PAMANA 2008 Independence Day - Madison, Wis.
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
Madison, WI, July 19, 2008 --The Philippine American Association of Madison and Neighboring
Areas (PAMANA) celebrated the 110th Anniversary of Philippine Independence from Spanish rule with a
dinner dance at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wis. The event
featured a video of Philippine history that traced the colonization of Filipinos by the Spaniards for more
than 300 years, the colonization thereafter by the United States, World War II, the granting of Philippine
Independence by the U.S. in 1946, and the succeeding governments, including the toppling of the
Marcos regime by PEOPLE Power in 1986. The PAMANA Choral Group sang nationalistic songs while
the video was being played. A cultural show, featuring three performances (Dinagyan, Tinikling, and
Singkil) representing the main islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, was the
highlight of this special occasion.
Madison Mayor David Cieslewicz and his wife, Diane, were the special guests. Wearing a Barong
Tagalog, Mayor Dave read a proclamation on PAMANA's celebration. He also administered the oath of
office of the new Board of Directors led by President Cora Holloway and assisted in handing the three
major recognition awards of the night: Ed Escall, Alvin Gutierrez, and Modesto Gonzales. Ed Escall was
overwhelmed with the good turnout and reminded the audience of the reason they are celebrating. Cora
Holloway thanked many PAMANA members and their families for working very hard to make the evening
a success.
Liberty Manabat from Chicago sang her own compositions, plus a Filipino love song, "Kapantay ay
Langit," while DJ Aris Topacio (also from Chicago) led the crowd in an extremely enjoyable evening of
dancing. WISC-TV Anchor Charlotte Deleste emceed.
This year's PAMANA celebration of Philippine Independence Day was an affair to remember. Very
colorful, fun, family-event, culturally and historically rich, tonight's event would be very difficult to match.
Congratulations to ALL PAMANA committee members who worked hard to make this happen!
Areas (PAMANA) celebrated the 110th Anniversary of Philippine Independence from Spanish rule with a
dinner dance at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wis. The event
featured a video of Philippine history that traced the colonization of Filipinos by the Spaniards for more
than 300 years, the colonization thereafter by the United States, World War II, the granting of Philippine
Independence by the U.S. in 1946, and the succeeding governments, including the toppling of the
Marcos regime by PEOPLE Power in 1986. The PAMANA Choral Group sang nationalistic songs while
the video was being played. A cultural show, featuring three performances (Dinagyan, Tinikling, and
Singkil) representing the main islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, was the
highlight of this special occasion.
Madison Mayor David Cieslewicz and his wife, Diane, were the special guests. Wearing a Barong
Tagalog, Mayor Dave read a proclamation on PAMANA's celebration. He also administered the oath of
office of the new Board of Directors led by President Cora Holloway and assisted in handing the three
major recognition awards of the night: Ed Escall, Alvin Gutierrez, and Modesto Gonzales. Ed Escall was
overwhelmed with the good turnout and reminded the audience of the reason they are celebrating. Cora
Holloway thanked many PAMANA members and their families for working very hard to make the evening
a success.
Liberty Manabat from Chicago sang her own compositions, plus a Filipino love song, "Kapantay ay
Langit," while DJ Aris Topacio (also from Chicago) led the crowd in an extremely enjoyable evening of
dancing. WISC-TV Anchor Charlotte Deleste emceed.
This year's PAMANA celebration of Philippine Independence Day was an affair to remember. Very
colorful, fun, family-event, culturally and historically rich, tonight's event would be very difficult to match.
Congratulations to ALL PAMANA committee members who worked hard to make this happen!