A myriad of representation involving hundreds of community movers and shakers in the Filipino-American community were present last Friday, June 12, during the celebration of the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day held at the San Francisco City Hall’s Rotunda and adjoining North Light Court.
The elegant evening was led by San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee and wife Anita, City of Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves, Daly City Mayor Raymond A. Buenaventura, Colma City Mayor Joanne F. Del Rosario, Philippine Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr., Deputy Consul Jaime Escalon, former Tourism Director Rene delos Santos, former Consul General Romeo A. Arguelles and wife Azucena, Daly City Councilmember Michael P. Guingona, Atty. Lou Tancinco and daughter Aina, past candidate for State Assembly Conchita Applegate, Bank of America-Merill Lynch Senior Vice President Sonia Delen, SF Entertainment Commissioner Al Perez, Letty Quizon, Conrad “Radi” Calalang, North America Bureau Chief of The Filipino Channel (TFC) Paul Henson, Senior Reporter Henni Espinosa, reporter Rommel Conclara, the ABS-CBN Global group represented by Nerissa Fernandez, Keesa Ocampo, the Filipino media headed by Esther “Boots” Chavez of Inquirer.net, Joseph Peralta and Michael Nitro of Asian Journal, Truth Esguerra, James Adkins, Richard Lao, among others.
With this year’s theme of “Empowerment, Continuity, Connectivity;” the event started with Mayor Lee raising the Philippine flag at the City Hall Rotunda, also effectively kicking off a series of Filipino community events and other cultural activities for the whole month of June. The gala dinner was also to unite and inspire members and friends of the Fil-Am community to help advance cooperation in achieving a common goal. Mayor Lee thanked the Filipino community for their continued support and contribution to what makes the City of San Francisco great.
Female guests arrived clad in the traditional Filipiniana terno and formal evening gowns, while the men were either in tuxedos or barong tagalog in various shades and styles. The annual celebration has grown into a collective commemoration, emphasizing the strength and character of Filipinos.
Another highlight of the evening was the performance of notable community leaders of the annual Rigodon de Honor – a quadrille formatted traditional French dance that was introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards during the 16th century. The dance is normally performed during presidential inaugurations.
A sight to behold was when the Bay Area Fashion Week models descended from atop the Rotunda staircase in formal wear (evening gowns and barong tagalog) creations by Bay Area-based designer Anthony Legarda – all made of pineapple fiber from the Philippines. This segment was even further highlighted by the romantic play of lights and a live rendition of a Kundiman song. Sixteen-year-old Aina Tancinco anchored the fashion show.
Also spotted in the event were Filipina Women’s Network President Marily Mondejar, Michael Tomas, CPA Wendy Pascual Andong, New York Life Insurance-SF partners Tony Garibaldi and Sharla Aquino together with agent Benjamin Enverge, ESOMA’s Elvie Teodoro, choreographer Jay Loyola, Coffee Adventure’s Karen Togle-Recinto, film director Leilani Amour and grandson Kenshin, Bradley Roxas, SF Director of Events Elsie McAteer, Dr. Thomas Ferguson, PAL’s Emelyn S. Roxas-Liwanag, Pacific Air Leisure’s Lyn Abad, singer Leon Palad, community leader Bernadette Roco, One Virtual Source President JR Calanoc and fiancée Nancy Hwang, Heavenly Ice Cream’s Rennel Atienza, stage manager Johnny T. Veloso, members of the San Francisco Police Department, a number of war veterans and much more.
Guests were ushered in the adjoining North Light Court for formal dinner – a salad of baby arugula, dried apricot, goat’s milk cheese, candied cardamom pistachios in a pomegranate vinaigrette, and main entrée comprised of Chardonnay wood-smoked Angus beef short rib, nantes carrot puree with horseradish, pea tendrils, crispy mushrooms, chevre and ver jus shine and asparagus emulsion. Desserts include the guilty pleasures of strawberry-lemon verbena panna cotta, limoncello-infused strawberries and dark chocolate, caramel and Maldon sea salt canvass tarts, bittersweet caramal, chocolate and orange brushstrokes!
Musical performances include top Filipino artists such as Broadway star Joan Almedilla and Matthew John Ignacio. Dancing followed back at the City Hall Rotunda.
Why celebrate our independence every year? Because it is an integral part of history – and naturally, our culture, identity and personality.
We are proud to be Filipinos!
