By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2009 Journal Group Link International)

C HICAGO, Illinois (JGLi) – Friends will hold a joint memorial service for the late Press Secretary Cerge Remonde and Ben Alcantara of the California Examiner today, Wednesday (Feb. 3), at 10:30 a.m. at the Social Hall of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), 1740 West Temple St., Los Angeles, California.

Bobby M. Reyes of the Media Breakfast Club of Los Angeles said  heavy rain in California prompted the postponement of the memorial service for Ben Alcantara last Jan. 20. His group decided to hold a joint memorial service for Secretary Remonde at the same time and place.

Mr. Alcantara, a columnist and book author, died last Christmas while Secretary Remonde died last Jan. 19.

Deputy Consul General Daniel R. Espiritu will deliver a message of condolence from the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles for the Alcantara Family. He will also acknowledge expressions of sympathy to the Office of the Press Secretary and the Remonde Family from the Filipino-American Fourth Estate and the community at large.

Roger and Cora Oriel of the Asian Journal Publications will host the luncheon, with contribution from Sir Tony R. Berango of the Knights of Rizal.

Romy P. Borje, a columnist of the Weekend Balita and a contemporary of Mr. Alcantara at the California Examiner, will render religious songs like "How Great Thou Art." Mr. Borje was also the founding president of the first-ever Overseas-Filipino press club that was founded in Los Angeles in 1976.

The California Examiner will send a representative to deliver a eulogy for Ben Alcantara, on the 40th day of Mr. Alcantara's death.

The memorial service is initiated by the Media Breakfast Club in cooperation with the FACLA, the Knights of Rizal and the Philippine Town, Inc. (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

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