Consul General’s daughter among Santacruzan ‘reynas’

Joyce de Leon. Photos by Jovy Castillo

Joyce de Leon. Photos by Jovy Castillo

This year’s Reyna De Las Flores (Queen of Flowers) in Catholic Action of Mary’s (CAM) May 26th Santacruzan is Joyce Kathleen De Leon, 17, the youngest daughter of Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. and wife Eleanor.

The New York-born Joyce will be joined by Medy Solero Taeza as Reyna Elena and Chelsea Pauline Lumbres as Reyna Del Cielo (Queen of Heaven). The three women “personify the true spirit of a Filipina Catholic – giving, compassionate and loving,” said a CAM statement. They will be presented at a Ball to be held at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Newark, New Jersey on May 11.

“These women are beautiful inside and out,” said Ledy Almadin, adviser and past chair of CAM. “They utilize their beauty, talent and skills to inspire and to help. We are truly blessed to have them as this year’s Reynas.

Joyce spent her early childhood living in Manila and London. From pre-K to High School, she studied in four different continents: with her Pre-K and Reception at St. Paul’s College Pasig in the Philippines, kindergarten and grade school at the Sts. Michael and Martin Catholic Primary School in London, high school at St. Paul’s College in Pasig, the International School in Pretoria, South Africa and finally at St. Dominic’s Academy in Jersey City, where she is now a senior.

Joyce is the president of the school’s Asian Interest Club and is also a member of the school’s Glee Club, National Honor’s Society and the French Honor’s Society. In her free time, she enjoys reading, travelling, watching Broadway shows and exploring the city.

Medy Solero Taeza

Medy Solero Taeza

Medy is the third child of six siblings of Amando and Agnes Solero from Catanduanes. She has a BSBA degree from the University of the East and now works at New York Palace Hotel. She is a devoted mother to two teenagers – Michael Ian, who is in college and Jean Gabriel, who attends La Guardia Specialized Arts High School. She does volunteer work at San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel and other community organizations. Dancing, cooking, and travelling are her favorite pastimes.

Chelsea Lumbres

Chelsea Lumbres

Chelsea, 17, is the only daughter of Ricky and Joy Lumbres. She was born in Quezon City. Her family moved to New Jersey when she was 6 years old. She is an 11th grade student at County Prep High School in Jersey City. Her interests include photography, sharks, music and fashion. She plans to study Marine Biology or Veterinary Medicine. She works part time at Starbucks.

The Catholic Action of Mary is a lay organization in the Parish of the Resurrection in Jersey City. It started in 1978 as an organization at St. Mary Church until the Parish of the Resurrection was formed and it grew to include St. Michael, St. Peter and St. Bridget churches where there are large numbers of Filipino parishioners.

For more information about the events, contact the following:
Procession participation – Chato Cruz @ 917-554-1996
Ball and Souvenir Journal – Eloisa Porto @ 551-998-8528
Street Fair – Joey Mayo @ 917-656-9443

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