Pinoys abroad to hold Mass, festival for Cory

The late former President Corazon Aquino may have been laid to rest, but Filipinos abroad will continue offering prayers and masses for her.

In Switzerland, some 200 Filipino Catholics in Geneva are to attend a memorial mass for her at the English-speaking Pope John XXII Parish in Geneva, Switzerland.

An article on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website (www.cbcpnews.com) said the mass is scheduled at 12:30 a.m. Friday (Manila time).

Parish priest Fr. Richard de Lord will officiate the Mass, the CBCP article said.

Expected to attend are Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Erlinda Basilio and Philippine Consul General to Geneva Juniver Mahilum.

Also expected to attend the mass are Filipinos employed in different United Nations offices.

Mrs. Aquino was laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City Wednesday, after succumbing to colon cancer last Aug. 1.

In Saipan, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa will celebrate a memorial Mass at Mount Carmel Cathedral for the departed leader on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Festival for Tita Cory

In San Francisco, California, the Filipino American Arts Exposition is dedicating its 16th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival scheduled on August 8 to 9 to the memory of Mrs. Aquino.

The largest celebration of Filipino-Americans in northern California takes place along with the 2nd Annual Filipino American Jazz Festival at the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.

FAAE selected Marily Mondejar as Hermana Mayor to lead the 2009 celebration and festival, which will begin at 10 a.m. on August 8, followed by a parade at 11 a.m. featuring beautifully themed floats and nearly 100 contingents.

Over 50,000 attendees are expected and will experience and discover the best of Filipino culture and entertainment as this two-day event showcases exhibits, workshops and demonstrations in art, dance, music and food in various pavilions throughout Yerba Buena Gardens, said the FAAE in a statement. - GMANews.TV