“The best way to find your self is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
AFTER having meticulously assessed all possible resources, conscientiously brainstormed the brightest of ideas, mapped out fundamental schemes and options, totally completed paper and people chases, thoroughly rehearsed-to-perfection slated live performances, and acutely attended to the finest details, the recently concluded PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc.) annual Women’s History Month celebration last Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Newark, New Jersey, was unanimously evaluated a rousing success — even farther way beyond the organization’s ambitious expectations.
The multi-functional ballroom was astoundingly transformed into a grandiosely swanky setting befitting an awarding ceremony that distinctly recognized well-heeled and exceedingly accomplished women from different fields of endeavor. A huge canvas that depicted an enormously flamboyant staircase with gigantic Italian marble columns and two entrances of ornately fashioned wrought irons in black and gold attractively gave an elite finish on both sides and substantially provided a perfect backdrop for the spacious maroon-red covered riser.
“It was a signature event worth attending!” gushed Fil-Am philanthropist-businesswoman Loida Nicolas-Lewis, the affair’s illustrious speaker who instantly won a big following after publicly revealing the trade secret of her exceptional success in business, social status, professional and private life.
“From early childhood I was literally trained and guided by my father to be what I am now and catapulted my status to where I should be,” said the prolific lady lawyer and US Pinoys for Good Governance advocate, openly divulging the formula of her phenomenal success with clever candidness and sterling brevity on how she eventually metamorphosed into an empowered woman.
The low-keyed motivational speaker appeared innately dignified with sophisticated air of well-managed ferocity. Consistently armed with a ready smile and direct eye contact, Madame Loida Lewis, the widow of TLC Beatrice Founder-CEO Reginald F. Lewis, profoundly delivered her speech before a full capacity crowd.
The internationally celebrated event had band soloist veteran Chin Gomez, PACCAL 2015 WHM recipient of the POP Performing Artist award belt out two wildly applauded numbers that rightly proved her unparalleled versatility deserving of such recognition.
Exceptionally talented performer gifted with a wide range of vocal prowess and justly dubbed as the Filipino male counterpart of pop diva Mariah Carey, Geo Ed Rebucas gave his own startling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner which injected that much-needed dose of vigor during the early phase of the program. His solo spot, where he delivered two perfectly pitched numbers, all the more made the name ‘Geo Ed Rebucas’ a moniker to watch… a rare talent that could eventually uplift the standard of vocal entertainment.
Not to be left unnoticed was docile-looking but a scene-stealer on stage, Angel Ram, another fast-rising chanteuse that effortlessly stamped a distinguishing mark during that high-strung afternoon. Aside from her solo number and a well-received duet with Geo Ed, Angel’s own interpretation of “At Last,” an original by the late Etta James, gave out the best of her…and emotionally delivered the sentimental ditty as if her own.
The main highlight of the program honored PACCAL 2015 Women’s History Month Awardees. Among the Women Achievers who were recipients of the specially designed loving cup that symbolizes their status of womanhood in our current socio-economic setting after having had meritoriously excelled in their chosen fields are the following:
1. Vivian T. Cruz (Community Service)
2. Grace Wong (Mother of the Year)
3. Marietta Geraldino (Teaching Profession)
4. Joji Rafael (Quality Management Specialist)
5. Laura Garcia (Nurse Educator)
6. Rose Concepcion (Business Entrepreneur)
7. Dr. May Q. Maddatu (Medical Profession)
8. Cristina Godinez, Esq. (Legal Profession)
9. Demetria Cornelio (Senior Citizen of the Year)
10. Chin Gomez (Pop Performing Artist)
The paucity of extraordinary stature of women who have indefatigably proven their worth and distinct accomplishments while being valuably recognized for their headship and reputable social standing made it hard for PACCAL to name its appropriate choices in the Influential Awards category, the Premier Honor bestowed by the organization. These are the community leaders who, aside from their professional accomplishments, are with marked personalities that could vitally influence the youth and the next generation while persuading others to the things worthy of veritable deeds. Awarded Influential Women were:
1. Fe Sales
2. Marie M. Duffy
3. Senen Cabalfin
4. Nilda Jaynal
The most hyped mini-fashion that showcased the latest stylized Filipiniana formal gowns in black and gold was worth the long wait. Ably modeled by passionately fashionable PACCAL officers and members: Rose P. Javier, Ramona Gapasin, Rebecca Samanyaphon, Marieta Lamar, Virgie Alvarez, Hermie Garcia, Ria Serrano, with guest model Olie David, and Dr. Elma Castillo, WHM Honorary Chair, and with the support from professional dance instructor Ed Manalo and Dr. Rod Castillo.
Two freshly trained male mannequins, Peruvian Jurgen Bottger and Egyptian Anton Marzouk, had their first ramp experience and passed it with flying colors. The 15-minute mini-ramp show, to say the least, generated thundering applause and positive comments.
PACCAL has tremendously expressed its unending gratitude to Dr. Elma De Villa Castillo for her unprecedented generosity and able capacity to steadfastly graced the 2015 WHM celebration as this year’s Honorary Chair. Following the event’s success, an intimate appreciation dinner was tendered in honor of the amiable medical practitioner and her husband at the newly-opened Talde Asian Fusion Restaurant and Bar in downtown Jersey City with the special attendance of Mike Florendo, another Fil-Am community fundraiser, marketing professional, and a charity advocate, who is designated as the October event Honorary Chairman.
The overwhelming success of PACCAL’s latest event becomes a big challenge for those who will chair and manage the up-coming 23rd Anniversary Ball in October. But knowing the exceptional camaraderie and close working relationship of the members within the organization, the subsequently significant occasion, this early, is already considered as another stirring success.
As ever since its naissance in 1992, PACCAL is determined to reach further heights and accomplish valuable services to the community.
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