Hail to the King!

My fantasy to become a King and ruler of a nation became a reality. I was a King for one day! I was crowned King of the Union High School of Manila 2008 International Grand Reunion at the Crown Plaza in Niagara Falls, Canada. I was anointed with oil and had a gold crown placed on my head in a lavish Gala Night before more than 100 guests. As the new monarch, I was called upon to rule “wisely, justly and truly. When I emerged at the ballroom, the guests line the route to my throne and cheered. I was accompanied by Her Royal Highness, Queen Mila Abesamis-Emerson.

I wore a black silk shirt, a 3-inch gold medallion, and a three-meter-long gold-colored cape. The ceremony was followed by the traditional dancing by the King and Queen, and later followed by a dance exhibition by Duke Isagani and Lady Sally Gregorio followed by Lady Jocelyn Oliveros-Ronquillo and Duke Harlan Ragay.
Awesome! Indeed awesome! That’s how I would describe the 4-day reunion of the graduates of the Union High School of Manila (UHSM) hosted by Ontario-based UHSM alumni. Walang pabida. Walang martyr or bayani na inaako or ginagawa ang lahat ng trabaho. I know the “martyrs” meant well. But there should be delegation of duties.

Headed by Olivia Galang-Daantos and Pete Ignacio, the members of the organizing committee were Willie Damian, Mike Resposo, Estela Ignacio-Jimenez, Pete Ignacio, Lingkod Juane, Jr. Beth Morales-Sanvictores, Lorna Bautista-Parcon, Joel Caes, Noel Esguerra, Esther Esguerra-Salangsang, James Chanco, Jay Jainga, Elsa Ignacio-Gamelo, Mina Damian-Bote. According to Jay Jainga, their spouses provided the needed boost to the holding of the reunion. Although unseen and playing vital roles in the background, their spouses have given the necessary morale and emotional support for the team members to excel in the tasks demanded of them. I personally saw every member of the organizing committee pitched in to make the event a success. I saw them all work from day one to closing day of the celebration. Future grand reunion should learn from this Ontario-based alumni organizing group how to work as a team.

On Day 1, our attire was our school uniform. The men wore white shirt and khaki pants while the women wore white blouse and sky blue skirt with matching white socks and black shoes. Line dancing was the order of the day.

On Day 2, we had a picnic in the morning at the Queenston Heights Park, Pavillion Site. We had fun playing games that brought back memories of our high school days. In the evening, we wore
our generation attire. I wore a denim bell bottom pants, poncho shirt, and an elevated (platform) shoes. The Oliveros Gang won the 1st prize for their attire but I was given a special prize for my shoes.

In the morning of Day 3, the reunion attendees were given the opportunity to enjoy the opportunities to experience first hand the Canadian (Canuck) way of life through tours around Niagara and neighboring communities, and other leisure activities. Niagara, with its world-famous majestic waterfalls, exciting nightlife, vibrant business centers, enthralling theme parks, challenging golf courses and special attractions for nature-lovers, is one of the world’s most ideal settings for school reunions and other social and leisure events, where people from various places are expected to congregate in grand scale.

The Gala Night on Day 3 was a time for the ladies to display their evening gowns and “bling-bling.” I wore a yellow see-through barong with white embroidery accented by a 3-inch gold medallion from Saudi. I had “bling-bling” too that caught the attention of Pastor Badong. .

Day 4 – Adieu! After breakfast, it was time to praise God for all the blessings that we continue to receive. Pastor Badong’s message centered on our school’s motto: “Faith, Character, and Service.” When we sang “How Great Thou Art,” I can’t help but shed tears of joy. Naramdaman ko na lamang ang mainit na luha na dumadaloy sa aking mga pisngi. It was time to bid Adieu. It was time to say goodbye and until we meet again. And until we meet again!

As the Premier minister de l’Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, said in his message to the alumni, “the organizers should take pride in their hard work and commitment to making this celebration a memorable one for all the Unionites.”

Mabuhay!

A Celebration of Summer

Summer is something to revel about especially for those of us living in cold climates. The long days of summer invite us to break out of our routine, to relax in the sunshine and simply enjoy living. For most people, the longest day of summer means a barbecue, football match or trouble getting the kids to bed. You know it’s summer in Washington Stateof delicious food filters through the air. It’s time for camping, picnics, weddings, birthdays, and grand balls. Seattle folks sure know how to feel good about themselves, let their hair down and party, party, party. They never seem to stop and they seem to have this uncanny ability not to let their problems get the best of them.

