San Rafaelenos of Southern California Unite

The sons and daughters of San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines held a Get-together Party in honor of Patron Saint Raphael (The Arc Angel) at Liberty Park, Cerritos in Southern California last Sunday, 28 September 2008.

Started by Willy Dulay and family of Simi Valley two years ago, the interest among San Rafaelenos grew as word of mouth spread to the sons and daughters of San Rafael, Bulacan who are currently residing in Southern California, USA.  Soon, Leo Viola found time to assist Willy Dulay in furthering the brotherhood and camaraderie among current and former residents of San Rafael, Bulacan who are now residing and making a living in Southern California.

Some one hundred San Rafaelenos attended the Potluck Get-together Party last Sunday.  Despite the short notice and pure word of mouth dissemination of information, the affair was a total success.  Immigrants from Poblacion, Pulo, Maronquillo, Caingin, Maguinao, Cruz na Daan, San Roque, Talacsan, Capihan and Ulingao were on hand to greet Patron Saint Raphael on His Annual Fiesta, California style.  Those who attended are known families from the whole town of San Rafael, namely: Dulay family, Viola family, Valte family, Estrella family, Nicolas family, Valondo family, Landayan family, Guizano family, Sarmiento family, Zaportesa family, Pile family, and the Sarita / Roberto family.  Many more families attended but this writer is checking their names and will be included later on.

A mass was celebrated by Fr. Tony who originally came from Mindoro.  His message was well-received by the attendees.

Food galore was outstanding.  There were more food prepared and they were very delicious.  Of course, there was favorite "lechon" and two tables full of traditional and exotic Philippine cuisine.

To think that this gathering was a brainchild of just two San Rafaelenos - Willy Dulay and Leo Viola, yet, we were astonished with the excellent turn-out of "sons and daughters" from San Rafael, Bulacan.  Because of the excitement, more San Rafaelenos were challenged in such a way that many had volunteered to help and provide assistance and support to the original organizer of this fast growing group.  Lito Valte and Rufino Landayan had joined Willy Dulay and Leo Viola in injecting more energy into the group.  A directory of members who attended the affair will be published and distributed to all attendees.  Correspondence will be distributed and follow-up meetings and gatherings will be announced to encourage more new members join the group.  More media announcements and publicity will be made to enhance membership and interest into the group.

Para sa mga KABABAYAN kong taga-San Rafael, halina kayo at sumama sa biyahing San Rafael.

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In the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation, some prominent leaders of San Rafael, Bulacan who are now in Southern California formed an Interim Committee to re-energize and re-establish a fast growing organization to promote their well-being and culture and strenghten camaraderie and brotherhood among them.  Those who vowed to work for the achievement of these goals are: Willy Dulay, Leo Viola, Lito Valte, and Rufino Landayan.

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The Gintong Lahi website had volunteered to lead in disseminating information and activities about the San Rafaelenos in Southern California.  Members and prospective members who want to publish their achievements in this website may please e-mail them to:  r.landayan@sbcglobal.net ,  or fax to:  (909) 864-5690, for publication.

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