Through cheers and tears, Jersey community bids farewell to DCG Zaldy Patron
Echoes of ‘You will be missed’ throughout the evening. Photos by Elton Lugay
“This award speaks more of you than me, you’re a very appreciative community.” ~ Zaldy Patron
On the warm autumn night of September 27, about 150 people bid goodbye to a beloved diplomat and celebrated his six years of service to the Filipino American community in New Jersey and New York.
By the sound of laughter and cheers that echoed through the Ramada Hotel in Newark, it was evident that the community was just happy to share their final evening with Deputy Consul General (DCG) Zaldy Patron.
In the words of emcee Linda Arellano, “Although this is a farewell party where we say our good-byes, it’s the night when we celebrate the wisdom and tender loving care that DCG Patron shared with us.”
Deacon Cesar Sarmiento offered his blessings that DCG Zaldy “may you continue to bring the love of Filipinos everywhere.”
The cake completes the celebration. Photo by Loren San Diego
Leaders from a dozen organizations in New Jersey, led by the Philippine-American friendship Committee (PAFCOM) presented DCG Zaldy with awards for his commendable service to the community. At the top is his efforts at getting recognition and equity for World War II Filipino veterans, for laying the groundwork in Boston for the visit of President Benigno Aquino III, and overall for bringing Filipino Americans together on various occasions. It’s not an easy task, but, like others before him, he did his best.
His sister-in-law, Helen Castillo, provided the evening’s emotional highlight. She shared how Zaldy took care of her children whenever she was away and was a great uncle to them. It was a reminder also of the challenges of raising families in two countries.
An emotionally overwhelmed DCG Zaldy acknowledged the outpouring of love from the community.
He said, “I never dreamed something like this can happen to me. Ano ba ang nagawa ko to deserve this? This award speaks more of you than me. You are a very appreciative community – generous and supportive.”
He continued to remind everyone in the room that the Philippines needs our help: “People in the Philippines are hopeful because of overseas Filipinos who care for their country,” he said. “Nagsusumikap sila, tayo para sa bansa because of the support by the Filipino-Americans.”
He also thanked the Jersey City community for welcoming him and his family to his home for the last six years. “For six years of being in New Jersey, especially Jersey City, my wife, Sheila and my children are thankful. You made Jersey City our home. You have been a friend to us.”
He went on to encourage continued support for the Ocean City Tribute to the Philippines annual event, which he has graced for years.
And finally, the diplomat urged Filipinos not give up on the Motherland. He said, “Most of you probably left in the ’80s when the Philippines was the ‘sick man of Asia.’ The Philippines is now booming. Let’s continue to say positive words about our country, say something good. If you say good things, they will see good things in us . Let’s have national unity, reach our country’s full potential so that someday we, too, can be a developed country like our neighbors Singapore and Hong Kong.”
DCG Zaldy’s family who is in the Philippines expressed their gratitude through Skype.
A musical program followed the speeches: Miguel Braganza sang two songs showcasing his theater talent, Linda Rupel did a song-and-dance of Irene Cara’s “What a Feeling,” and the UNIFFIED group of teachers, led by Lumen Castaneda, brought the house down with a costumed dance number to Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” especially when DCG Zaldy, in a stuffy suit, joined in showing moves reminiscent of John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever.”
The next day, Facebook was flooded with tributes for the humble and friendly DCG plus photos of him dancing.
The farewell party was organized by PAFCOM together with PACCAL, Catholic Action of Mary, Knights of Rizal Union NJ chapter, Ladies for Rizal, UNIFFIED, Bayanihan of Union NJ, Sta. Cruz, Laguna Association, PDOC, Jersey City Phil-Am Chamber of Commerce, FIL-AID, Garden State Filipino American Association, Inc. and Seniors Club Inc.
PAFCOM-led community leaders share a last-minute snapshot with the well-loved DCG.
A dance number to the crowd’s delight. Yup, that’s the honoree on the floor, with the women of UNIFFIED.
