New blood energizes Kalayaan
Kalayaan’s celebration of Philippine Independence Day in June promises to be something worth waiting for. New blood has been injected into the working committees headed by veteran Vangie Alcasid, over-all coordinator and Kalayaan elders strongly believe this will revitalize the organization - that young blood working side by side with veteran past chairs of Kalayaan will be the magic formula to produce a successful celebration like no other before. Since the latter part of 2005, everyone has been on his/ her toes working towards a successful anniversary celebration of the declaration of Philippine independence this year. Already, the different committees are busy preparing for the festivities that will culminate in the Philippine festival/community picnic at the MississaugaValleyCommunityPark.
A revitalized Kalayaan leadership includes Dr. Christina Lacsina Gamo, chair of the Pista sa Nayon that will be held on April 29, 2006. This will be a whole day affair and will feature cultural shows and exhibits participated in by Filipino organizations all over Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area. A popular ball in the evening will be highlighted by the coronation of Miss Kalayaan 2006.
Marlo Mallari another new blood, co-chairs with past Kalayaan chairman Elpidio “Boy” Baluca for the Gala Independence Day Ball. They have their counterparts from the Philippine Independence Day Council. The gala night program committee is chaired by Winston Lim who is not in the real sense of the word, a newcomer to Kalayaan. Members Joe Manzanares and Bobby Gonzales are “new blood.” The registration and ticket control committee has newcomers Jess Carlos and Danny Reyes with old timers Joe Ragual and Mary Joy de la Cruz Past Chair Pete Carin advises the group. Ticket sales manned by newcomers to Kalayaan but veterans in their own right for this job are: Ted Dayno, Chairman and members Leonie Manzanares, Tita Badilla, Fely Castelo and Dr. Christie Gamo. The reception committee chaired by veteran Demie Padilla is of entirely new blood: Carolyn Mallari, Mely Beltran, Princess Lim, Sol Aquino. Madge Baluca is their adviser. For door prizes we have a bunch of newcomers chaired by Arlene Ragual with members Chris Beltran and Jaime Hauyon. Kalayaan father Ruffy Romano advises them. And for the decorations, newcomers all but advised by veteran Vangie Alcasid, we have Chair Rosette Santiago and members Carmen Hill, Doming Badilla, Cely Sarmiento and Ruby Parinas. Tickets cost $55 per person prepaid until May 27 and $65 after that date. The gala event will be held at the Double Tree International Plaza Hotel at Dixon Road, Etobicoke on Saturday, June 10, 2006.
The souvenir program is chaired by old timer Rudy Alcasid with members Adie de la Cruz and Thelma Uson and newcomer Victor Humilde. Mama Ching Quejas is adviser. Except for the chaiman, Al Tupe, the ad solicitation Committee is entirely new blood: Frank Aquino, Rene Gamo, Tess Mendoza, William Mendoza and Renato Cabrera.
The finance and audit committee is chaired by veteran Carlos Padilla with new member Ed Sarmiento and veteran Rene Galvez. Willie Cantos is adviser.
Pista sa Nayon is a pet project of the fund raising committee. Dra. Gamo, chairman of the event, has sent out letters to the community inviting participation by everyone and the response is very encouraging. Ruffy Romano, chairman of the raffle committee, finally got the license from City Hall Mississauga and the tickets are being printed at this time. Hopefully, the raffle sales will start by the end of January. Rene Galvez who chairs the community picnic is almost done with setting the tune for the event. He worked ahead of time for the necessary permits and arrangements with City Hall that with just a few minor things to do, all will be ready except getting the people to the park. (PRESS RELEASE)