Ugnayan Newsletter

Simbang Gabi
Despite the rainy night, our Simbang Gabi was well attended. The mass was celebrated by Fr. Thomas Naval, known as the singing priest of St. Justin Martyr Parish in Anaheim. Our Filipino Choir provided the music during the mass and made us feel homesick with their Tagalog Christmas songs. A new touch in our celebration was the procession of St. Joseph (Mark Salenga), Mama Mary (Aniela Tolentino) and the Infant Jesus, which was laid before the altar and followed by the parade of lanterns (parols) by the children.

There were lots of food and food donations from our generous members. There were also parlor games for the children and adults and many prizes were given to the winners.

Caroling by the Filipino Choir
Despite the hectic schedule of the Christmas holidays, our Filipino Choir was able to squeeze in some scheduled caroling to some of our members. Listening to their Tagalog Christmas songs surely brought back memories of our native land during this holiday season.

Forthcoming event:

Sinulog
We will start the new year with our Sinulog celebration on Saturday, January 15th. Assembly at the Saint Cecilia Statue at 3:45 p.m. We will start procession at 4:00 p.m. and head to the Church for the 5:00 p.m. Mass. The Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City. The festival honors the vision of the Child Jesus, known as the Santo Niño (Holy Child), who is the patron of the City of Cebu. It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people's Islamic and pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano adverb sulog which is "like water current movement," which describes the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance. The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, done to the sound of drums. Candle vendors at the Basilica continue to perform the traditional version of the dance when lighting a candle for the customer, usually accompanied by songs in the native language.

Birthday celebrants:
Ronald Agarao, Aprylle Avila, Jennifer Barreras, Jimmy De Guzman, Cecilia Deduyo, Vic Dulla, Cynthia Engracia, Jacqueline Facundo, Estela Felix, Carlos Letrondo,Jr., Lilibeth Landayan Flores, Hazel Limbo, Merly Miguel, Dr.Gerry Tolentino, Aniela Tolentino

Wedding anniversaries:
Ricardo and Elizabeth Aquino, Maurice and Ofelia Cachola, Tony and Bel Lagman, Carlos,Jr. and Elisa Letrondo, Bernie and Hazel Limbo, Charlie and Leticia Morales, Jun and Let-Let Sayo