Samahang Plaridel to mark Del Pilar’s 156th birthday

Samahang Plaridel, an association of veteran journalists and communicators, will celebrate the 156th birth anniversary of Filipino patriot Marcelo H. del Pilar on Aug. 30 with a wreath-laying ceremony at Del Pilar’s monument at Plaza Plaridel in Ermita, Manila.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, a staunch supporter of Samahang Plaridel, and Max Soliven, 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 de la Cruz, Plaridel town mayor Anastacia Vestan, Manila city officials and Samahang Plaridel directors.

Brunch at the Pantalan Restaurant in Rizal Park 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 Aug. 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.