Stichting Kapitbahayan celebrates Santa Cruzan 2018 in The Netherlands
Spijkenisse-The Netherlands
May 30, 2018
Santa Cruzan, our beloved tradition we proudly practice yearly in this land of tulips, wooden shoes and windmills was again held last May 26 in the Sleutel, Spijkenisse.
Our tradition is what makes us who we are. Its our identity, it is something that we must cherish and be proud of.
Stichting Kapitbahayan in cooperation with the Block Rosary of the Lady Of Mediatrix Of All Nations in Spijkenisse is dedicated in keeping our beautiful tradition alive in Holland. Flores de Mayo (Fowers of May) is the most colorful not to mention extravagant festivity in the Philippines.
It is a month dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Culminating the month long religious activity is the renowned Santa Cruzan, in honor of the Holy Cross. A parade of Filipinas in traditional clothes depicting different Reinas (Queens) headed by Reina Elena.
(Top photo left) The Holy Image of Our Lady of Mediatrix being carried by Arnout de Leeuw and George Dominguez of the Mary’s Joy Choir, while Father John Bosco walks behind as the Holy Rosary was being prayed.
Like the year before, the weather is always an added blessing. The procession started in front of the De Sleutel and the group gleefully walked around the small streets, the shopping center, the apartment buildings and back. This year, Jan Van Noord decided to bring a portable sound system with the beautiful song Ave Maria softly playing, while the group prayed the Holy Rosary during the entire procession.
(L-R)The Filipino flag, with its red, white and blue proudly carried by lovely Nathalie de Bloeme and Michelle as the procession begins; Rosa Cabrillas and Mherzy van de Steen holding the banner of Stichting Kapitbahayan; Little Lhanie Buensalida Abad as Reina (princess) Estrellas, as the proud parents carried the arch.
It makes the whole procession so uplifting, very powerful. It caught everybodys attention as the procession pass by. People enjoyed watching and some even waved from their balconys and windows. We were all delighted, proud and felt energized despite the scorching heat of the sun.
(L-R) Father John Bosco officiated the Mass; Marys Joy Choir; and Bella Jiao of The Block Rosary of Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Nations.
After the street procession, the Holy Mass celebrated led by Father John Bosco with the Mary Joys Choir providing the worship songs.
The Sound Team (top foto left) providing the music that made everybody hit the dancefloor.
For those who stayed for the after party, dinner was provided by Edda Calibugan and Betty. The Sound Team consisting of Lena Nederlof, Enrico Nederlof and Jessica took their places and wasted no time in starting the party. The disco was so irresistible, everybody jumped and hit the dancefloor.
(Left-Right) Nathalie de Bloeme, Michelle, Mabeth Sanchez, Mherzy van der Steen, Ruby Hempelmann and Angel Axinto
No party is complete without the Karaoke singing. So amusing, typically Filipino and very contagious. It only takes one good singer to inspire the rest and before we know it, the hall was filled with enthusiastic singers.
Karaoke Singing is the evenings favorite. Singer Mike Gomez (top picture left) was the evenings inspiration.
There is no better way of ending the Santa Cruzan celebration than this. Starting with the afternoon procession in the streets of Spijkenisse, followed by the Holy Mass, dinner and topping it up with disco/ karaoke that lasted til midnight. Fantastic!
(Top foto) Sponsor Violeta Mendiola Anuno and Ivan Pompier of RRV Pinoy Toko.
Everybody had a great time that even the priest, Father Bosco stayed until closing time.
In behalf of Stichting Kapitbahayan, let me express my heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who joined, supported and partied with as we celebrated Flores de Mayo/Santa Cruzan 2018.
Let us not forget who we are, we are a proud racewe are Filipinos..Let us promote and keep our tradition alive. We at Stichting Kapitbahayan is leading the way, join us.
Pictures courtesy of: Nathalie de Bloeme, Mabeth Sanchez, Bella Jiao, George Dominguez and Enrico Nederlof