Lately I noticed that the leaves in my backyard are starting to fall. The falling leaves signal the coming of the cold season. But I have a long list of activities that have just concluded and more to come. Seattlelites are beating the coming end of summer. I will share with you my stories about the parties I’ve attended as well as the other coming events before summer 2008 comes to an end. We all look forward to enjoying the rest of summer and make the most of the sunshine.

Josie & Erly Leyva Celebrates 45^th Wedding Anniversary

It gives me always the pleasure of writing about couples who kept their promise to remain together “till death do us part.” We always hear couples filing for divorce and this happens even to the best of couples. Divorce is out of Erly’s and Josie’s mind. True they have had arguments typical of a married couple but that’s not enough reason to file a divorce. They will keep their vows for as long as they live, so they say.

Erly, an accountant, works for the City of Seattle while Josie keeps herself busy with her real estate business. Josie is a very active board member of the Filipino Community of Seattle. She is one those responsible in serving good food on Mondays as part of the FCS nutrition program. The couple celebrated their 45^th Wedding Anniversary with a dinner-dance party at the FCS.

Prince Onting Pendatum Celebrates 65^th Birthday

Those who do not know Prince Onting Pendatum of Arabic Muslim descent, is also known as the “Dancing Prince.” Ponciano (Onting) Paalisbo celebrated his 65^th birthday and official retirement with a grand party at the Filipino Community Center on August 2, 2008.

When Onting came out of the ballroom with an entourage of selected friends in black and white outfits, he was garbed in an all-white ceremonial outfit. After performing the Muslim rituals, Onting offered a solemn prayer. This was followed by a special dance by the celebrant and entourage. After dinner, the guests were entertained by a dance exhibition by Wilson and AJ, Kaleigh Alejaga Lang and Jesse, Adonis and Ellen.

Guests danced the night away with the music provided by RetroZone.

22^nd Annual FAANPS Grand Ball

The Filipino-American community of Everett marked the 22^nd anniversary of the Filipino American Association of North Puget Sound (FAANPS) with a grand ball held at the U.S. Naval Station on August 16, 2008. It was an evening dedicated to the accomplishments of FAANPS students. Scholarship awards, chaired by Julie Sharp, were given to Athena Galdones, Lucas James, and Alleyna Morales. Andrew Viray, a 2003 scholarship awardee, did a noble act by donating back the scholarship money he received in 2003 to motivate future awardees to do the same and help the organization in funding its scholarship program.

In the history of FAANPS, Alan Viray is the first to hold the position of President for two terms. His leadership brought unity and team work in the Association. He will be succeeded by Joe Consul as FAANPS president in 2009.

Live music was provided by the Hardline Band. Incidentally, I’ve always wanted to feature the Hardline Band in my column but I never had the chance to do so. It was very timely that the Hardline band played at the FAANPS grand ball. My table was near the band so I was able to talk to the male vocalist, Andre.

The Hardline Band is very popular with the Filipinos who frequent the Tulalip Casino and the Muckleshoot Casino where they are normally scheduled on weekends. The group plays set selections of favorite and popular Latin, salsa, rock classics and Top 40.

The Hardline Band is the ultimate high energy party band playing a diverse mix of popular dance music drawing from the hits of 70’s through the 90’s to current hits of today. On Sunday, August 31, the band played at the Red Wind Casino’s Coho Cabaret. The cabaret is Red Wind Casino’s premier show place for entertainment events. The ambience of true cabaret experience enhances the enjoyment of live music shows. Visit Coho Cabaret. Tulalip Casino, or Muckleshoot Casino and have a fun time with the Hardline Band.

Katrina Llorente Turns 18

Katrina shared her thoughts with a beautiful quote, “Life is not measured by the amount of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.” When Katrina celebrated her birthday with a debutante’s ball at the China Harbor on August 29, 2008, she would remember the event as very memorable and really took her breath away. She could not ask for more. Her parents, Jojo and Myrna Llorente made sure their daughter celebrates her debutante’s ball in accordance with the Filipino tradition to mark Katrina’s transition to womanhood.

Katrina, with her escort, Emmanuel Matthews, and parents, Jojo and Myrna, came out of the ballroom in a very elegant evening gown. The debutante’s debut is not complete without the traditional Cotillion, 18 roses, 18 candles and presentation of 18 Treasures, and the father and daughter dance,.

Katrina recently graduated high school from Henry M. Jackson High School. She plans to earn a degree in nursing to follow her mother’s footsteps. However, she plans to pursue further studies in Pediatrics. Katrina’s mom comes from Pangasinan while her dad is a bicolano. Katrina has a very strong bond with her brother, Christopher.

