LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the University at Albany's Liga Fili-
pina upon the occasion of hosting its 2014 Simbang Gabi

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions and individuals who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
this great Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the University at Albany's Liga Filipina upon the occasion of hosting
its 2014 Simbang Gabi on Sunday, December 7, 2014, in the Campus Center
Ballroom, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1994, Liga Filipina is the Filipino organiza-
tion at the University at Albany, which strives to spread Filipino
awareness throughout the campus by hosting events such as workshops,
shows, and social gatherings; and
WHEREAS, During these events, Liga Filipina members demonstrate lead-
ership, organization, unity as well as a sense of pride, while teaching
the University community aspects of the Filipino culture, through danc-
ing, music, food, and lessons on its history; and
WHEREAS, Simbang Gabi, which translates to "worship night", is a nine-
day Novena which traditionally takes place from December 16 to December
24, during which time churches across the Philippines open their doors
at dawn for a celebration of Mass; and
WHEREAS, The theme of Liga Filipina's 2014 Simbang Gabi is Gold, in
recognition of the final Mass of Simbang Gabi, known as the Golden Mass,
and included cultural performances, food, music and dancing; proceeds
received during this auspicious event were donated to Gawad Kalinga, a
not-for-profit organization which helps relieve poverty in the Philip-
pines; and
WHEREAS, Active within the community it so ably serves, Liga Filipina
has given of its time and energies to countless organizations some of
which include Capital City Rescue Mission, the Chapel House, JC Club,
and the Ronald McDonald House; and
WHEREAS, In its third decade of existence, Liga Filipina continues to
promote and encourage interaction and mutual understanding among the
members of its club, and educate the community on Filipino culture; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the commu-
nities of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the University at Albany's Liga Filipina upon the occasion of
hosting its 2014 Simbang Gabi; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Liga Filipina, University at Albany, Albany, New York.