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ONE COMMUNITY AT SANTACRUZAN 2012, SEASONS MARKETPLACE AT LANDESS May 29, 2012, Milpitas, CA --- Room 113 of the Filipino lifestyle center in Silicon Valley, a.k.a. Seasons Marketplace at Landess at 1535 Landess Avenue, Milpitas, California, was buzzing with activity at noontime on Sunday, May 27, as little girls dressed up as angels, accompanied by the various reynas (queens) and their escorts and arc bearers, prepared for a hectic afternoon program. This was a youth affair where elegance and good manners took center stage as the participants learned about a Filipino spiritually-based tradition in an inclusive cultural community event. According to a brief description on the internet, written by Point Cebu Arts & Culture: The festival comes from a religious origin, a commemoration of the finding of the Holy Cross by Saint Helena and Constantine. Young ladies dress up in lavish gowns of lace and beads and parade on the streets, together with their escorts, in such gala wear. They walk elegantly beneath arches of flowers in a procession while throngs of people take part, holding candles and torches as they sing songs of praise.

When Filipino immigrants brought this May tradition to their new homes worldwide, the Santacruzan practice eventually became a cultural practice for building one community and a reminder of some Philippine hometown traditions. Children and young adults build self-confidence and social skills in a family activity.
The first part of the festivities was focused on celebrating the second anniversary of Seasons Marketplace at Landess. Ria Recinto, Santacruzan 2011s Reyna Elena, gave a stunning performance in dance and gymnastics --showcasing her 4-time champion status and using ribbons as her props, to an appreciative crowd. As parents and shoppers took photos and videos during the Santacruzan Procession at the malls central walkways, Susan Sansu Ramsey Johnson took time out from her upcoming The Sansu Show production schedule (GMA Pinoy TV) by directing a choir composed of members from Our Mother of Perpetual Help Choir at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church (Fremont) and Our Lady of Peace Church and Shrine (Santa Clara). In a recent San Jose-based Santacruzan, Sansu Ramsey was acknowledged as the first FilipinaBlack American Reyna de Las Flores.

The Tancinco Law Offices, aside from being one of the Santacruzan 2012s merchant sponsors, was represented by Attorney Rey D. Tancinco, the Hermano Mayor, and his spouse, Attorney Lourdes Lou Santos Tancinco, the Hermana Mayor. Attorney Lou confessed that this was her first time to wear a tiara, creating a different persona from her Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika hosting duties (GMA Pinoy TV).

Ben Menor, NaFFAA Region 8s Santa Clara County Chair, hosted the program together with youth co-hosts, Ria Recinto, 2011 Santacruzans Reyna Elena, and Justin Smaby.
Allison Nicole Drumm, the 2012 Santacruzans Reyna Elena, came all the way from Union City, and was escorted by Jason Roldan. Mark Solomita was this years Emperor Constantine. The organizers of the Santacruzan 2012 acknowledge the spirit of volunteerism of its Santacruzan processions participants, and thank them for their support, namely:

SAGALAS/REYNAS Nazmyn Flores (Reyna Banderada), Denise Tungol (Reyna Mora), Francesca Armstrong (Reyna Fe), Joselle Marie Santillan (Reyna Esperanza), Regina Calamug (Reyna Caridad), Heather Moore (Reyna Abogada), Kristina Solomita (Reyna Sentenciada), Meriel Ferrer (Reyna Justicia), Patricia Uychoco (Reyna Judith), Chelsy Baculi (Reyna Sheba), Sheryll Nicolas (Reyna Esther), and Diana Coria (Veronica). Csarina Tabor (Divina Pastora), Angela Roque (Reina de las Estrellas), Angelika Roque (Rosa Mystica), Trish Maxelle (Reyna de las Propertas), Tiffany Alcantara (Reyna del Cielo), Alexandra Dreshler (Reyna de las Virgines), and Kimberly Solomita (Reyna de las Flores). AVE MARIA Troy Asia (A), Madeline Montoya (V), Jorelle Babida (E), Eunice Maracha (M), Sharina Castillo (A), Sharliz Castillo (R ), Melissa Ferrer (I), and Lia Babida (A). TRES MARIAS Mary Rose Bautista (Mary of Magdala), Mary Grace Bautista (Mary, Mother of Christ), and Mary Joyce Bautista (Mary, Mother of James) ESCORTS Julius Santos and Jason Roldan.

ANGELS Blake Liam Langa and Callie Solis; Aramina Ziazadeh and Krizlhen Wisco; Amber Moore and Katherine Moore; Josie Velasco and Alexandra Bautista; Katlyn Calugan; Alana Mendoza; Abigail Adame and Anica Adame.
The Santacruzan 2012 at Seasons Marketplace at Landesss success was due to the volunteers and sponsors who supported the event. Special thanks to: Consul Leah Rodriguez (Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco), Mayor Jose Esteves (City of Milpitas), Father Ronnie Carreon, Father Geoffrey Baraan (St. Anne Catholic Church), Mr. and Mrs. Victor Garcia (Santacruzan Organizers), Mr. Ben Menor (Community Relations Consultant and Host), Mr. Tony Tongson (Hair Couture Salon), Ms. Ria Recinto, 2011 Reyna Elena and this years Host with Mr. Justin Smaby (Co-Host), Mr. and Mrs. John Lucero (Arcs Sponsor), Mr. and Mrs. Augusto Uyenco (Virgin Mary Sponsor), Mr. Sal Jumawan (Balloonist), Mr. Ken Bendanillo (Choreographer), Ms. Susan Ramsey (Our Mother of Perpetual Help Choir), Ms. Lorna Dietz (Public Relations), Mr. Bradford Adkins (Public Relations), Participants, Parents, Volunteers headed by Liberty Lizardo, and Performers.

Among the volunteers in the buffet services for Santacruzan 2012, the organizers acknowledge Joe Manarang and Chef Romy Sembrano for the efficient management of donations and table arrangements. Special thanks to Ben Menor for providing Healthy Coffee vending-type drinks. SPONSORS Mr. Ben Acorda (Heavenly Ice Cream) and Ro Khanna. MERCHANT SPONSORS Tancinco Law Offices, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel, Seafood City Supermarket, Maxs of Manila, Chowking, Goldilocks, Valerios Tropical Bakery, Filipino Desserts Plus, The Coffee Adventure Co., Ideal Vision Center, Hair Couture, and AyalaLand International Marketing, Inc. The National Federation of Filipino American Associations-Region 8 (Northern California), Santa Clara chapter, is the Santacruzan 2012s Community Partner. Coordinating the event was Gabrielle Ramos, Seasons Marketplace at Landesss Operations Assistant. Special thanks to Dinna Bayangos, AyalaFil US Co Inc.s Director/CEO, for the mall management teams support in the community celebration.