PHILIPPINE Vice President Jejomar C. Binay came, saw and conquered the Filipino-American community in New York when he arrived on June 4, 2011.

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1 Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory. Spanish proverb *** PHILIPPINE Vice President Jejomar C. Binay came, saw and conquered the Filipino-American community in New York when he arrived on June 4, Upon arrival, he and his entourage proceeded to the Rockland County home of Manny Sanchez for lunch. Then on to St. Catharine auditorium in Blauvelt for a meet-and-greet after the Santacruzan procession of pretty sagalas and cute escorts and lovely ladies in eye-catching ternos, each one with her own designation like Reyna Elena, etc., etc. Truly, too numerous to remember. 1 / 8

2 Filipino Association of Rockland (FAR) president Elmer Abustan and his beautiful wife Rhecy, and all the officers and members like Mr. and Mrs. Eric Santos, Mr. and Mrs. Ric Aberion did a good job in putting up this wonderful event attended by around 300 people not only from Rockland but from other boroughs of New York and neighboring states like New Jersey. VP Binay was received warmly by the community when he arrived midway the program of singing, dancing (native and ballroom) and many other palabas. He delivered a speech and answered questions during the open forum. So did Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and Ambassador Libran Cabactulan. It was an enjoyable day for everyone, our grandchildren included, as they live in Rockland with their parents. They re very much aware of their Filipino roots. And so, they declared they want to join the Independence Day parade but, of course, not us as it s been five years that we ve not attended, and our legs are too old for the walking. But geez, they want us to be with them, and, as most grandparents would agree they become the bosses of our lives. Well, it was fun and a great parade. 2 / 8

3 And, we walked with pride and dignity keeping in mind that we both were chosen grand marshals (Bert in 1997 and me in 2005) where I m proud to say, I have raised more than $110,000 for PIDCI This space congratulates PIDCI 2011 led by its president Joji J. Jalandoni, and our dear hijad o & h ijada (on their silver wedding anniversary), the beautiful couple Grand Marshals 2011 Dr. Edith and Nick Libramonte. Hooray to all of them for a grand parade! And, hooray to VP Jojo Binay and his party, to Philippine ambassador to the U.S. Jose L. Cui sia, Jr. and wife Vicky, to Philippine ambassador to the United Nations Libran Cabactulan and wife Fe, to Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and wife Eleanor, to Deputy Consul General Millie Sta. Maria - Thomeczek, to Tourism Director Emma Ruth Yulo 3 / 8

4 , and to all the officers and staff of both the Consulate and Mission. PIDCI Independence Day parade in New York on June 5. The Pelayo and McCarthy family. Front, l.-r.: Tyler, Amanda and Brett McCarthy. Back, l.-r.: Bert Pelayo, L.P. Pelayo, Dr. Tessa del Carmen-Pelayo, Dr. Linda Pelayo, Joy Pelayo-McCarthy and Chris McCarthy. Not in photo: Patrick Pelayo. (Photo by Manny Caballero) *** Erich Steinbock (managing director) is pleased to welcome back Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga ( Miss Saigon ) to Café Carlyle in an exclusive three-week return engagement. Beginning June 7 and playing through June 25, Lea will present An Evening With Lea 4 / 8

5 Salonga, an all-new program of songs, including Filipino music, musical theater and the Great American Songbook. From her beginnings in the recording industry, television and musical theater in her native Philippines, Lea was catapulted to international stardom with her Olivier and Tony Award-winning turn in Miss Saigon. From Saigon to Les Misérables to the voices of Disney s Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and the title character in Mulan for Lea, this has been an incredible journey, including her much anticipated Café Carlyle debut last season. Lea will be supported by a quartet led by her musical director and pianist Larry Yurman. The evening will be directed by Daniel Kutner. An Evening With Lea Salonga will play Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:45 p.m. with additional shows on Friday and Saturday at 10:45 p.m. Dinner (required) is served at 6:30 p.m. There is a music charge of $75 (Tuesday to Friday), $85 (Saturday) and $45 at the bar. Café Carlyle is located in The Carlyle Hotel, 35 East 76th Street at Madison Avenue, and is what Liz Smith calls the favorite of all New York nightspots. For reservations, call / 8

6 For additional information, visit *** Ending with a quote: Life is short But death is sure Sin is the cause Christ is the cure. PIDCI 2011 marchers category grand prize winner. 6 / 8

7 Vice President Jejomar C. Binay speaking at the Filipino Association of Rockland (FAR) event on June 4. (Photo by Nanding Mendez) 7 / 8

8 Lovely Rockland by Nanding ladies County Mendez) lining Santacruzan up to shake festivities. hands with Shown Vice President greeting him Jejomar is Mila C. Mendez. Binay at the (Photo 8 / 8