Samahang Plaridel, the association of veteran journalists and communicators, will celebrate the 156th birth anniversary of Filipino patriot Marcelo H. Del Pilar on August 30, 2006 with a wreath-laying ceremony at Del Pilar’s monument at Plaza Plaridel, M. Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, a staunch supporter of Samahang Plaridel, and Max Soliven, Philippine Star publisher and chairman of Samahang Plaridel, will lead the celebration, the third time since the association was formed in honor of the father of Philippine journalism.
Other invited guests to the celebration include Senate President Manny Villar, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Bulacan Governor Josefina dela Cruz, Plaridel town mayor Anastacia Vestan, Manila city officials and Samahang Plaridel directors.
Brunch at Pantalan Restaurant at the Rizal Park, Manila, will follow the 9 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony.
Meanwhile, seasoned broadcast journalist Carmelita “Twinkle” Valdez was elected to the board of directors of Samahang Plaridel during its board meeting last August 14.
The other officers of Samahang Plaridel include Neal H. Cruz and Adrian E. Cristobal as vice chairmen; Rolando G. Estabillo, president; Julius F. Fortuna, Rodolfo T. Reyes and Ben F. Rodriguez as vice presidents; Diosdado Beltran, secretary; Jullie Yap Daza, Carmen Guerrero- Nakpil, Jun Icban, Isagani Yambot, Jun Bautista, Jimmy Gil as directors.