, 1942 and attended San Jose Elementary School. She was a teacher at Cabuyao and Calamba Elementary School between 1964-1974. Gov. Lazaro first entered politics in 1986 when she was elected as a Councilor of Calamba between 1986-1988 and became the Vice-Mayor between 1988-1992. She continued her outstanding service in local government and was elected as a provincial board member in 1992 and later became Vice-Governor between December 1992 and February 2001...read more about Gov. Lazaro by following this link. Also visit Laguna's provincial website by clicking: Laguna

Fiesta fever in the Philippines: It’s the time of the year again where we celebrate fiestas all over the country, and one of the most colorful May-time festivals in the Philippines is the Santacruzan or Flores de Mayo. Santacruzan is a religious-historical beauty pageant introduced by the Spaniards in the Philippines and has since become part of Filipino traditions identified with youth, love and romance. This festival commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena) and her son, the newly converted emperor Constantine. After the Holy Cross was found in Jerusalem and brought back to Rome, there was a joyful celebration for thanksgiving.

A novena (nine days of prayer) in honor of the Holy Cross precedes the Flores de Mayo or Santacruzan.

In our hometown of Calumpit, Barangay Caniogan is celebrating its fiesta on Sunday in honor of their patron, Sta. Cruz with Noel Laforteza as this year’s fiesta committee chairman. SKMM was told that a motocross was held today (Friday) with Jove Saulog as one of the guest participants. There will be more special events tomorrow and will be culminating on Sunday.

Next Filipino Blesseds are Kalumpitenyas: Two noble ladies Mother Dionisia Mitas Talangpaz (1691-1732) and Mother Cecilia Rosa Talangpaz (1693-1731) from Calumpit, Bulacan, founders of the Beaterio de San Sebastian whose beatification process is now in full swing are known for their exemplary lives of prayer, self denial, service to the Church and apostolate that attracted young Filipinas. Have a glimpse in the lives of these 2 Talangpaz sisters by clicking here.

Pabasa sa Canada..In an era that glorifies everything modern and urbanized, there is still room for traditional religious rituals like the pabasa. The pabasa is a uniquely Filipino tradition of reading or singing the Pasyon (passion), a book narrating the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And here's a classic example demonstrated by our dear kababayan from Canada when they held a pabasa on Good Friday hosted by our good mates, Gordo & Lynn Torres. SKMM would like to share the photos taken during the pabasa - pls. click here. Kumusta po kayong lahat diyan sa Canada!!