May Month of Various Celebrations

By: Veronica Leighton

 

I do believe that May is the most wonderful month of the year, not only because it is my birthday month (May 31) and soon-to-be my wedding month (likewise of the historical wedding of Prince Harry and Lady Meghan Markle, huh?), but also it is the month that we have notable observances of some exciting national events, such as, Mother’s Day (May 13), Memorial Day (May 28), Asian American Pacific Islanders Month, Nurses International Day (read Melody Dizon’s “Unchained” column on page 27) and other health observances like Alzheimer’s Awareness, Stroke Awareness, etc., and a gamut of various community and religious events. Back in the Philippines, Santacruzan or May Festival, a religious and cultural exciting event is being observed like or coinciding with a town fiesta this month. Plus the fact that it’s the beautiful month that ushers in the spring’s nature blooms in the most stunning colors of different varieties of flowers.

You will also find that this May issue carries the most entertaining features and topics in their columns as their hearts and minds open up and embrace this wonderful world of beauty around us, from editorialist & columnist Joe Mauricio, your favorite columnists Elsie Sy Niebar, Maria Girlie Pascual, Melody Rabor Dizon, Rev. Nancy Abiera, Prof. Robert Boyer, Ryan Tejero, Mayra Salazar, Dr. Margarita Holmes, Victoria Smith, Jan Paul Ferrer, Attorney Janice Dantes, and Pureza Pacis.

Congratulations to Arts/ Tech Columnist Louella Cabalona for the arrival of the most-awaited addition in the Cabalona household, Baby Reign Malaya, a big surprise to everyone who attended the baby shower party on April 29th. Yes, Baby Reign, who was due to arrive mid-month of May came out early in late April. See story and pictures on page 35.

Congratulations likewise to our new CPRTV news reporter Veronica (Nica) Mendoza who’s flying back to the Philippines to grace as Reyna Elena in their hometown in Bulacan. Being chosen as a Reyna Elena is a prestigious title and honor that traditionally gives the well-deserved, well-picked young and beautiful belles of the town. Historically, and religious-wise, it is a religious celebration in honor of the Empress or Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who allegedly discovered the True Cross, in her religious tours through Jerusalem, Syria and Palestine at the beginning of Christianity.

Gracing our cover this month is our beauteous, talented and successful entrepreneur Marie Cunning, the 2017 Woman of the Year of the Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame, from Arizona. Her very interesting bio will make you feel proud of the likes of this Filipino woman who struggled, succeeded and surpassed all obstacles to follow her dreams and reach her goals in this adopted country of ours. Please follow inside story on pages 36-37.

Enjoy reading our most exciting May issue, rain or shine!!!

CPRTV’s young and talented Veronica Mendoza, shown with friends Veronica We and Michelle We.

Louella and Baron Cabalona, new parents to Reign Malaya. Congratulations!