UFO holds Christmas, New Year’s party

Close to 70 members of the United Filipino Organization attended the group’s Christmas and New Year’s party held last Saturday at the Chamolinian Utt in Garapan.

UFO president Annamae Adaza said the party was one way for the umbrella organization of Filipino groups on Saipan to show its appreciation to all officers, members, volunteers, donor, and sponsors for their year-round support of all UFO events.

Among those who attended the party, which started around 6pm, were former UFO president Bong Malasarte, Docomo Pacific’s Lei Hicaro, Anna Cabael of Natasha Service Center, June and Ladyvir Canape, Gemma Batusin, Ernie Molina, and honorary consul nominee Eli Arago.

Foods and drinks were overflowing during the party, which also saw parlor games, dancing, and raffle drawings held. Entertainment for the evening was rendered by the musical duo of Walden and Violy.

As UFO bids goodbye to 2013, Adaza said the organization is very happy and content with its achievements the past year.

“I am always proud of all UFO events, but with all the additional load that we have right now due to the absence of the Philippine Consulate General on Saipan, I am proud that we can assist our kababayans in our own little ways. It might be a little assistance but to the person that we extend our help, it might be a big help to them. All UFO events are a given already; it’s just how we add up, spice up, or level up every year.”

Besides UFO’s three major events last year—Pusong Pinoy in February, Pistang Pinoy in June, and Paskong Pinoy in December—the organization also took part in the 4th of July Parade, organized the annual UFO basketball league, and volunteered in the Philippine Consulate General in Guam’s almost quarterly mobile consular services on Saipan.

UFO also initiated fundraising drives to benefit victims of the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu last October and Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November. It raised $5,500 for victims of the earthquake and $11,000 for victims of Yolanda.

“As always our never ending thank you to all of them. With all their support UFO accomplished a lot of things for the community. Hope for this New Year all officers, members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors will continue to support our organization and we always welcome any suggestions, recommendations for the betterment of all our events.”

Adaza also gave thanks to those who made Saturday’s get-together possible: Lei Hicaro of Docomo Pacific, TC Catering, McDonald’s Saipan, Mario Mayuga, Peter Crisostomo, Erlinda Arriola, Nel Atalig, Lynn Dela Cruz, Neneth Marquez, Lorna Baro, Cely Lizama, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Orpiano, Tino Camacho of Get Covered Tent, and all UFO officers, members, and volunteers.