Review: The Club 2000 Gala
[Written by Dale Butler]
It was a busy weekend for Bermuda’s Filipino community this past weekend; the Filipino Association held a karaoke contest, which was won by Ariel Timbal, on Saturday night at the Vasco da Gama Club and on Sunday, the Filipino Club 2000 held a gala at Cambridge Beaches. Both events were sold out and very well organized.
The gala at Cambridge Beaches was exceptional. The room was beautifully decorated under the guidance 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 “Male Star of the Night.” The female star selected was Donna Sayon.
The evening was blessed by Anna Pitcher and was followed by the One In Christ Ministry Flag Dancers and more first class, crowd-pleasing performances without stop, until everyone ended up on the dance floor to the music of DJ Neptalie Gonzales. The performances were as follows:
- Song renditions: Gloria Sarmiento and Michael Soriano – could easily showcase 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 showcasing elegance and playful flirtation between them.
- Special number: Vanessa Cruz – a beautiful voice.
- Cultural dances Choreographed by Cyrill Chuico, Luzviminda Duldulao and Teresa Halili:
- The Filipino Cultural Dance Troupe in Bermuda: performed a variety of dances dressed in their stunning/colourful native attire. With great timing, grace, and elegance.
- Itik-Itik [duck]: originated from the province of Surigao del Norte and imitates the movements of a duck, particularly 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 “merriment”. It is traditionally performed during significant events such as the return of successful head takers or the celebration of peace pacts between warring tribes. It symbolizes the joy and industriousness of Kalinga women, reflecting their daily life and cultural heritage. Dancers were: Ruby Flores, Sandra Gumangan, Julie Torillo, Khim Nearo and Shane Brown. Choreographed by Mrs. Cynthia Bartolome-Gilbert.
- Silaw: which 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. Choreographed by Teresa Hilili.
- Karatong: The dance is named after the bamboo instrument, also called the “karatong”, worn by male dancers around their waist traditionally to warn people of incoming invaders. 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 sophistication 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.
Commendations to all of the dancers who clearly also had a good time.
- Special guest: The winner of the karaoke contest the previous night, Ariel Timbal, captivated the audience with a popular Tagalog song.
The president of the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, Ryan De Jesus, was happy to be present and delighted with the high calibre performances he enjoyed.
After lots of door prizes, generously donated by businesses, friends, and members, we received a detailed summary from the business manager of the Club, Cathay Carreon-Lopez.
After 12 weeks of practice at Bullheads Car Park, the Filipino Club 2000 gave us an excellent night of entertainment, with the hotel serving a delicious buffet of local food and giving us VIP service. This was indeed a night to be out for their 24-year anniversary, shown as a video documentary which highlighted activities and the numerous Bermuda charities they have donated to over the years. Well done chairwoman Cynthia Bartolome Gilbert for organizing an exceptional night!
Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music and produced a photographic book of Filipinos in Bermuda [2010]. His current research projects are the Mu-en Chorale; Clayhouse Inn; the Queen of Calypso – Celeste Robinson and Ernie Leader. He can be contacted at 595-9841 or daledbutler@gmail.com.
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