(Written by Dale Butler)
This past weekend was a busy one for Bermuda’s Filipino community; the Philippine Association held a karaoke competition on Saturday evening, which was won by Ariel Timbal, at the Vasco da Gama Club and on Sunday, the Filipino Club 2000 held a gala in Cambridge Beaches. Both events were sold out and very well organised.
The gala at Cambridge Beaches was exceptional. The room was beautifully decorated under the direction of perfectionist/master decorator Cherry Taga-amo Baldon and her committee – Rajai Gilbert, Chanson Ning, Melody Danabar and Theresa Halili, and the master of ceremonies Cyrill Chiuco, who was later also voted “Man Star of the Night.” The selected female star was Donna Sayon.
The evening was graced by Anna Pitcher and was followed by the One In Christ Ministry Flag Dancers and more top-notch, crowd-pleasers incessantly until everyone found themselves on the dance floor to the music of DJ Neptalie Gonzales. The performances were as follows:
- Song performances: Gloria Sarmiento and Michael Soriano – could easily be featured on Bermuda’s Got Talent.
- Special dance: Mr. & Mrs. Caloy & Leng Saliva – graceful and effortless. They performed “Carinosa,” which literally means “loving” or “affectionate” in Spanish, and represented a courtship dance that depicted the romance between a young couple, exhibiting elegance and playful flirtation between them.
- Special song: Vanessa Cruz – a beautiful voice.
- Cultural Dances Choreographed by Cyrill Chuico, Luzviminda Duldulao and Teresa Halili:
- The Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe in Bermuda: Performed a variety of dances dressed in their beautiful/colorful native attire. With great timing, grace and elegance.
- Itik-Itik (duck): Originating from the province of Surigao del Norte, it imitates the movements of a duck, especially how it walks and splashes water with its feet. Choreographed by Teresa Halili and performed by Marrah Butler, Marissa Marcellano-Adderley, Lorna Pascual, Anthonette Da Silva, Jane Silva and Teresa Halili.
- Ragragsakan: Comes from the Ilocano word meaning “gaiety.” It is traditionally performed during important events such as the return of successful leaders or the celebration of peace treaties between warring tribes. It symbolizes the joy and zeal of Kalinga women and reflects their daily life and cultural heritage. Dancers were: Ruby Flores, Sandra Gumangan, Julie Torillo, Khim Nearo and Shane Brown. Choreographed by Ms. Cynthia Bartolome-Gilbert.
- Silaw: Originates from the province of Negros Occidental and means “light”. Dancers were: Anthonette Da Silva, Remedios Ramos, Francisca Miciano, Roselie Lema, Macil Diaz Ravanes and Teresa Hilili. Choreographer by Teresa Hilili.
- Karatong: The dance is named after the bamboo instrument, also called the “karatong,” that is traditionally worn by male dancers around their waist to warn people of intruders. Dancers were: Michelle James, Nerdy Raniega, Dorothy Owen Ning and Ardy Magno. Choreographed by Cyrill Chiuco. Pag Apir means ‘fan dance’. The fans are typically used to accentuate the dancers’ hand gestures and movements, reflecting the beauty and refinement of Maranao culture. Dancers: Luzviminda Duldulao, Chrismarie Maulit-Raynor, Julie Santuyo, Psyche Kenn Davis, Jonna Fampulme, Crissnessa Balasbas, Macon Pasia, Elvie Garcero and Vaneza Imperial. Choreographed by Ms. Luzviminda Duldulao.
Compliments to all the dancers who clearly had a good time.
- Special Guest: The winner of the previous night’s karaoke contest, Ariel Timbal, captivated the audience with a popular Tagalog song.
President of the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, Ryan De Jesus, was happy to attend and was elated by the high-quality performance he enjoyed.
After many door prizes, generously donated by companies, friends and members, we received a detailed overview from the Club’s manager, Cathay Carreon-Lopez.
After 12 weeks of practice at Bullheads Car Park, the Filipino Club 2000 provided us with an excellent evening of entertainment, with the hotel serving a delicious buffet of local dishes and giving us VIP service. This was indeed a night out to celebrate their 24th anniversary, shown in the form of a video documentary highlighting the activities and the numerous Bermuda charities they have donated to over the years. Congratulations to chair Cynthia Bartolome Gilbert for organizing an exceptional evening!
Dale Butler is a professor of Bermuda music and produced a photo book of Filipinos in Bermuda (2010). His current research projects include the Mu-en Chorale; Clayhouse Inn; the Queen of Calypso – Celeste Robinson and Ernie Leader. He can be reached at 595-9841 or [email protected].
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Category: All, Entertainment, Music