By Cheryl Sevegan
Recently, the JFC celebrated its 3rd year anniversary together with the induction of their new set of officers for the year 2014-2015 which was held on March 8, 2014, 8:30 P.M. at La Vista Disco Bar, #88 Shuk Canyon, Agripas St. Jerusalem.
One of the most active Filipino communities here in Israel, the JFC celebrated its 3rd prolific year as an organization fostering unity and service to fellow OFWs and extending help to our home country. The event was graced by the presence of our embassy staff headed by Vice Consul Bryan Jess Baguio and the Ambassador’s Secretary Ms. Amy Navarro. Also present were Fr. Tito Voz who did the invocation, Fr. James Oclarit who blessed the sumptuous foods for dinner, and FFCI Pres. Violy Varias together with other organizations’ heads.
Joshua Lopez singing the national anthem
The very talented Joshua Lopez, JFC’s pride, heartily sang the Philippine National anthem and also rendered a few songs to entertain the guests, whilst Jessa shared a song number and together with her friends brought back everyone’s childhood memories with their Pearly Shell Dance number, so does the JFC, CFC, SI-Kabagis Ladies namely Beverly, Mila and Vioncee who also performed their own version of the dance.
Our new P.E. Vice Consul Bryan Jess Baguio officially inducted the new set of officials and on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Generoso D.G. Calonge also delivered the inspirational message.
JFC Officers for 2014-2015:
President: Mr. Apolonio Esplana
VP Internal: Mr. Christopher Lopez
VP External: Mr. Fidel Sevegan Jr.
Secretary: Ms. Rhodora Budeng
Assistant Secretary: Ms. Juliet Mendoza
Treasurer: Ms. Jessica Blaco
Assistant Treasurer: Ms. Alma Escanan
Auditor: Mr. Leo Bacanto
PRO: Ms. Cherry Belinda Dela Cruz
Assistant PRO: Mr. Onassis Uneta
Project Manager: Ms. Carolina Corpozales
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the outgoing JFC Officers and to their exceptional member, Ms. Ma. Virginia Lopez, for her undying support to the organization, and also to their sponsors and selected organizations that generously supported JFC. Plaques of appreciation were handed to FFCI, represented by Pres. Violy Varias, and to H.E. Ambassador received by Vice Consul Bryan Baguio and Ms. Amy Navarro.
The search for Mr. and Ms. JFC delighted everyone’s spirit as contestants gamely participated in the contest. It was a gleeful part of the night’s gathering as Ms. Analyn Aductante and Mr. Peejay Castillo bagged home the Mr. & Ms. JFC titles.
JFC newly elected President Mr. Apolonio Esplana can’t thank everyone enough for the success of their first event as JFC leaders. Adviser Ms. Anne Gonzaga also extended her words of gratitude to everyone in her closing remarks. Mr. Dindo Sueno and yours truly were the night’s masters of ceremony.
The event wouldn’t be possible without the huge support coming from their major sponsors Ms. Vicky and Mr. Mar Abuyad, secondary sponsors Daisy and Khaled, and from other sponsors Ms. Gila Padirnella, Asher el Kayam, Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ben Haroush, Mr. and Mrs. Alon, Ms. Ana Marie Yitshak and Ms. Teresita Hefetz.