Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal feted in gala

Dr. Rebecca Rivera receives the Grand Marshal sash from Dr. Prospero Lim (left) and Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. At right is PIDCI President Fe Martinez.

Dr. Rebecca Rivera receives the Grand Marshal sash from Dr. Prospero Lim (left) and Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. At right is PIDCI President Fe Martinez.

This year’s Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal, Dr. Rebecca Castro Rivera, was honored at a “Gabi ng mga Bulaklak” gala at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel in Elizabeth, New Jersey on April 15.

The evening’s program was highlighted by the investiture ceremony where Rivera was bestowed her sash by last year’s Grand Marshal Dr. Prospero Lim, Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. and President Fe Martinez of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc.

Wearing her sash, Rivera danced with her sons. This was followed by the Waltz of the Flowers, where the Grand Marshal Ladies and the Grand Marshal Gentlemen performed a ballroom number choreographed by Nick Libramonte.

The guests were led by Consul General Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr. and his wife Eleanor, and Deputy Consul General Theresa Dizon de Vega. The past Grand Marshals were led by last year’s Grand Marshal Dr. Prospero Lim. Other past GMs in attendance were Nick and Dr. Edita Libramonte, Dr. Zenaida Santos, Msgr. Oscar Aquino, Dr. Emmanuel Pangan, Dr. Vivina Malantic, Dr. Raul Sala, and Dr. Alice N. Francisco. The past PIDCI presidents were Joji Jalandoni, Raul Estrellado, Gani Puertollano and founding President Reuben Seguritan. Also present were past Overall Chairs of the Philippine Independence Day Committee Cora Reyes and Sofie Abad.

The gala was organized by the Grand Marshal Gala Committee chaired by Dr. Lim and Ollie David, assisted by co-chairs PIDCI treasurer Violeta McGough, Gheng Pingol, Dr. Eleanor Parico and Wayne Blum.

Fe Martinez, the current president, was PIDCI’s Grand Marshal in 2003. The rest of the PIDCI officers are: Elvira Reyes, vice president; Joyce Castillo, secretary; and Violeta McGough, treasurer. The Board of Directors include Jesse Arteche, Maryann Sansagustin, Aristides Uy, Vivian Velasco, Margie Wisotsky, Albert Diala, Dora Koltsidis, Ner Martinez and Angelita Molina. – Tambi Wycoco

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