May 18, 2014, IP Graduation Ceremony
Four graduates leave Iskwelahang Pilipino today and bring with them memories of Sundays filled with bonded friendships, culinary experiences and Pinoy Pride. We say Congratulations to Avigail Deking, Nolen Dube, Sierra Jamir and Julian Umali. We hope you will keep us in your hearts!
May 17, 2014, Bedford, MA
The sanctuary at the First Parish Church of Bedford was filled with Philippine music on a warm Saturday.in May Hosted by Elsa Christiansen-Janairo (Instructional Program Director) and the team of mentors, she introduced the beginners group called the “Hele Class”. They performed “bahay kubo” and “ako ay Pilipino”. Aside from Jaereyn Javier, the buzz was all about the performance by a mother and son duo. Agnes Quisumbing and her son Lucas Villasenor proudly strummed serious banduria side by side. The rest of the afternoon soiree included the older classes (Korido, Talindaw and IP’s seasoned performers, the Kundiman group). It was inspiring to see many fresh talent on stage. The beat goes on at Iskwelahang Pilipino rondalla. [slideshow_deploy id=’513′]
Bedford, MA. If a picture is worth a thousand words- look at these photos – they are worth 6 thousand more ….of joy, of anticipation…..of Pabitin (pronounced pah-bee-teen). Now this is the REAL grab bag.[slideshow_deploy id=’493′]
Mansfield, MA- at the New England Folk Festival’s (NEFFA) annual event this year, the IP children represented the Philippines with dances (salakot, bakya, tinikling and bangko) and costumes to delight of the local audience.[slideshow_deploy id=’464′]
Photos by Charlie Castro
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[slideshow_deploy id=’424′]Sunday, March 30, 2014. The relentless rain did not dampen the spirits inside the elegant ballroom at the Tewksbury Country Club on Main Street. The grandiose high pine wood ceiling was crowned with an impressive chandelier giving the IP fundraising event a touch of class. Chef Paul Wahlberg, owner of “Wahlburgers” and “Alma Nove” in Hingham, MA, (and now chef celebrity of the reality show, “Wahlburgers” on A&E cable) donated all the food served at the cocktail and silent auction. Marc Ginsburg, owner of the country club offered this charming ballroom space and the use of his staff (free of charge) for the afternoon soiree. The auction bids and raffle prizes tipped the goal to over $10K. All monies will be given to three schools in the Visayan Islands (the Loboc Central Elementary School in Bohol; the Pedro E. Candido Memorial National High School in Hernani, Eastern Samar; and the Pilar Central School in Camotes Islands, Cebu). Through the help of the Tanging Yaman Foundation, a licensed NGO in Manila who acts as a conduit between donors and the beneficiaries in the Philippines, the funds will help rebuild a “rehearsal room” at the Loboc school; purchase armchair desks for the Eastern Samar High School; and stock educational materials for the library at the Camotes Island school.
Chef Wahlberg told everyone present at the affair how he loves the Filipino people and even got introduced to his favorite dish, “dinuguan”. He was impressed with the rondalla performance and stayed awhile to have photos taken with some of the donors. Mabuhay to all our generous friends and families at Iskwelahang Pilipino!
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Several unforgettable acts this year included our very own Boy Band singing a medley from Disney Dudez; a hula-hoop act; Irish Stepping to Michael Jackson’s tune; a Katy Perry duet called, ROAR; 8 princessessssssss singing Let it Go (from Frozen) as they stripped off their gloves, cape and crown, a Wizard of Oz favorite sung in Spanish, and a Gungham style soloist.
Photos by Charlie Castro and Patty Yusah
We bade goodbye to our beloved “Tess” Maritess Salientes in an intimate evening tribute given by her friends at Iskwelahang Pilipino at the Bedford Town Hall on Saturday, September 28, 2013. She was a parent (to IP student, Samantha and Max), a volunteer, our music teacher and Caroling head master. She was a foodie, the most gracious host, and a beautiful woman inside and out. We were lucky to have had her join the IP Rondalla Concert in Manila, in July 4, 2013 at the Resorts World venue. It was her last gig with us. Paalam Tess. We love you.
