PAMANA’s Philippine Independence Day event
A night of Filipino culture and celebration of freedom
A night of Filipino culture and celebration of freedom
| Heidi M. Pascual* Publisher & Editor * 2006 Journalist of the Year for the State of Wisconsin (U.S.-SBA) |
Filipino Americans in Wisconsin and guests from all over the United States
celebrated the 110th Philippine Independence Day at the Monona Terrace
Community and Convention Center in Madison on July 19 with a bang!
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and wife Diane stayed for hours, visibly enjoying
the cultural show that was both entertaining and educational, and the warm
hospitality of the leaders of the Philippine American Association of Madison and
Neighboring Areas (PAMANA) — Incoming President Cora Holloway and Outgoing
President Ed Escall — as well as PAMANA members.
WISC-TV3 Anchor Charlotte Deleste emceed the program, and explained bits
of the history or legend of the three major cultural dances presented: Tinikling,
Dinagyan, and Singkil. The dances represented the three biggest islands in the
Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
With colorful costumes and well-rehearsed steps, the PAMANA Dance Troupe,
comprised of youth and adults alike, awed us all that night. They performed like
professional dancers!
The well-researched video production was a history lesson in itself. It was both
a painful reminder of the Philippines’ colonial past and a happy reminder of how
the country got out of subservience and became free at last. While the video
played, the PAMANA Choir sang patriotic songs.
The Tinikling group started with a group singing of “Leron Leron Sinta,” a
popular Pinoy folk song.
Filipino talents from Chicago were also invited to provide added
entertainment: Liberty Manabat sang her own compositions as well as a Pinoy
favorite, “Kapantay ay Langit” (As high as the heaven); and DJ Aris Topacio led the
public dancing portion.
Highlights of the evening included the oathtaking of the new Board of
Directors of PAMANA led by Cora Holloway and the Achievement awards
presented to Alvin Gutierrez, Modesto Gonzales, Jr., and Ed Escall.
The three awardees were recognized because of their many years of active
involvement in PAMANA as board members and/or officers.
Outgoing President Ed Escall reminded his fellow Filipinos not to forget the reason
they were celebrating: to remember the heroes who gave their lives to liberate the
Philippines from colonial rulers. He also expressed thanks to America for
“contributing” to the attainment of the final freedom of the Filipinos after World War
II, and for being a refuge for Filipinos who have chosen to live in the United States.
Incoming President Cora Holloway thanked every PAMANA officer and member
who worked very hard to make the event as grand and beautiful as it was and urged
her audience to support the organization and help it reach its goals, primarily to
promote Philippine culture. In a previous interview with Asian Wisconzine,
Holloway said she wants to see a Philippine Center in the Madison area which will
showcase Filipino culture through an exhibit representing various regions in the
Philippines.
The PAMANA Board, especially Committee chair Ernie Jamandre must be
congratulated for the event’s success!
celebrated the 110th Philippine Independence Day at the Monona Terrace
Community and Convention Center in Madison on July 19 with a bang!
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and wife Diane stayed for hours, visibly enjoying
the cultural show that was both entertaining and educational, and the warm
hospitality of the leaders of the Philippine American Association of Madison and
Neighboring Areas (PAMANA) — Incoming President Cora Holloway and Outgoing
President Ed Escall — as well as PAMANA members.
WISC-TV3 Anchor Charlotte Deleste emceed the program, and explained bits
of the history or legend of the three major cultural dances presented: Tinikling,
Dinagyan, and Singkil. The dances represented the three biggest islands in the
Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
With colorful costumes and well-rehearsed steps, the PAMANA Dance Troupe,
comprised of youth and adults alike, awed us all that night. They performed like
professional dancers!
The well-researched video production was a history lesson in itself. It was both
a painful reminder of the Philippines’ colonial past and a happy reminder of how
the country got out of subservience and became free at last. While the video
played, the PAMANA Choir sang patriotic songs.
The Tinikling group started with a group singing of “Leron Leron Sinta,” a
popular Pinoy folk song.
Filipino talents from Chicago were also invited to provide added
entertainment: Liberty Manabat sang her own compositions as well as a Pinoy
favorite, “Kapantay ay Langit” (As high as the heaven); and DJ Aris Topacio led the
public dancing portion.
Highlights of the evening included the oathtaking of the new Board of
Directors of PAMANA led by Cora Holloway and the Achievement awards
presented to Alvin Gutierrez, Modesto Gonzales, Jr., and Ed Escall.
The three awardees were recognized because of their many years of active
involvement in PAMANA as board members and/or officers.
Outgoing President Ed Escall reminded his fellow Filipinos not to forget the reason
they were celebrating: to remember the heroes who gave their lives to liberate the
Philippines from colonial rulers. He also expressed thanks to America for
“contributing” to the attainment of the final freedom of the Filipinos after World War
II, and for being a refuge for Filipinos who have chosen to live in the United States.
Incoming President Cora Holloway thanked every PAMANA officer and member
who worked very hard to make the event as grand and beautiful as it was and urged
her audience to support the organization and help it reach its goals, primarily to
promote Philippine culture. In a previous interview with Asian Wisconzine,
Holloway said she wants to see a Philippine Center in the Madison area which will
showcase Filipino culture through an exhibit representing various regions in the
Philippines.
The PAMANA Board, especially Committee chair Ernie Jamandre must be
congratulated for the event’s success!
(Counterclockwise from top left)
Charlotte Deleste; Presidents
Cora Holloway & Ed Escall;
tinikling; Singkil; Dinagyan;
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
congratulates Al Gutierrez while
Jun Gonzales looks on; Lec
Rebudiao wears a Filipina saya;
Chicagoan Liberty Manabat sings
her own compositions and a
Tagalog lovesong, "Kapantay ay
Langit."
Charlotte Deleste; Presidents
Cora Holloway & Ed Escall;
tinikling; Singkil; Dinagyan;
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
congratulates Al Gutierrez while
Jun Gonzales looks on; Lec
Rebudiao wears a Filipina saya;
Chicagoan Liberty Manabat sings
her own compositions and a
Tagalog lovesong, "Kapantay ay
Langit."