New York, NY - On Friday, December 11, 2009 at 6:30PM, friends, families and followers of Simbang Gabi are cordially invited to join the Filipino-American young professionals of the Tri-State area and the Philippine Consulate General New York as they celebrate their annual nine-evening "Simbang Gabi" masses at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
Sponsored by the premier Filipino-American young professional organizations in New York City; namely, The Catholic Fellowship of Young Filipino Professionals, Collaborative Opportunities for Raising Empowerment, Inc. (CORE), Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI, a direct-service agency), Philippine-New York Junior Chamber (Jaycees), San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel Choir, and Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro), the mass will be officiated by Fr. Patrick Longalong and music provided by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel Choir. In keeping with this unique tradition, the host organizations will recreate the nativity scene in a short play during the Simbang Gabi. A light salu-salo (reception) will be served after the mass. This event draws between 150-175 guests every year, and serves as a great networking opportunity for all.
Simbang Gabi, a Christmas Novena, is a Philippine tradition of celebrating Advent masses to heighten the preparation for the celebration of the birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Traditionally held at dawn, Simbang Gabi lasts for nine consecutive days and will end on December 24.
Please join us at the Philippine Consulate on 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY on Friday, December 11, 2009. The event will start at 6:30PM and mass to begin at 7:00PM followed by a networking reception. To donate food or to volunteer, please contact one of the following: Bel Molina (917) 325-3653/belinda2002ph@yahoo.com; Venessa Manzano (781) 888-8805/vcms@core-nyc.org; Ted Martinez (571) 227-1691/ted.events@gmail.com.
The Catholic Fellowship of Young Filipino Professionals, CORE, FAHSI, Phil-NY Jaycees, San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel Choir, and UniPro are ground-breaking organizations known for making positive contributions to society in their respective areas. They are bound by these common objectives: to foster working relations and camaraderie amongst their members while creating awareness in the community through unity and collaboration. For more information about services, membership and volunteer opportunities, visit: www.cfnetwork.org, www.chapelofsanlorenzoruiz.org, www.core-nyc.org, www.fahsi.org, www.philnyjaycees.org, and www.unipronow.org.