The Philippine Fiesta, now aptly tagged Fiesta in America, has been consistently celebrating its cultural festival since its inception 15 years ago and on August 15 it’s turning a new milestone. Yes, the Fiesta is now 16 and having a debut…a quinceñera!
In connection with the commemoration of the significant event, Fiesta in America deems it appropriate to present a refreshing festivity capped with a Grand Cotillion, instead of the traditional Rigodon de Honor… a fitting highlight for such a magnificently re-conceived celebration.
A type of patterned social dance that originated in France in the 18th century specifically in 1766, the Cotillion is currently the toast of celebration among the bourgeoning class. It was originally made up of four couples in a square formation, the forerunner of the quadrille. Its name, from French cotillon, meaning “petticoat”, reflected the flash of voluminous skirts as the changing partners turned. The Cotillion, of repeated “figures” interspersed with “changes” of different figures to different music, was one of many contredances where the gathered participants were able to introduce themselves and persuaded to flirt with other dancers through the exchange of partners within the formation network of the dance. By the 19th century, the cotillion has enormously evolved into more elaborate steps and participated in by more stately figures.
Cotillion came to America in about 1772 while in the Philippines the cotillion is usually regarded as a classic waltz and has been an integral part of a debutante’s ball since.
On Friday, August 15, 2014, the Fiesta committee has decided to adapt the effervescent blend of pink and blue motif for the People’s Ball, an annual gala held prior the two-day indoor cultural and entertainment festivities of Fiesta in America at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Fiesta in America’s Grand Cotillion is participated in by prominent leaders and recognized movers and shakers of the Filipino-American community under the choreography and creative concept of fashion designer-couturier Bobby T. Yalong and ably assisted by NY-based choreographer Helen Labarbera.
After several weeks of conscientious rehearsals, volunteer dance aficionados finally became familiar and obdurately mastered the dance steps and terminologies like balance, alignment, apel, box steps, cross over, orbit, and a lot more specially coined words for uncomplicated comprehension.
In actuality, the Grand Cotillion for the 2014 Fiesta in America’s People’s Ball was merely a creative dance conceptualization based on standard waltz steps with added dashes of intricate turns and exquisite moves to establish a peculiar element of excitement.
Lady participants, garbed in debutante’s gown in hues of pink complete with tiara, will re-experience and relive the splendor of their youth when they were first formally introduced to society while the gentlemen are contrastingly donned in tuxedo with celestial blue shirt and electric blue bowtie.
Composing the feminine row are: Helen Labarbera, Becky Samanyaphon, Cynthia Ballenas, Cora Reyes, Ramona S. Gapasin, Marieta Lamar, Ollie David, Marian Hirshenson, Ma. Nelda Bernales, Dr. Elma Castillo (Fiesta In America 2014 Santacruzan Hermana Mayor), Dr. Dolly Rivera, Meredith Malasig, Dr. Alicia Almendral, Helen Castillo, Rose P. Javier, and Linda Auleta.
The masculine line-up is made up of: Rene Ballenas, Dr. Prospero A. Lim, Suriya Samanyaphon, Robert Labarbera, Francis Sison, Ed Manalo, Dr. Larry Hirshenson, Dr. Emmanuel Malasig, Alex “BJ” Bernales Jr, Gani Puertollano, Aries Almendral, Vince Gesmundo, Art Tizon, Jericho Mangalindan, and Dr. Rod Castillo (Fiesta In America 2014 Santacruzan Hermano Mayor).
FIA President Fernando “Nanding” Mendez and Cotillion Choreographer Bobby T. Yalong stand on both extreme right and left, respectively. (Photo courtesy of Special Edition Press, Inc.).
Incidentally, the People’s Ball also features the ceremonious presentation of the official finalists of the first ever International King & Queen beauty and talent search and the grandiose recognition of various Fil-Am achievers that comprised this year’s roster of Empowerment Awardees.
And as if all these huge production numbers aren’t enough to sustain the event’s exhilarating ambience, Fiesta in America has even added internationally celebrated concert figure Martin Nievera, multi-awarded dramatic actor-singer-songwriter Jericho Rosales and veteran comedienne Fe Delos Reyes to grace the People’s Ball.
On Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17, respectively, during the two-day largest east coast indoor festival of music, entertainment, culture, food, and business networking at the 16th Fiesta in America festival at the Meadowlands Expo Center, celebrities Martin Nievera, Jericho Rosales, and Fe Delos Reyes, plus a bevy of Latin and Asian talents, are slated to perform, greet fans, avail of photo op, and sign autographs.
To sponsor, exhibit, attend or for ticket information, pls. call (212) 682-6610 or email: [email protected] or visit: www.philippinefiesta.com
For comments and suggestions: please email [email protected] or [email protected]
