US
Tour Nets 3 Awards for Heritage Band
Another excellent Philippine Heritage Band netted 3 “Best”
awards from its 4th of July (US Independence Day) performances
in four communities in the Chicago area.
Amid cheers and applause from the audience, PHB marched smartly
along the parade routes in their sparkling red gala tunics,
black pants and shakos. Some rose to their feet as PHB struck
up to the tunes of Washington Post, Semper Fidelis, Stars
and Stripes Forever and The Thunderer. Others simply put their
hands together to the cadence of the drums. Some waved while
others shouted: “Thank you for coming!” Veterans stood at
attention and saluted as PHB’s smart colour guard marched
by.
The rewards were just; 2 Best Band awards, one in Downers
Grove and the other one in Hinsdale. And the American Legion
in Downers Grove also presented PHB with an award for Most
Outstanding Patriotism for its parade repertoire, an unusual
award for an out of town band. But the awards were only a
part of the victory. PHB’s outstanding performance was manifested
by the comments from the organizers and the people interviewed;
“We will definitely roll out the red carpet for you guys next
year”, said one organizer. PHB also performed in neighboring
communities of Glen Ellyn and Lisle.
In the early morning of July 1st, PHB hit the road with an
entourage of over 120 aboard 2 coaches, private vehicles and
the PHB truck. First stop was Windsor where the band performed
in the Canada Day parade there. After the parade, the entourage
rolled on to its final destination, arriving in the evening
at the 12 acre estate of PHB’s host, Mr.and Mrs. Ray Villar
in Dundee.
There were 2 “fun” days prior to performance and during this
time, the youths were treated to the Great American Adventure
(Six Flags) amusement park in Gurnee while the adults had
a spree in a nearby shopping mall. The day after, the group
went on a tour of Chicago, starting at the Pier and on to
Michigan Avenue for more shopping. Back at the Villar estate,
there was organized chaos typically; the kitchen detail busy
preparing meal, the youths playing sports, the support team
tending to band equipment and uniforms, and some simply socializing.
In the evening of July 3rd, the Villar family lit the sky
with fireworks.
After a hectic but adventurous 5 days, the entourage was back
in Toronto in the early morning of July 6th.
This yet another outstanding achievement came as a result
of the many PHB members of PHB who always give their best
for the good of the group under all conditions. PHB would
like to thank all of them, as well as its supporters in the
community. Likewise to excellent hosts Mr. and Mrs. Ray and
Leila Villar of Dundee and Mr. Orly Bernardino, publisher
of The Philippine Weekly in Schamburg, the latter for scouting
the Villar estate and for his news coverage of PHB. Finally,
PHB is glad that it accomplished an inherent mission, and
that is to broaden the horizon of its members through travel,
and leave a positive image of Filipinos wherever it performs.
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