The Filipino Apostolate of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a night of music, fellowship and community on Oct. 17 at Conlon Hall.
Billed as a “Pearl Anniversary Appreciation Night,” the event will feature “An Evening of OPM (Original Pilipino Music)” headlined by renowned Filipina singer-songwriter Cecile Azarcon, whose compositions include enduring hits such as “How Did You Know,” “Even If,” “So It’s You,” and “Lift Up Your Hands.”
The celebration highlights three decades of faith, service and cultural connection among Filipino parishioners in Bergenfield and surrounding communities.
Joining Azarcon is The Sounds of Manila, an Aliw Awards Hall of Fame group recognized for excellence among Filipino artists based abroad. The program will also feature special guest performances by Tim Pavino, a semifinalist from Season 2 of “The Voice of the Philippines,” as well as St. John parish vicar Fr. Oliver Nilo, a singer and composer.
The parish’s Gifted-to-Give Choir (G2G), along with music leaders Ronald Seludo and Paulo Areza, will also take part in the evening’s performances, underscoring the strong role of music ministry within the Filipino Apostolate.
Organizers said the event aims not only to celebrate a milestone anniversary but also to honor generations of parishioners who have sustained the apostolate’s mission. Among them are longtime choir members such as Dr. Efi Sunga, who has served in the Filipino choir at St. John the Evangelist for three decades.
Founded by Fr. Ernesto Tibay to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of Filipino Catholics in the area, the Filipino Apostolate has grown into a vibrant ministry centered on worship, music and community outreach. Tibay, described by parish leaders as a man of vision and mission, pioneered the Filipino Apostolate at St. John and initiated the first Sunday Filipino Mass and Simbang Gabi celebrations. To strengthen these efforts, he also established a choir that engaged Filipino parishioners in music ministry.
The program will include a dinner dance and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are priced at $50, with proceeds supporting parish and community initiatives.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at Conlon Hall, located at 18 N. Williams St. in Bergenfield.
Tickets are available through parish contacts and the St. John rectory.
The Sounds of Manila, one of the featured performers, was previously recognized as a pioneer awardee at the TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Americans) Awards in 2011 at Carnegie Hall in New York.
