Sunday, May 27, 2012
WHAT: Santacruzan 2012
WHERE: Seasons Marketplace at Landess, Suite 113
1535 Landess Avenue, Milpitas, CA 95035
The Santacruzan started out as a spiritually-based activity in the Philippines. It was inevitable that faith-based traditions of Filipino immigrants found a niche among the celebrations in their communities.
For instance, Ben Menor, NaFFAA Region 8’s Santa Clara Chapter chair, explained that as a high school teacher and gang specialist for many years, youth participation in these kinds of events helped connect them to the adults in the community as well as prevent them from street-related or gang activities. He said, “Religion and faith-based activities serve as an important part of keeping our community connected and staying in touch with our culture. By having the Santacruzan being shared publicly, it allows the general public to have a better understanding of the Filipino culture.”
Hermano Mayor will be Rey D. Tancinco and the Hermana Mayor will be Lourdes “Lou” Santos Tancinco. The Honor Guard will be provided by the Knights of Columbus from St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Union City. Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves will welcome everyone as well as participate in the Santacruzan Procession. Allison Drumm, a Union City-based youth leader, will be this year’s Reyna Elena. The Philippine Consulate General’s representatives will also be there. Father Geoffrey’s Angels Dancers will support Our Mother of Perpetual Help Choir from the St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, a Fremont-based community headed by Susan “Sansu” Ramsey Johnson, the choir director. Rey Tancinco, Lou Tancinco, and Ro Khanna are among the sponsors who are helping make the 2012 Santacruzan successful and inclusive for everyone. NaFFAA Region 8 Santa Clara Chapter is the event’s community partner. The 2012 Santacruzan is sponsored and organized by Seasons Marketplace at Landess. For media inquiries and RSVPS, please contact Ben Menor at bmenor2010@gmail.com and 408 420-8108