Saturday, October 4, 2025 – In commemoration of the Philippine-American History Month of October, the annual SAMPAGUITA BALL of the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), was once again a smashing success, with more than four hundred people attending this year, coming from all over Florida and other neighboring states, dressed in their best Filipiniana and Barong Tagalogs, designed by the best Philippine designers. Now in its 31st year, there is no doubt that this strictly formal event has preserved the Philippine cultures and traditions in the United States.
The $125-$175 per person event included complimentary valet parking, unlimited premium Open Bar all evening, and a seven-course Chinese dinner served by Hao Wha catering of Tampa. Philippine “kakaning” (variety rice cakes), were also served as a “merienda” with coffee and tea, before the evening ended,
Entertainment was provided as always with an original production presented by the three cultural arms of PCFI, the Musikong Kawayan-Bamboo Ensemble conducted by Nhick Ramiro-Pacis, the Philippine Choral Group conducted by Connie Chanrasmi, and the dancers of the Philippine Performing Arts Company, with a production choreography by Kamille Janess-Ariola. These three groups, as always, presented a spectacular production number entitled “In the Heart of the Islands” with original musical composition and lyrics by Nhick Ramiro-Pacis.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the traditional Rigodon de Honor as an opening welcome dance, headed by PCFI Chairman Arnell Biglete and Lissa Biglete, Chairman of the Sampaguita Ladies Society, and Sampaguita Ball 2025 Chairman, Jenette Sibayan-Cruz and her husband Larry, together with the officers and heads of the different organization heads and cultural departments of the foundation and the members of the Sampaguita Ladies Society, choreographed by Renato Candelario.
Very special guests of the evening were the Philippine Honorary Consul for the State of Florida, Sharol Noblejas, former US Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Harry Thomas, Miss Philippines Earth FIRE 2025, Miss Jaymie Strickland, Mr. John John Madamba, President of PAMANA from Gainesville, Florida, the members of the Mayor’s Asian American Pacific Islander Advisory Committee of Tampa headed by President Mariben Andersen, and Filipino-American television newscast personalities Kimberly Quzion, Miguel Octavio, and Nerissa Lamison.
I displayed the fabulous collection of “Masacotas” by designer Federico Navarro of Zambonga, which the Rigodon dancers wore at Sampaguita Ball 2024, as this year’s decoration, definitely adding glamour and ambiance to the evening.
Congratulations to all the hardworking members of the Sampaguita Ball Committee for another very successful event. You have done it again!!! KUDOS to you all.
Photos courtesy of: Ariel Sinco Photography, Jojo Flores Photography, Nhick Ramiro-Pacis, Dino Pamplona, and from guests who attended the ball
, was once again a smashing success, with more than four hundred people attending this year, coming from all over Florida and other neighboring states, dressed in their best Filipiniana and Barong Tagalogs, designed by the best Philippine designers. Now in its 31st year, there is no doubt that this strictly formal event has preserved the Philippine cultures and traditions in the United States.){kind=link}