Sunday...The Last Day but the Beginning of a New Wave

The day started by getting Uncle Fred celebrate the 7:00AM Mass with Father Luke. Jun came through. It was so nice to see and hear Deacon Fred. The last time he spoke was during the 225th Anniversary of Filipinos in the Continental U.S....back in 1988.

Afterwards, we had breakfast at Village Inn. It was so nice to spend a little chit chat with our mentors. For some reason I felt they knew this will probably be their last time in the 757. We had our first program together back in 1985 when the FYA Drill
Team came down during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Now...almost 25 years later, we end it with this Symposium. We had a great run...but...like all good things...it all comes to an end.

After breakfast, we went to the PCC. They never had a chance to see the PCC back in 2000. They spent the day in a meeting while the majority of the conference went to the picnic and saw the sites. Upon inspection, both were deeply impressed by what they saw...the fountain covered by netting to not allow birds to eat the fish...to the Veterans Memorial Garden...the Milenium Tree...and the stage. They were very impressed. So glad they enjoyed it.

I'm so glad Ramon and his daughters were also out here. I'm sure they had a great time...especially showing off their kali skills. I'm so proud of Ramon raising these beautiful and courageous warriors. They never complained. They held their heads high with pride and dignity. Very impressed. This photo is a great way to call the Symposium a success.

Later that evening, CUFOT called for a merienda meeting. The purpose was to see if a succession plan can come about via the facilitating skills of Ben. Needless to say everyone was thoroughly excited over this possibility of creating intergenerational projects. Afterwards, we had drinks at Guadalajara's at Town Center. Steph didn't get home until the wee hours of the morning. But it's all good. Took her to the airport early Monday morning for her flight to NYC. So glad she had a great time. She needed the time to decompress and assert her soul for the rest of the year. What an entertainer. I'm so glad she's found her stride career-wise.
http://podcasts.whro.org/filam/FILAM212A.m4v

July 3 Dancing Showcase

The room was filled with excitement. Chris and Emer combined forces to put together a stage equipped with optimal sound, lights and even two screens with a live video feed. Utilizing the positive energy from the workshops and the tremendous use of resourcefulness due to the vacancy of last nights audio/visual nightmare, the evening was filled with hope and realization that when Pinoys are forced to improvise...they do it well...and with plenty of class. All the acts build up the excitement. By the time the Boogie Bots came on, everyone felt like a headliner. Afterall, they all were...as the evening ended in perfection.

Pre-Show

Got off to a horrific start. The sound company was having extreme difficulty getting set-up. They lost power three times...the lights were not set-up correctly...we didn't even have time for a sound check. Eventually, the show started 15 minutes late. Not good. Was the worst over with? Not even close. As time went, the sound and lights were even more worse...even to the point that Steph cut her show short...and sang the last 2 songs without a mic. Afterwards, Ben and Phil got into it. A police report was filed. Come Friday morning, the sound board was gone...along with three mics, extension cords, and total PR disaster.



During the intermission, we planned to honor the Cordova's. This short 5 minute presentation turned into a 1/2 hour surprise presentation to Ray and Edwina and I. I was somewhat embarrased...but...what the heck. Our last show. Make the folks sit it out. lol....

Thursday Evening Showcase

July 1 Welcome Showcase

It seems these videos will only play if I am logged onto FACEBOOK. In any case, the showcase went very well.

After dinner, Uncle Fred addressed the group at the dorms. He gave one of his better talks in regards of how important each and everyone of the group are in relationship to our people nationally. His talk caused a delay in preventing the group to meet prior to the showcase. Alex was somewhat upset...however, one cannot cut-off an elder just to stay on time for the rest of the program.


The welcome showcase featured skits and spoken word.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF3HrXrYyz0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWVTQPAd3PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KwZ6QEmUF0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkUEgqLn_n0
Afterwards we picked up the Salvador sisters from the airport. They were able to catch the last flight out of NYC. If they didn't catch this one, the next one was the following day. Although they missed the showcase, I'm just glad they got in that night. After picking them up, we then proceeded to have dinner at Gordon Biersch. It was an excellent start to this much anticipated event.

Day ONE

Although Ben got in Sunday night...and Steph got in last night...I'll refer to July 1...Wednesday...as day one. The day started off moving Ben into the dorms. We loaded up my car with our pots and pans...along with his luggage. At around 8:30AM, I got a text from Catalina saying they missed their flight from NYC...and are now on standby. Apparently what happened was they did not hear their names being called. That's how they missed their flight. Later, I disclosed to Ray that's how things are learned...through mistakes...I bet you dollars to donuts that they will never miss another flight if it were based on getting their names called.

Uncle Fred, Auntie Dorothy and Ray were the first ones to arrive at the dorm. They all looked great. Angelo stuck around waiting for Annette who was coming in a hour later. After getting settled in, we all went to Susan's Kitchenette for some lunch.

Servings of pinakbet, chicken adobo, lechon kawili, tofu dish, soup, soft drinks were all provided. Once again the food was great. The company even greater. What a great way to start the event.

Afterwards, I took Ray over to the condo. There we woke Steph up. I took her to Inlet for her two hour workout. I then drove back to the dorms. There I took Angelo and Annette to Walgreens. Dropped them back off...went home...got ready and took Steph back to Wesleyan for the evening Showcase.