Last Sunday, October 12, 2014, the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) nailed it again when it pompously celebrated its 22nd founding anniversary with an alluring touch of class amid the grandiosity of an exhilarating ambience. Inspired by this year’s theme, “A Night in Vienna,” Ramada Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom was magically transformed into a stylishly elegant Viennese Hall reminiscent of the century-old romantic venue. Every guest made an effort to come to the ball all glam and fully coiffed… donned in their couture best (with a majority in voluminously-skirted designer gowns with matching gloves and pill-box headpieces) adding congruously to the heightened classic intensity and magnanimous affluence of the festive atmosphere.
Consistent to its commitment in recognizing exceptionally successful Filipino-Americans in their specific areas of endeavored dexterity, this year PACCAL honored thirteen worth-emulating personalities via a well-conceived, lavishly prepared production and smooth-paced awarding ceremony aptly highlighted with a grand Viennese waltz.
The toasts of the evening that made up the roster of honorees were: Aida Gamboa for Classical Performing Artist; Jerry Sibal for Visual Arts; Leilani J. Evangelista for Young Professional; Atty. Arvin Amatorio for Legal Profession; Kenneth Payumo for Humanitarian Hero; Lucy L. De Simone for Nursing profession; Jesus Martin Reyes for Legal Public Service; Troi Santos for Community Service; Daisy B. Pacia for Madical Technology; Leila Rudolfa for Education; Dr. Rene Ynaya for Medical Profession; Elizabeth Divinagracia for Physical Therapy; and Mr. & Mrs. Edilberto Morales for Parents of the Year. Dashing Kenneth Payumo delivered an Acceptance Speech on behalf of his co-honorees.
Adding glitz to the already glittery evening were impressive world-class performances by Aida Gamboa (this year’s recipient of the Classical Performing Artist award), sultry singer and pride of Toms River, New Jersey Sarah Bacani, and beauteous, promising singer Alyssa Jade Shoemaker.
Female awardees were glamorously escorted by up-coming ramp model swarthy Edgar “Maury” Reyes and the smart hunk from DC Phil Coronado while male honorees were ushered to stage by voluptuous beauty Justine Babuschak and BB (beauty and brains) Sarah Bacani.
Fashionable Marieta Lamar chaired the recently concluded “A Night in Vienna” with the generous and equally stylish Ramona S. Gapasin as co-chair. Incidentally, multi-recognized community leader Dr. Dolly Rivera was the event’s Honorary Chair and PACCAL President Lumen Castañeda as Overall Chair. Consul Felipe “Bong” Cariño was inspirational speaker and Hon. Con. Gen. Mario De Leon breezed in just in the nick of time.
Feast your eyes on the numerous photos captured during the sensational event.
Photos credits: Troi Santos, Jujo Conol & Ed O’Donnell
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