At the conclusion of the program, it was time for Katrina to say “thank you” to all those who made her birthday celebration a memorable evening. The well-coordinated program was managed by Wimar Magsino. Tita Ganda and Joie were the evening’s hosts.

LUAU FUNDRAISER BY IDIC

The social hall of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in South Seattle transformed into a Hawaiian setting last Friday, August 22. The International Drop-In Center (IDIC) held its annual Luau fundraiser. The UMC social hall was bursting with colors. Guests came in their colorful Hawaiian outfit with matching leis. As I partake of the food, I was reminded of the song, “Killing me Softly.” Lots of lechon, meatballs, and desserts ready to invade my health system.

IDIC is a non-profit organization. Under the leadership of its Executive Director Sluggo Rigor, the Center provides a wide range of programs such assistance with the preparation of legal documents, health advice, fitness and nutrition programs. IDIC provides seminars and workshops of interest to senior citizens such as citizenship classes, preparation of government documents like immigration and naturalization requirements.

The success of the Luau fundraiser was the product of the coordinated efforts of the IDIC members with Dolly Castillo and Lumen Pagulayan as event coordinators.

It’s Picnic Time

When the cold season comes, I will be missing the fun of camping and picnics. Different Fil- Am groups are trying to beat the end of summer as they hold their annual picnic celebration. The Tagalog Circle headed by President Rudy dela Cruz had its annual summer picnic at the Cedar Riverview Park in Renton on August 9. The Coalition of Filipino American Organizations (COFAO) held its annual summer picnic at the Gene Coloun Park in Renton on Saturday, August 23. Not to be outdone, FAANPS capped the picnic celebration last Saturday, August 30 at the Legion Park in North Everett. One thing common in all the picnics I attended is the food – enormous food. When it’s time to go home, we still have lots of “food to go.” But it’s not all food. There were parlor games, entertainment, and even “mahjong.” What a treat! See you next year for another celebration of summer!

It’s Summer Time in Seattle

Tag-init na naman! Sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng America, gaya ng California, marami ang umaangal sa tindi ng init ng panahon. But not in Seattle. Kung sabagay, kapag umabot na ng 70’s ang temperatura sa Seattle, naguumpisa ng magreklamo sa init ang mga tao. Tumira kaya sila sa Pinas para malaman nila ang tunay na kahulugan ng “Tag-init na naman.”

It’s summer time again in Seattle. Keeping children occupied when they are off from school is the main goal of many parents. It’s time for picnics, camping, banquets and balls. Seattle residents are notorious outdoors enthusiasts. They enjoy hiking, mountain-biking, sailing, boating and much more. Being an ocean-front city, Seattle offers numerous world class recreation activities.

Pista sa Nayon

Summer in Seattle also means that “Pista sa Nayon” can’t be that far away. In the previous issue of One Philippines, I invited you to visit our booth to pick up your current issue of One Philippines as well as place your order for Direct TV (TFC & GMA Pinoy TV) or Clearwire. Pista sa Nayon, a Filipino American Fiesta, has been a part of Seattle’s Seafair events. This will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2008 at the Seaward Park.

Pista sa Nayon is celebrating its 19^th year of bringing the community together and honoring the cultural heritage of Filipino Americans, preserving traditions and artistry for future generations. The festival features music, dance, live entertainment, Filipino cuisine, food booths, arts and crafts, community based cultural booths and contemporary and traditional repertoire by singers, dancers and musicians.

FAANPS Camping at Jim Creek

The Filipino American Association of North Puget Sound (FAANPS) held its annual 3-day camping last weekend at Jim Creek in Arlington, Washington. I was there during the “eating time.” I could not resist the invitation because I was told they would have the traditional cooking of lechon --- meaning hours of cooking. It was worth waiting for the lechon to be cooked. The “balat” was crispy and the meat was juicy.

Camping is a time for family bonding. The kids were fun to watch as they participated in the different parlor games. There were raffle prizes and I was one of the winners. I was told there would be line dancing but I had to leave for another party. By the way, Binibining Pilipinas -Universe 1996, Aileen, graced the occasion. She came with her mother and two kids. I had the pleasure of meeting her but I did not have much time to talk to her.

FAANPS president, Alan Viray, invited me to the association’s annual grand ball on Saturday, August 16, 2008. The grand ball is in celebration of FAANPS’ 22^nd year anniversary as well as to recognize the 2008 high school graduates and award scholarships to the outstanding graduates. This year’s theme is “Salute to the Graduate.”

