The Bayanihan Arts and Events Center, located at 14301 Nine Eagles Drive in Tampa, was transformed into an elegant evening last Saturday, October 5th, 2024, when the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) celebrated the 30th anniversary of its annual Sampaguita Ball.
Four hundred eighty guests came dressed in their best evening gowns and Philippine outfits, designed and created by the best Philippine couturiers of the Philippines. Guests from all over Florida paying $125-$150 per person received complimentary valet parking, a seven-course Chinese Lauriat dinner by Hao Wah Catering, a deluxe open bar all night, a live band, and a DJ who provided the music. The foundation’s three cultural performing groups, the Philippine Choral Group conducted by Connie Chanrasmi and the Musikong Kawayan Bamboo Ensemble conducted by Nhick Ramiro-Pacis, and the Philippine Performing Arts dancers, choreographed by Kamille Janess and Renato Candelario, presented the entertainment for the evening entitled “Jota Eclectica.”
The very formal event was attended by officers of members of nineteen Philippine member organizations under the umbrella of PCFI. Also present was former US Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Harry Thomas and his Filipino wife, Mithi; President of the Philippine American Alliance of North America (PAMANA) from Gainesville, Florida, Mr. John John Madamba and his wife Valerie; members and officers of the Filipino American Society (FAS) of Charlotte County headed by their president Jane Dixon; officers of the Philippine American Society (PAS) of Palm Beach, Florida, publishers of the Filipino newspaper Pinit at Iban Pa and organizers of Fiesta Mo Sa USA, Fernando and Riza Solis and their staff, and all past and present queens of the “PAGEANT FOR A CAUSE” from all over Florida; and members of Mayor’s Asian American Pacific Islander Advisory Council headed by their Chairman and President Mariben Andersen.
Once again, the Filipinos undoubtedly have proven that they show it all when it comes to elegance and grace during the Sampaguita Ball in Tampa.
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