Ilocano Association hosts autumn party in London
by Patrick Camara Ropeta, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau | 11/20/2009 10:53 AM
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LONDON - Hundreds of Filipinos gathered in London to attend a post-Halloween autumn party at Baden Powell House in South Kensington.
Organized by the Ilocano Association, the event offered guests an evening of music, dancing and entertainment, as well as a spread of familiar Filipino dishes to combat the onset of shorter, darker days.
Friends and families of Ilocanos were in attendance, together with fellow Pinoys from other organizations and companies throughout the city. The party was an opportunity for the association to give the community a “get together” celebration as the autumn season settles in the United Kingdom.
Guests were able to find comfort against cooler temperatures in the form of traditional Filipino food, courtesy of Carino & Vecino Catering, who provided an abundant supply of gastronomic delights including pancit, rice, lechon and leche flan.
There was also plenty of entertainment on the night, starting with a performance from young girl group, Charisma. The five-piece band performed their rendition of “Nobody But You” by Korean girl band Wonder Girls, and “Up” by British group The Saturdays.
They were followed by talented male vocalists CJ Idos and Ian Venida. CJ, winner of a local talent show, sang a beautiful version of “This I Promise You” by American boyband Nsync. While Ian, a former cast member of Miss Saigon, gave a rousing performance of “Angels” by Robbie Williams, and an encore of the Brian Adams classic “Everything I Do”.
The line up was completed by a surprise appearance from comedy drag act Miss Geraldine Regolado, who amused the audience with her graceful routines to the enchanting tunes of “Sway” and “Pearly Shells”, complete with elaborate cancan and Hawaiian costumes.
Guests were able to polish their own dancing skills with upbeat music for most of the evening. Courtesy of Christina Cabugson on the decks, partygoers of all ages enjoyed classic sounds from genres of Latin, OPM, Americana, ballroom, and rockabilly.
Enthusiastic movers were line dancing to “Achy Breaky Heart”, shaking to “Livin La Vida Loca”, and twisting to “Wake Up Little Suzie”.
Towards the end of the evening, there was a much-anticipated dance competition where a number of couples showed their skills in tango, boogie and chacha. The lucky winners were chosen by officers of the association and were given special prizes.
“Nagsasayawan ang mga tao at masaya sila,” said Ilocano Association president Eva Macadangdang.
She also concluded that social events like this are important in preserving “ethnic heritage”, as well as helping “unite Filipinos” from all backgrounds.
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