Filipino-American Friendship Day

During my growing years, the Philippines celebrated Independence Day on July 4^th. Former President Diosdado Macapagal moved it to June 12, the date on which the Philippines declared independence from Spain 1898. Filipino-American Friendship Day, July 4^th, is a day in the Philippines designated by President Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.

In Washington, D.C., the Filipino-American Friendship Day was celebrated with a parade. Migrant Heritage Commission Executive Directors Grace Valera-Jaramillo and Jesse Gatchalian led the celebration. One of the favorites during the parade was the participation of the officers and members of BIMAAK DC and Benguet 13 led by their respective Presidents Connie Alfrido and Elvis Cagas.

Mr. Pure Energy Did It Again

Gary Valenciano once more showed his Washington audience that he is still the holder of the title, “Mr. Pure Energy.” His recent concert at the Comcast Arena in Everett, Washington was a big hit. Although the show started an hour late, the audience was compensated by an extended show with Gary serenading the audience with several love songs. Every time the audience started to leave the hall, they would go back to their seats when Gary started singing another number. For a while, I thought Gary would not stop singing to the delight of his audience.
Gary greeted all the fathers in the audience a happy father’s day. With Gary’s Seattle concert coinciding with Father’s Day, it seems especially fitting that he should have both his equally talented sons, Gabriel and Paolo, with him onstage. In keeping with Gary’s Christian devotion, Father’s Day also represents Mr. Pure Energy’s love for the Divine Father to Whom he has always acknowledged as the source of his success and inspiration.
But for many of us, Gary himself has become our significant inspiration – as a man who beat personal odds to climb to the top of his field, as a devoted father to three wonderful children, as a husband to wife Angeli, and as a symbol of what one can continue to achieve when we pair talent with hard work, generosity and a humble heart.
Gary’s concert would not have been complete without his friend, Martin Nievera, doing some numbers with him. Martin is equally popular with the audience. Gary told the audience that if you are going to ask him, Martin Nievera is the real “Mr. Pure Energy.” At the ASAP shows, Martin is filled with energy even during commercial breaks.

Miko Aytona
One of the guests of Gary V. that caught my attention was Miko Aytona. He is new in the entertainment industry but his evening performance was impressive. He could sing and dance as well. We rarely see Miko in TFC shows because he is from GMA 7. He is one of the co-hosts of Kuya Germs in “Walang Tulugan” and SOP on Sundays.
Miko started schooling at the La Salle University. For a while, he’s with the University of the Philippines’ Theater and Arts and then transferred to Asian Institute for Distance Education in Makati. By the way, Miko is 19 years old. He celebrated his birthday last June 22. He’s so excited for the opportunity to visit Disneyland and Universal Studio in California. Miko told me he will visit his relatives in Chicago before proceeding home.

Joanne Laurel: The Debutante

Those who attended recently the birthday celebration of Joanne Laurel would describe her as a princess or a Cinderella but a more fitting Filipino description would be “bongga ka ‘day,” Joanne looked very regal in her long pink gown with matching jewelry that would “bling-bling” during the night. She changed her attire 3 times during the evening: 2 long gowns, 1 evening dress, and jeans for her hip-hop dance. Joanne’s hair-do was specially done for her by Danny De Vega. The tiara that Joanne wore that night gave her more the princess looks. Danny was commissioned to do Joanne’s hair and make-up including her cotillion court.

I witnessed Joanne grew up to what she is now. She is my niece, the daughter of Joel and Susie Laurel. I used to take her to her pre-school in West Covina, California when she was 6 years old.

From California, we moved to Washington State and made Seattle our home. Joanne went to Blanchet High School. And now she is in college. She goes to the University of Washington with an ambition of becoming a Pharmacist. With Joanne celebrating her 18th birthday reminds me that I am now aging. That’s okay. I am happy to be part of Joanne’s life.
The debutante’s ball in Filipino tradition is a rite of passage, a mark of a girl’s transition to womanhood. The custom traces its roots to 300 years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Joanne’s debut was elaborately planned. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Seattle. Guests came as far as the Philippines and other parts of the United States. It was sort of a reunion for my family. An exquisite plated menu, with fillet mignon and sea bass as the dinner entrée, was served as the Heartlight Band played popular airs. Tess Mendoza, Edgar Mesina, and Eva Sabiniano sang several ballads.
The traditional Cotillion ushered the evening’s ballroom dancing. Joanne’s court was first to come out of the ballroom to introduce the debutante, escorted by her parents, Joel and Susie. Finally, the entrance of Joanne’s escort, Willimark Obenza, signaled the start of the cotillion which incorporated a series of charming Viennese waltzes. And indeed these 9 young Filipina descent ladies in the peak of their youth is a picture of loveliness, of health, of self-assurance, of boundless expectations, and full of joie de vivre.

