A night of Filipino culture and celebration of freedom
by Heidi M. Pascual

      Filipino Americans in Wisconsin and guests from
all over the country celebrated the 110th Philippine
Independence Day at Monona Terrace Community
and Convention Center 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
Achievement awardees Al Gutierrez (shaking hands
with Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz) and Jun
Gonzales (r)
WISC-TV anchor Charlotte
Deleste emcees
(L-R) Dianne and Mayor Dave; Cora and Ray
Holloway
(L-R) Incoming Pres. Cora
Holloway and Outgoing Pres. Ed
Escall
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;” 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 each 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.
      Committee chair Ernie Jamandre must be congratulated for the even’t success!
Lec Rebudiao wears a
beautiful Filipina saya
Entertainers and guests (counterclockwise from upper left) Dinagyan
dance, Leron Leron Sinta singers, PAMANA choir sings patriotic
songs while the historical video is being played; Chicago guests;
tinikling dancers; Liberty Manabat sings her own compositions, plus
"Kapantay ay Langit."