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by Jack Romero
November 20, 2004, marked another colorful event in
the history of Araw Ng Pasasalamat, only this time,
there were many new faces in the crowd of over a hundred
attendees. In the absence of the main group of Rancho
Pinoy members that have supported the organization for
several years, opened the door for familiar faces to
renew their acquaintances. It was as if, divine intervention
created multiple schedule conflicts to disallow some
old members to attend Araw Ng Pasasalamat 2004, which
then created the opportunity for other members to attend,
and renew their friendship. It was an evening to be
remembered and a reminder for some of us of how beautiful
the “samahan” was when everyone got along
well.
Araw Ng Pasasalamat is now a tradition celebrated by
Filipino Americans to give thanks to the Lord Almighty
for blessings received through out the year, and to
raise funds for the underprivileged children of Bantay
Bata 163 & Folsom Cordova Psychology Office USD.
This year, the goal is to raise $1786.00 to pay for
the operation and post operation expenses of Adelyn
Surin, an 8 year old child suffering from Meningocoele.
The evening got started with a wonderful prayer and
blessing from Ms Alexis Honrubia. The program was emceed
by Jack Romero and Erlinda Aglubat, who proved to the
audience that he can match the intensity and performance
of last year’s co-host, Vilma Valera. Erlinda
and Jack did a drama skit and duet in the song of “Maalaala
Mo Kaya.” Not to be ignored was Eugene Asper,
who got the crowd going after singing Modelong Charing.
The crowd then asked for an encore and Eugene sang “Hanggang
Ngayon” using both male and female voices.
Then came the Fabulous Pinays who danced the cha-cha
in a medley of hip hop music. Following their act was
Mr. Balladeer himself, Nicho Ogoy who drew a huge ovation
while singing “This is the moment” Another
veteran singer, Cristy Umali was also a crowd pleaser
when she sang “How Did You Know.” The crowd
finally got to their feet after the Dizon Sisters performed
a variety of dance choreography, which included Macarena
and Sayaw Kikay. They were then joined by many of the
audience during their last dance performance of “Ocho-Ocho.”
The Master DJ of night was “Elvis” and he
gave everyone a taste of disco music from Boogie to
Swing and from Cha-Cha to modern dance craze. Last year’s
ANP was highlighted by Willie Rafanan’s YMCA dance,
but this year’s best dance couple belong to Christine
and sister Angie. While the Best Dress award still goes
to Erlinda Aglubat for the second straight year.
Then came the “Pledge for a Trick or Song”
moment of the party and the most unforgettable moment
of the evening belongs to Amor Zapanta’s duet
with Elvis. They serenaded the crowd with a performance
to be remembered. She was then followed by her Dad,
who captivated the crowd with his classic deep voice
amidst an injury in his rib cage. Norman Veloso, Jack
Romero, Bien Tabangcura and Rey Bondoc were also pledged
to sing.
Araw Ng Pasasalamat 2004 will remain different from
all ANP’s, because this year the organization
saw the return of many familiar faces. Lita Echevarri,
who was part of the first 17 Pinoys to relocate to Rancho
Cordova in 1992 and one of the few who pioneered Rancho
Pinoy back in 1998. Myrla Bernal, Verna Joaquin and
the Phil Pats President, Florie Menor was also in the
house. The Records group also came to party and Raneila,
Rassel and Shirley made sure that they were represented.
We also saw the TriMedia Promotions group in the party
and the Martin Nievera Dinner Concert tickets really
spice the evening’s raffle contest. In a spur
of a moment, Norman decided to give another ticket for
the concert after drawing the Grand Prize winner who
was not in attendance. This certainly made the day for
Don Zapanta, who for some reason was alone in the party.
Humm…
There were many stars in the evening or awards and raffle
prizes given but there are only a few heroes who made
Araw Ng Pasasalamat 2004 possible. They are Vicky Antiporda,
Oscar Guerrero, Christine Velasquez, Lucy Abesamis,
Shirley Dizon, Suzette Dizon, Nicho Ogoy, Willie Rafanan
and Mike Nicolas. And of course, ANP will never be ANP
without the inspirational and spiritual dance of Melanie
Sinex. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Note: It is not yet too late to send your donations
for Bantay Bata 163 and the mentally delayed children
of the Folsom Cordova Office of Psychology Unified School
District.
>>> Please click here for the ANP 2004 Raffle
Winners | More
ANP 2004 Pictures
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