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WOW!! OUTSTANDING CHRISTMAS PARTY!!
By Jane Aniceto
On Saturday, December 13, 2003, the PAAD Christmas Benefit Dinner was held in a new venue, the MBNA Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club, in Newark, DE. It was the first time in so many years past, that the Year-End Christmas party was so well attended. Much to the surprise of your current officers and most members of the association, there were a total of close to 300 people in attendance. It was so grand that while the party was scheduled to end at midnight, several members still stayed on asking the band to play a few more last songs to dance to, way past midnight. People who normally would leave early, when attending these functions, stayed on until everyone finally wrapped up for the evening.
The great ambiance, the right amount of pavilion room, the right amount of décor, the most reasonable and enticing price in so many years, the great attendance, the wonderful music, the good food, the wonderful emcees (Dr. Rosie Elazegui and Bill Graham) and program, the happy faces --- all these contributed to the success of this event. In my entire experience of being an active member of the association since 1988, I do not remember attending a Christmas party with this big a participation.
Starting at the recption table, officers greeted members and their guests with a copy of the latest BALITAAN newsletter, courtesy of our Chief Editor, Linda Graham, and the evening's Program. The party was started off with the National Anthems. A threesome of young adults (Justine Espiritu, Nicole McHugh, and Gayle Mercado) sang the Star Spangled Banner in great harmony. This was followed by the Philippine National Anthem, sang also in harmony by our Cultural Vice President, Art Espiritu and member, Helen Mercado. The President, Cesar Aniceto, then followed with his welcome speech, especially thanking the five Sponsors of the party (the Offices of Dr. Nieva Duque-Salva and Dr. James Salva, Brandywine Imaging; Delaware Cardiovascular Associates; Dynamic Physical Therapy; and E-Medical Industries at the invitation of Dr Manny DeVotta of Brandywine Pain Management. These sponsors, seated in front prime tables, were responsible for funding the Pilipino live band from New York, Friends of Mine. The 2003 newly formed PAAD choir then rendered Filipino and English Christmas carols to start off the entertainment, while the crowd was being served their dinner. The choir, comprised of some new faces, sang to the accompaniment of live acoustic guitars, thanks to Eddie Bernardo and his son, Alan Bernardo.
Everyone was eager to start dancing. Even while people were being served dinner, once the band started to play, people were up on the large dance floor already. Everyone had a great time, dancing all-night, mingling with new and old members alike as well as invited guests. Three intermission numbers were presented. For the first time, an entertainment number was presented, with the combined efforts of both adults and young adults - a History of Line Dancing. Our special thanks to our Social Affairs Vice President, Ruben Rubio, for the choreography. The youth group also presented another dance intermission number, choreographed by PAYAD President, Crystal Aniceto. Toward the later part of the night, Jane Aniceto rendered 2 songs for the listening pleasure of the crowd. Door prizes were abundant. Thanks again to the many, generous donors. And the 50/50 gave a young adult guest the pleasure of winning more than $200 worth of cash that night.
Overall, the association and your officers are proud of the numerous compliments they received for the great time most people had during the party. The crowd was mostly impressed about the new, more spacious venue combined with a reasonable price and the energetic atmosphere of the entire function.
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