The debutante’s ball included a formal presentation of 18 roses and 18 candles to Joanne from her family and friends, a symbol of the 18 years of her life. Jojo Rabara rendered a special song as Joanne and her father danced. The cotillion court entertained the guests with choreographed dance numbers followed by the vocal performance of Michelle Valle and Nicole Banal. At the end of the program, it was time for Joanne to say “thank you” to all those who made the party possible, particularly her parents. It was a touching scene when Joanne gave Joel and Susie a hug. The party concluded with hours of dancing enjoyed by all the guests, adults as well as teenagers.
My visiting family from the Philippines and Los Angeles, California had an extended party before going back home. We were treated by the Laurels to an Argosy Cruise. The cruise has a live narration, wonderful views and feature Seattle’s famous places like Bill Gates’ residence. After the cruise, we had dinner at the Laurels. It was eating time again – Dungeness crabs, baked salmon, fresh oysters, BBQ steak, and clam soup. We were all tired but happy.
For Joanne’s mother, the event was an opportunity to polish an offspring’s social skills, remind her of her heritage and relive one’s own dreams. For Joanne’s father, it’s time to take proud spin around the dance floor with the lovely young woman who stole his heart the day she was born and has been tugging at its strings most of the time since. For both Joel and Susie, it’s also a time to write checks. Lots of checks.

For Joanne, I am sure it was an event in her life that she would remember for a long, long time. It will be a treasured memory.

One Philippines Grand Matriarch Celebrates 80th Birthday

Felisa Hilotin, mother of One Philippines publisher, John Hilotin, celebrated on May 16, 2008 her 80^th birthday. John and her sister, Maricel, surprised her mother (Mama Felisa) with a big bash at the Filipino Community Center. Mama Felisa was ushered to the ballroom by her sister and family. She was given a bouquet by 2008 Queen of the Filipino Community Center, Queen Asuncion while the “Highlight Band” played the birthday song. Tez Mendoza and Edgar Mesina were the band’s vocalists. The band played old time favorites to the delight of the evening’s guests.

The Filipinas Performing Arts of Washington (FPAWS) entertained the guests with Filipino Folk Dances. Their opening number was Silong sa Gandingan, a dance that originated from the island of Mindanao. This was followed by Estudiantina, a favorite dance in social gatherings by young women who live in the catholic dorms and attend catholic schools. The finale was one of our famous dances from the rural areas, the Tinikling. This dance imitates the hopping and running of the bird “tikling” as they run over branches or dodge bamboo traps set by farmers.

Incidentally, the dance group under the direction of Juliet Cheattle is now preparing for their trip to Anchorage, Alaska. The group will perform and conduct workshops at the 12^th Biennial National Conference of the Filipino American National Historical Society which will be held at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel from July 3 to 5, 2008. If you would like to help the kids raise funds to defray the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals and educational activities during their visit to Anchorage, you may send your donation to FPAWS. Your donation is tax deductible.

The Fil-Am Association of Oak Harbor had a special number for Mama Felisa. The mothers and their daughters of Oak Harbor presented one of the Filipino favorite dances, “Carinosa.” It was a well applauded number during the evening.

As a surprise number, “Kontagious, led by Albee Abigania, did a hip-hop number. Eva Sabiniano and Julien Mella serenaded Mama Felisa with love songs. And to open the evening’s dancing, John danced with her mother to the tune of “Can I have this Dance.” The celebration was capped by the blowing of birthday candles and a “thank you” message from the overwhelmingly happy celebrant, Felisa Hilotin.

Fr. Tolang Celebrates Golden Jubilee of Priesthood

Immaculate Conception Church honored 16 Filipino Americans as Nine O’clock VIPs (Very Immaculate Pinoys). The honorees have been participating in the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Seattle for years – even decades for those who grew up in the parish.

For Fr. Tolang, the award was a very special occasion. He’s celebrating his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood. The citation was presented during the Filipino American History Month.

The event was very festive. There were cultural dances, songs, and “Pabitin.” Community leaders gave inspirational messages expressing appreciation for Fr. Tolang’s community service.