THE Christmas season of events marking the 41st anniversary of Silahis ng Pasko sa Baguio climaxed with the quest for the lucky Baguio New Year Baby 2015.
Thousands of residents as well as visitors were watching and enjoying the city’s fireworks display which brightened the sky at 12 AM, January 1, when 2.7 kg baby girl Jasmine Nacibal, the first child of 21 year old Christina was born at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. Attending physician Dr. Marijoy Diono and nurse Christine Dunang described the birth of the newborn as normal.
In keeping with tradition the instant infant celebrity and her loving mother were presented assorted gift items from Silahis ng Pasko executive committee led by yours truly and my wife Sol, CSWDO assistant head Edith Purigay and from the special event host US Navy retiree Angel Villaralvo and family.
The CSWDO Silungan Center and the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs and the National Correspondents Club of Baguio also shared in the endeavor to the delight of the mother and child.
The Villaralvos gave P3,000; OSCA, a brand new set of baby pillow and blanket and baby clothes; Silungan Center, a cavan of rice, a tray of assorted fruits and a bag of canned goods and other food stuff while the NCCB a pack of fruit juice and biscuits.
Certainly, the simple affair was a happy occasion for the recipients but more so for the gift givers.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the SNPB committee to thank all the participants, supporters and most especially the event hosts and sponsors who once again cared and shared in generating and radiating the true spirit of the Yuletide Season.
These include the Philippine Military Academy, Baguio City National High School Special Program in the Arts, the Baguio-Benguet Entrepreneurs Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Baguio balikbayan couple Bonnie and Josie Delinila, Angel Villaralvo and family, John Hay Management Corporation, National Institute of Information and Technology and friends from media.
We are also extending our heartfelt appreciation to Ompong Tan of Colorworld for his cooperation and generosity, businessmen Peter Ng and Wilbur Tan, Tessie Romero, Silungan Center Day Care teachers, CSWDO social workers and my hardworking associates in the NCCB.
Again, maraming salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat!
On January 15, a core of devotees from the Shrine of the Brown Madonna will extend their greetings and hearty welcome to Pope Francis who is arriving in the country for his spiritual mission in the name of God the Father, His Son Jesus and Blessed Mother Mary.
A simple prayer ceremony highlighted with the presentation of rosary beads to PWDs will be held at the Melvin Jones grandstand. The gift items will be given to the first 50 Roman Catholic PWDs who will attend the activity set at 9 a.m.
Last December 28, a Holy Mass for Pope Francis for his safe journey and meaningful undertakings in the Philippines was celebrated at the Shrine at Km. 7, Asin Road. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. German Ledesma, NCCB and Shrine spiritual adviser.
Devotees from Quezon City and Urdaneta City joined us. The unveiling of the welcome streamer honoring Pope Francis and a simple merienda, courtesy of the Lyson family of Urdaneta and Mama Mary devotee Raffy added joy to the occasion.
My wife Sol also presented her rosary beads to the devotees, courtesy of Mrs. Jojo Alba and family. The January 15 activity at the park is being coordinated by social worker Coralie Dulnuan.
Presently, the BARP Foundation is busy preparing to transfer its office from Otek Road to the BARP Foundation Multi-purpose Center located at Cresencia Village Barangay along Bokawkan Road.
Prof. Federico Balanag said the office transfer will start next week. Plans for a soft opening program includes: January 20, a simple cañao will take place at the center's grounds with BARP officials and employees attending; January 28, an ecumenical prayer ceremony to be headed by Bishop Carlito Cenzon will usher in the day’s program.
Inspirational messages will be delivered by Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Representative Nicasio Aliping Jr., Senator Bongbong Marcos and his mother Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos who were invited as special guests to the historic BARP milestone.
We are expecting the attendance of as many BARPers to the once in a lifetime experience. The presentation and awards rites to the most outstanding BARP district coordinators led by Lourdes Lawangen of Buguias, Sofia Madrid of Kabayan and Linda Sagapi, also from Buguias, Benguet.
The top three district coordinators will receive P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000 cash prizes, respectively, plus a plaque of recognition. The coordinators from 4th to 10th place will be given P500 and certificates according to Prof. Balanag.