Philippine Night will benefit youth and share culture


Saint Mary s Church in Westfield will sponsor a Philippine Night Jan. 16 which is open to the public. Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak

Jan. 11, 2010

By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent

WESTFIELD -- An authentic Philippine Night will be hosted by parishioners of Saint Mary's Church on Jan. 16.
"The event is being held in the middle of the winter so the tropical heart of the Philippine nation may warm our mind, body and soul," Rev. James W. Longe, associate pastor, said during an interview with Reminder Publications.
Longe, along with Glorina Angco of Westfield, are coordinating the logistics for the festive event. Angco is also a member of the church choir.
Angco noted that this first-ever event at the church will feature authentic Philippine food, music, entertainment and fellowship.
"This event is a brainchild of Father Longe who is always looking out for the good of the youth and bringing out the best in people," Angco said. "Philippine Night is a happy mix, or the by-product if you would, of his genuine love for the Filipinos among others and his heartfelt concern for the youth and young-at-heart of Saint Mary's."
The two-hour event will begin at 5 p.m., immediately following the 4 p.m. Mass.
"People will share Our Lord in the Eucharist first, then share one another around the dinner table," Longe added.

The dinner will be the main attraction for the evening, which will feature Pancit Molo (dumplings stuffed with lean ground pork, minced water chestnuts and finely diced fresh shrimp), Pancit Bihon (rice noodles with chicken, cabbage, carrots and green beans), Lumpia Shanghai (mini eggrolls), Embutido (rolled ground beef sirloin with stuffings), Apritada (chicken in tomato gravy with potatoes, green peppers and sausage), Ginisang Gulay (stir-fried vegetables) and Philippine-style rice and dinner rolls. Philippine desserts will include Mamon (sponge bread) and Bibingka (a sweet rice cake).

During the course of the evening, Philippine music will be played, complemented by native folk dances according to Pacific tradition. Dancers set to perform include Jose and Bessie Castillo, Kathy and Jason Angco, Glorina Angco and Ron Pronovost, Edith Angco and Gil Talamayan, Charisse Angco, and Jason and Kathy Vieweg. Bea Smith will serve as guitarist for the evening.
The songs and dances are typical of a Philippine fiesta, added Angco.
Angco credits her friends and fellow parishioners including Cesar and Edith Angco of Westfield, Jose and Bessie Castillo of South Hadley, and her husband Ramon Angco, for their assistance in ensuring that every authentic detail was considered from tropical-style decorations to handmade clothing and jewelry from the Philippines.
Seating is limited in the high school cafeteria and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $20 per person.
All funds raised by Philippine Night will support the parish youth ministry program.
"When we say youth, teenagers are our first focus, yet no one will be left out since the Holy Spirit keeps us all eternally young," added Longe.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call the rectory on Bartlett Street at 562-5477.