by Susan Palmes-Dennis
Charlotte, North Carolina--The best of Philippine culture, values, arts and music were on full display anew at the 29th Gala Night of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) held here last Nov. 12.
The event was attended by 414 guests and visitors on a Saturday evening, when the super moon was forming in the sky and the night cool with the mid-autumn breeze.
Most of the past FACC Presidents and officers were present to join their members in the group considered as the biggest Fil-American organization in North Carolina.
The invocation was led by Chris Villiapando while the Philippine National Anthem was sung by Ashley Perez and “Duchess” Janne Louise F. Ave. Abbie Armstead performed the American National Anthem.
The dances performed during the event were the Carinosa, Habanera de Jovencita and Pandanggo sa Ilaw. The Carinosa which means the “loving or affectionate one” is a Philippine dance of Spanish origin from the Maria Clara Suite of Philippine folk dances.
The women wore the Maria Clara outfit while their male partners donned the barong tagalog. The Habanera de Jovencita is named after the city of Havana in Cuba where it originated while Jovencita means “young lady.”
Elisa McNamara, Aurea Barbee, Jennifer Stancil, Liezel Bell, Tonette Asay and Cecilia Perry performed the Habanera, a popular social dance in the old Philippine society.
Their presentation centered on a wedding theme with bridesmaids dancing for the bride and groom and guests.
The third dance called the Pandanggo Sa Ilaw, a staple of the Mindoro region, involves female dancers balancing three oil lamps—one on her head and two on each hands.
It is intended to mimic the movement of fireflies at night. Those who performed the dance were Justin Reyes, Bo Dean Lankford, Klye Evan Ceniza, Jason Ave, Dazel Cularte, Nicole Jarical, Lindsay Carter, Abigail Costiniano, Ashley Prez and Pamela Maturan.
“The dances were all proud Pinoy moments,” said Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, the 2013 FACC President. Lee, who chairs the Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe of Charlotte, was impressed with the performances.
The Pinoy moments during the presentation were felt by the audience with the entrance of the FACC Board of Directors, an idea of FACC public relations officer Ram Cabanero.
Lee said the dancers reminded her of home in Manila when she rode the jeepney plying the route of Intramuros, Cubao, Makati and Muntinglupa.
Barbee said both banners were made and printed in the Philippines when Tonette Asay visited the Philippines in June.
The Bahay Kubo (nipa hut) on display was the favorite of those taking selfies and groupies and was another creative work of the first Vice president Jessica Esguerra.
Barbee, FACC secretary, told me that the dances were choreographed and directed by FACC 1st Vice-president Jessica Esguerra including the finale.
“It was not easy to get everyone in each group at the same time due to work or school schedules,” Barbee said.
A unique musical performance called Angklung sparked interest among the audience. As explained by FACC past president Dell Fallar, the Ankklung is an ancient musical instrument made of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame.
The base of the frame is held in one hand while the other hand shakes the instrument. Fallar said this musical instrument is recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible heritage of Humanity.
”The Angklung originated in the West Java and Banten provinces of Indonesia. Its popularity spreads throughout Southeast Asia including the Philippines,” Fallar said.
Those who performed the Angklung were Joan Ascalon, Cynthia Del Mundo, Grace Basilan, Myrna Kleitman, Gloria Grifenhagen, Sally Musni, Dell Fallar, Dr. Lucy Cabugwason, Guia Villapando, Dr. Nini Bautista, Merly Penilla, Roel Mata. Cristy Calicdan acted as conductor. A video of the Angklung performance can be seen here.
A musical finale was the song “Isang dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika (One heart, one race, one music) closed the program, embodying the dream of every Filipino for one race under one music .
The finale was performed by Jaypee Ave- 1st Vice president FACC 2013,Julienne Magbitang, Eliza Gail Sta.Ana , Ashley Perez, Janne Louise Fave and FACC past president Bert Rodriguez.
The 29th FACC Gala night was dubbed as the Filipiniana Ball and was held at the The Oasis 604 Doug Mayers place.
Robert John Escobal, FACC President extolled the contributions and support of the officers and the hard working members of the board of directors of FACC.
“Our 29th Gala is a wonderful occasion of our community to joyfully come together to celebrate and honor the members of the countless contributions to the realization of our mission as an organization to understand and promote Filipino culture, enhance unity, as well as support meaningful charitable services and participate in worthwhile civic activities.”
Escobal who served for two terms also said he is proud of the FACC's unity as it remained strong, solid and growing organization for 29 years.
US leaders like Governor Pat McCrory, State of North Carolina, Hon. Jennifer Watson Roberts, Mayor of Charlotte and Klaus E. Becker, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany and Hon.Robert Pittenger, member of Congress sent their felicitations to FACC.
Members of the FACC Board of Directors were Robert Escobal as president, Jessica Esguerra, 1st Vice President, Cecilia Perry, 2nd Vice President Aurea Barbee as Secretary, Liezel Bell as Treasurer, Luz Blackwell as Auditor, Ramuel Cabanero, PRO and Malette Oliveros Ex-Officio.
The attendees stayed late enjoying the fun, laughter and friendship that only Filipinos can give. More photos of the 29th FACC Gala Night can be seen in this link.
(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines and is now employed in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her email susanap.dennis@yahoo.com as well as her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)
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