Review: Filipino Club 2000 Celebrates 25 Years

[Written by Dale Butler]

On Sunday, November 16, 2025, the Filipino Club 2000 celebrated its silver anniversary at the ‘Pink Palace’ – the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club, still one of the world’s foremost art hotels. Described by Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter as “a place of eternal spring,” the venue lived up to its reputation: perfect weather, standing‑room‑only crowds, and an eager audience that had paid $150 for a night of impeccable service, fine food, and Broadway‑style entertainment.

Our four‑hour sojourn felt far too short. Had there been no time limit, the revelry would have easily stretched from the official 11pm close to 3am, leaving 165 patrons exhausted but blissfully happy.

Chairperson Cynthia Bartolome‑Gilbert and Vice‑Chair/MC Cyrill Chiuco commanded attention, guiding the night with a blend of song, dance, and comedy. Their vision was supported by a stellar crew:

• Sound – Neptalie U. Gonzales [Sound Decisions]
• Script/Skit – Vanessa Cruz
• Projection/Video – Dorothy and Chanson Ning
• Volunteer décor – Cherry Baldon and committee [Marissa Adderley, Joe Cruz, Melanie Palungos, Abelardo Paredes, Ronald Lopez, Warwick Pal]

The dancers, singers, and actors spent ten weeks rehearsing at Bullshead, sharing space with Gombeys, majorettes, and fitness classes — proof that the City of Hamilton’s evening use of the venue paid off in spectacular fashion.

No doubt, the founding members and the current 100 plus members were pleased with the whole night. Absolutely amazing; what we experienced:

• A very powerful, thoughtful, and touching prayer for the gathering, and concern, tears, pain, and silence for those who have been devastated in the Philippines from typhoons was given by Jacky De Jesus Reyes.

• Spiritual song and dance: Yahweh will Manifest Himself, performed by Myra Daquiz, was both graceful and inspiring.

The well designed programme was a keepsake that highlighted:

• The actors and singers: Jefferson Halili, Cyrill Chiuco, Cynthia Gilbert, Vanessa Cruz, Gloria Sarmiento, Dorothy Lois Ning, and May Joy Malinao.

The choreographers consisted of:

• Jerwin Evangelista
• Cyrill Chiuco
• Theresa Halili
• Sheika Vasquez
• Charlotte Castanar
• Warwick Ewing Pal

The entertainment with a Broadway theme, as mentioned, was exceptional:

• Circle of Life: [Lion King] Adult dancers. The youth dancers added the icing to the dance which was well choreographed and included acrobatics and hoola hoops.

• One: [A Chorus Line] The dancers were beautifully dressed in gold ”tailed” jackets, black slacks and a black top hat. All sixteen women were in step, well co-ordinated with smiling faces. Impressive.

• Edelweiss: Was a well received surprise number when the Chairperson Cynthia Gilbert danced with her son Warwick Ewing Pal. Their impeccable execution held the crowd spellbound.

• You Can’t Stop The Beat: [Hairspray] Fast. They were good.

• Tale As Old As Time: [Beauty and the Beast] The four males in blue and black dancing with four females elegantly dressed, were excellent with their co-ordination. Nervous when they entered but soon settled and enjoyed themselves.

• You’re The One That I want: [Grease] Great job

• Fame: Sung by May Joy Malinao. I highlighted her gift at a previous event and in short order she raised the bar and demonstrated that she does have the skills to be recognized as one of the best singers in the club. She had lots of energy, passion and eye contact with the guests.

• Another surprise was Jefferson Halili singing You Will Be Found with Vanessa Cruz and Cyrill Chiuco as back up. It worked. The audience was now definitely in a Broadway theatre.

• Memory from Cats [1981], written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, was Sung by Gloria Sariento in loving memory of members and friends who had passed. On the screen were the words “Love Beyond Words Missed by a Treasure.” She owned the stage with a haunting rendition of Memory that left the audience breathless.

• Sparkling Diamond [Moulin Rouge]: The six female dancers wore sequenced slack suits and performed like they owned the stage. Well done.

The night was only complete when they:

• Presented Marrah Butler with a special appreciation award

• Did two door prize awardings with numerous gifts

• Chosen as male star was Dennis Gargantos and female star Melody Danabar. They were dressed for the red carpet. Their striking and colourful designs attracted a lot of cameras.

• Paid tribute on the screen to members who had passed and another showed another clip with comments from former presidents: Marvin Salanga, Genoveva Edwards, and Marissa Adderley.

• Special awards: Chari Otega, Theresa Halili, Luzviminda Duldulao and Cyrill Chiuco

The only things left were:

• The whole cast on the dance floor doing a coordinated dance to the Abba Medley: Dancing Queen, Mama Mia, etc. It was colourful, passionate, and energetic, with patrons jumping to their feet. It finally felt as though we had all attended Broadway.

Last year their theme was “Appreciation” and this year they chose to pay a tribute to all of their founding members, deceased and current members and officers, and to all of their friends who still support them. I would say they accomplished their goal.

Also present and acknowledged was the President of The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, Ryan DeJesus.

In closing, I salute the Filipino Club 2000 on its silver anniversary. The night was a flawless blend of talent, dedication, and community spirit — truly a Broadway‑worthy celebration that brightened lives and reminded them why they love to support Bermudian charities and families back home. It was truly an exceptional night with so many highlights that revitalized us to continue.

Give thanks.

- Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music. He is married to Marrah Butler, who hails from Dumaguete City, Philippines. Dale is also the author and publisher of the big photo book: Filipinos in Bermuda 2010, which also contained a history of The Association of Filipinos [est. 1998], Club 2000 [est. 2000], Couples for Christ-Bermuda Chapter [est. 2001], and ANCOP International Bermuda [est. 2007].

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Category: All, Entertainment