PIWC GALA EVENT 2016

The gala celebration of the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) 2016 has made a great impact and left its indelible mark amongst the Philippine Independence celebrators in the Filipino American community of Chicago, remarkably considering that it is the community’s oldest organization with its most patriotic reason for its annual celebration for more than forty years now.

Under the able leadership of Mercy Matousek this year, it was hailed as a huge success with about 600 guests in attendance and highlighted with the coronation of the PIWC Beauty Queens 2016 held last June 18, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Other added exciting features for the evening gala was the traditional Rigodon de Honor participated by PIWC officers and members and other community leaders, Ati-Atihan-themed number for the ultra-dramatic opening, folk dance presentations by the Chicago Dance Power, special Singkil number by Ginalene Lopez, 2015 Mrs. Philippines PIWC, colorful fashion show of Philippine native attires by some committee members, and the final appearance and presentation of 2015 PIWC Beauty Queens, and beautiful native song renditions by Chaz Patron, Jerry Masangcay, and Kayla Tejero. The Cathedral Filipino Singers was enthralling in their renditions of the U.S. and Philippine National Anthems. Rev. Fr. Andre Beltran honored the PIWC group by his solemn delivery of the invoication before dinner.

Serving as the Keynote Speaker was the Hon. IL Senator Jim Oberweis and the Inspirational Speech was delivered by Hon. Consul General Generoso Calonge of the Chicago Philippine Consulate General, who both briefly touched on the significant historical impact of the Philippine history’s declaration of the Philippine Independence 118 years ago and on the birth of the first republic, and also the country’s continued practice of democracy.

The highlight of the gala event, the presentation and coronation of PIWC 2016 Beauty Queens, featured the following current PIWC 2016 beauty queens: Joy Alexander (Mrs. Philippines 2016); Czarina de Leon (Miss Philippines 2016), Melanie Woodworth-Carlson (Mrs. PIWC 2016); Isabella Battaglia (Miss PIWC 2016); Mina Medalla (Mrs. Illinois 2016); Nelly Lequin-Dy (Mrs. Chicago 2016); Kayla Flores (Little Miss PIWC 2016); and Emma Callada (Little Miss Philippines).

Deserving of accolades and congratulations for the able and capable execution of their duties are the following Executive Officers headed by Mercy Matousek as Overall Chairperson, Lourdes Lives (Gala Night Chair), Meg Advento (Recording Secretary), Lourdes Mon (Corresponding Secretary); Paul Angeles (Treasurer); Auring Galimba (Asst. Treasurer); Nick Macabenta (Auditor); Met Castelo (Budget); Veronica Leighton (PRO); Mariano Santos (PRO); Art Dilay (Legal Adviser); Ellen Tan (Immediate Past Chair); and Brenda Stevens (Executive Adviser).
Not to be overlooked in the performance of their special assigned tasks are the following PIWC Committee Members…. Yoly & Ben Zoleta (Kick-off Co-Chairs); Susan Angeles (Souvenir Chair); Cora Guzon (Reservation/Seating); Velia Guffey (Raffle Sales); Ella Basilio (Health); Edwin Pineda (Program Coordinator); Flor Castil (Co-Program Coord); Lito Pineda (Souvenir Program Printing); Carlota Domantay , Mar Lapena & Maritess Wynkoop (Beauty Queen Co-Chairs); Lourdes Livas (Gala Night); Sally Abuton (Registration); Neriza Pineda (Cultural Presentation); Lindy Tan (Memorabilia); Myrna Cordero & Leilani Magana (Appreciation Night co-Chairs); Myrna Mahant & Vishnu Mahant (Rigodon co-chairs); Neneth Miranda & Elsa Castillo (Entertainment Co-Chairs); Marilyn McLean (Youth Program); Cora Gumila (Raffle Sales); Jo WeeSit (Youth Essay Writing Contest); Elba Torre (Sashes/Bouquets); Lita Villegas (Crowns/Trophies); JR Roque & Jet Jet Gruezo (Ushers/Reception Co-Chairs); Norma Manankil (Rigodon Dance Chair); Julie Chavez (Picnic); Jun De Guia (Special Project); Tony Silvano (Bowling); Tom Matousek (Bowling Co-Chair); Delfin & Elizabeth Masangcay (Decoration co-chairs); Ralph & Jovi Sirianni (Sports/Games co-chairs); Edna Pavel (Potography); Jean Paredes & Frank Alvarez (Senior Citizen co-chairpersons).

Ms. Maria Girlie Pascual served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, and DJ music service by Eduardo Cabanayan.
VERONICA V. LEIGHTON