Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia at 26037 Rachel Hill Drive, South Riding, VA 20152 US - "An Evening with Friends"

Organizers ( l to r) Luisa, Maricris, Arceli

A gathering of Filipino Young Adults at Manila Café last March 29, dubbed "An Evening With Friends", brought people from as far as Richmond, Baltimore, Bowie and the greater Northern Virginia Area, to share a casual evening with friends. As Arceli Magpayo says “Most of my friends said they enjoyed the evening especially the food, entertainment, & karaoke. They found the place quite conducive, delightful, cozy, relaxing, & basically more like a night to chill out with common friends, seeing old & new friends being around & hearing some inspiring songs rather than spending the whole night out in the club. They liked and enjoyed the evening and hope to do it again”. Ed Tiong, host and coordinator of the event, shares that purpose of the event was to provide a venue whereby Filipino Young Adults can relax, network and socialize among friends and acquaintances. In addition, he states that there is also a lack of attention geared to the cultural needs and spiritual growth of the Filipino American Young Adult Community and that somehow this needs should be address. The initial success of the event validates this need and Fr. Jerome Magat states that he certainly will participate in the planning of upcoming activities and formation of programs for the Filipino American Young Adult Community. An observation among the Post-Vatican II and 2nd generation Filipino Young adults is their inherent appreciation and love for “salu-salo” or “meal –orientedness” and “kundiman-oriented”, about sad Filipino song about wounded love. An awesome sampling of the "Filipino Style Buffet" from appetizers, main courses like lechon, caldereta, adobo, pansit, barbecue and more, topping of with desserts ranging from guinataan, bibingka, banana cue was enough to fill a battalion. While others lined up at buffet table and others feasted on their meal, they were entertained by Arceli with her vocal rendition of “Nandito Ako” (Ogie Alcasid original). Jandi Arboleda, composer and co-founder of Bukas Palad Music Ministry from the Philippines, sang some of his original compositions like "Teach my Heart", a Prayer of St. Anselm, from a CD compilation of the unique and latest "New Sounds of Manila-Something More” by the Bukas Palad Music Ministry". Alex Teneza leads the St. Columba Fil Min Young Adults Choir with more singing. Afterwards, Fr. Jerome Magat, our special guest, shared his inspiring story of friendship with his college buddies at University of Virginia, whom he attributed help him remain faithful in his chosen vocation-a priest. There were special guests present to support the event namely, Fr. Cesar Marin, S.J., Fr. John Ledesma, Cecile Motus (Asian Pacific Ministry Coordinator for the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) and Raymund Sucgang, Chapter leader for the Singles For Christ in the greater Washington area. Singles for Christ Community members comprise half of the attendees. It seems that the fun really began around "Karaoke" time when guests and participants shared their singing talents with friends and acquaintances. The organizers of the event were Ed and Maricor Tiong, Luisa Velasco, Maricris Javier, Arceli Magpayo, Jandi Arboleda, and Fr. Jerome Magat, as adviser, looks forward to their next activity. Please check any updates at their website www.filipinoministry.catholicweb.com. For any suggestions or ideas, please email us at filipinoministry@catholicweb.com. Or call 703-403-5624.

(Back)