“It is the public scandal that offends; to sin in secret is no sin at all.”—Moliere

WHAT should have been a historic celebration of the “Simbang Gabi,” a nine-day series of Masses celebrated by Filipino Catholics leading up to Christmas Day, among Filipino Catholics in New York, became a hailstorm of embarrassment for the Filipino community when the Philippine Consulate General in New York was obliged to issue a statement denying it used the occasion to raise funds for a political candidate December 5.

Filipino Catholics all over the world celebrated “Simbang Gabi” believing “the parols are symbols of the Star of Bethlehem and are used to lead the processions before Mass during the celebration.”

This year, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with 100 Filipino-American community organizations and businesses, successfully concluded the 36th Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, held from December 5 to 13 at the Philippine Center-New York but was smeared by issues of fund-raising campaign for a certain political personality it didn’t name.

With the theme, “Liwanag at Pag-Asa: Pasko ng Bagong Pilipinas” (Light and Hope: Christmas of a Renewed Philippines), this year’s gathering welcomed over 1,000 attendees across the nine evenings, reflecting the community’s strong solidarity, shared faith, and commitment to keeping this cherished Filipino tradition alive, according to the press statement issued by the Consulate.

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In a “Statement on unauthorized political activities at the Philippine Consulate General in New York,” the Philippine Consulate General in New York confirmed “it has come across social media posts on 3 December 2024 falsely advertising a fundraising event to be held during the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, scheduled for 5-13 December 2024.”

“These posts claim that the event aims to raise funds for the political campaign of a New York-based candidate,” added the statement. “The Consulate categorically denies any association with such an event and emphasizes that no such activity has been approved by its leadership nor will it be allowed to take place within the Consulate’s premises.”

It added: “As a foreign mission, the Consulate is bound by international law, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR), to maintain strict neutrality and refrain from interference in the internal affairs of the host state. Any attempt to utilize the Philippine Consulate General in New York, located at the Philippine Center in New York, 556 5th Ave., New York, NY 10036, for campaigns or solicitation activities by candidates running for public office constitute a blatant violation of these principles.”

“The Consulate also condemns the spread of misleading information and the use of inflammatory language targeting the institution and its personnel purportedly because the candidate was not allowed to distribute clothes for children within the Consulate’s premises. Such activities again violate the principles of the Vienna Conventions and will never be tolerated. Such actions undermine the values of respect and professionalism that the Consulate upholds in serving the Filipino community under its jurisdiction.

“To safeguard the integrity of its premises and events, individuals attempting to misrepresent the Consulate’s actions or use its facilities for unauthorized purposes will not be allowed to participate in its activities. Neither will the Consulate allow itself to be used as a tool of parvenus with ulterior motives.

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“The Philippine Consulate General in New York remains steadfast in its mission to serve the Filipino community in the U.S. Northeast with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for its diplomatic mandate.”

The opening night on December 5, according to the Consulate’s press statement, started with the unveiling of the Christmas display at the Philippine Center’s windows led by the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York (PDOT).

The press statement dded: “The display, showcasing Filipino holiday traditions, drew admiration from locals and tourists along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. This was followed by the lighting of the first parol in the Philippine Center’s lobby, symbolizing Pagmamahalan (Love). Each evening thereafter featured a Parol Lighting Ceremony highlighting other Filipino core values such as Pasasalamat (Gratitude), Pamilya (Family), Kaluwalhatian (Glory), Kapayapaan (Peace), Pagkakaisa (Unity), Pakikipagkapwa-tao (Fellowship), Pananampalataya (Faith), and Pag-Asa (Hope).”

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LET’S RECYCLE APPLIANCES. If we’re not selling them on, let’s make sure we recycle our household appliances rather than throwing them away. Second-hand shops will often take them for parts, or we may ask our gov’t offices for advice on recycling program. Big terms are difficult and costly to dispose of and recycling centers will take them off our hands for free.

ELECTRIC TRANSFORMER. Much of America was still in the dark in the late 1800s. Yes, Thomas Edison had perfected his lightbulb, and power plants were being built, but there was a link missing between the two–a way to convert the higher voltages into lower ones.

Let’s also get behind glass by not throwing away glass jars–let’s use them TO STORE FOOD in our home and to keep things airtight. Let’s recycle both the glass jars and the metal lids when we can no longer use them.

FOR LADIES: HOW TO TURN DOWN YOUR GUY WHEN YOU ARE TIRED. If he’s in the mood but you’re not, let him know he still makes you hot with a sexy kiss and a straightforward “I’m so exhausted, I may conk out on top of you. Let’s do it tomorrow.” (Source: Dr. Yvonne Thomas)

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)