Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Mercedes Arrastia-Tuason will lead the Filipino community in Italy in attending the blessing of the mosaic image of San Pedro Calungsod by Pope Francis on Nov. 21, at the crypt of the popes under the Basilica of St. Peter.
The image has been built into the wall beside the tomb of Pope Paul VI.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will officiate the concelebrated Mass afterward.
Calungsod Chapel at SM Aura
The devotion of Felicidad “Nanang” Sy to San Pedro Calungsod knows no bounds. The latest place of worship she had built through SM Foundation is the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. It was recently dedicated with Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara leading the dedication ceremony and concelebrated Mass. In attendance were SM chair Henry Sy Sr., Nanang Sy and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.
Chapel chaplain is Fr. Romy Samaniego. Mass schedules on weekdays are at 12 noon and 5 p.m., and on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Aureo Alonzo and Manaoag
Everybody was saying that it was a miracle that Supertyphoon “Yolanda” went away on the day of the “Tribute to Aureo Alonzo” fashion show at the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Casino Manila.
“Tatang,” as he is called affectionately by his friends and admirers, attributed the clear weather to the miraculous intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, patroness of Pangasinan, to whom he has a devotion.
And so it was that the image of the Virgin Mary was present during the thanksgiving Mass at 6 p.m. outside the ballroom with Fr. Vic Cruz, Fr. Francisco “Kit” Alagas and Fr. Boyd Sulpico, OP, as concelebrants. It was not only the weather that was good, it was also the presence of friends and clients who came to give support.
The mounting of the show had been difficult. But the commitment of designers Erik Santos, Rey Lazaro, Ferdinand “Pencil” Diestra and Tente Wilwayco made it all possible with the support of fashion director Veda Bañez Alonzo, photographers Noel Maglaque and Tony Villanueva, Sari Paz Villar of Crossover 105.1 FM that made a video wall, and Hyatt Regency Hotel & Casino Manila.
Clients as models
Besides professional models Marina Benipayo, Lou Bunyi and Patty Betita, some of the clients of Aureo Alonzo modeled his clothes: Elaine Villar, Marietta Guanzon-Holmgren, Victoria Tengco-Burgos, Marissa Fenton, Gabriela Concepcion, Tess Castro, Cora Defensor and Partylist Rep. Kim Lokin. Businessman Allan Tengco of Baliuag Transit modeled the barong Tagalog of Aureo.
Karilagan models during the time of “Tita” Conching Sunico at the Manila Hilton walked down the ramp with the clothes of Tente Wilwayko.
In one table were Tatang’s supporters—Rose Celis, Baby Perez-Sison and Teresita Castro of Zonta Club Manila; Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor Arlene Arcillas; Dr. Leonida Ortiz, president of the National Council of Women of the Philippines; Sonny Tanchanco and John Gaddi.
Perhaps, what really kept those involved going with this fashion show for a cause was what designer Rey Lazaro told them: “God will provide. We have friends. We have lots of prayers. We have lots of guts.” Another motivating force was that they wanted to help in this fashion for a cause.
Miraculous Medal fiesta
Devotees of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal will flock to her National Shrine and Parish in Posadas Village, Muntinlupa City, Nov. 18 to 26, for the Novena Masses at 6 p.m. Celebrants are Fr. Raymund Regua, CM, Nov. 18; Fr. Larry Tan, SDB, Nov. 19; Fr. Rex Fortes, CM, Nov. 20; Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP, Nov. 21; Fr. Renato Ruelos, CM, Nov. 22; Fr. Ruel Pura, CM, Nov. 23; Fr. Peter Solis, Nov. 24; Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP, Nov. 25; and Fr. Danny Pilarioo, CM, Nov. 26.
Fr. Diwane Cacao of the Sancti Dei Healing Center in Los Baños will hold a healing Mass on Nov. 23, 7 a.m.
Schedule of Masses on fiesta day, Nov. 27: 6 a.m. (Tagalog) with Fr. Noel Bisco, CM, parish priest; 7:30 a.m., Fr. Kit Torayno, CM; 9 a.m., Fr. Kiko Magnaye, CM; 9 a.m., Fr. Jimmy Belita, CM; 12:30 p.m., Fr. Vince Robles, CM; and 6 p.m., Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado.
Murals of Magno Gaza
Religious murals by master carver Magno Gaza of Betis, Pampanga, will be exhibited at the San Agustin Museum from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20. “Inukit sa Betis” will feature 100 religious works that include “Spoliarium,” “First Mass” and “First Supper.”
Philippine International Aid
On its 12th year of raising funds for 300 poor schoolchildren, Philippine Airlines and Philippine International Aid of sisters Liza and Yvonne Yuchengco will present a fundraising luncheon fashion show today at the Hyatt Embarcadero grand ballroom in San Francisco, US.
Featured designer is Barge Ramos who is known for using piña and indigenous materials. Barge told me that his having a show in San Francisco today, feast of Our Lady of Remedies, is a blessing from her.
Fiesta of Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur
Mayor Carlos Asuncion of Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur, is inviting devotees of St. Catherine of Alexandria (Sta. Catalina) living abroad to come home for the fiesta on Nov. 25.
Gina Ragasa Viniegas, reelected barangay chairperson of Brgy. 693-Zone 75, whose father is former Manila Councilor Bernardo Ragasa, has always helped the parish.
Blessings to Doña Victoria Tengco who is turning 90 today. Greetings from her children Danny and Pining Reyes and her grandchildren Joy Reyes and Aizza Reyes and Mark Luis Carreon and great grandchildren Dandion Josef Reyes, Jose and Manuel Carreon.