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THE OPENING
The June 10 gala at Stone Mountain Park's Evergreen Hotel Ballroom was a celebration of the 102nd anniversary of Philippine Independence and also the culmination of the search for Miss Fil-Am 2000.
The evening's program commenced with opening remarks by this year's Social Chairperson, Emelyn Mays, stirring a cappella renditions of the Star Spangled Banner and Lupang Hinirang by the Kayumanggi Choral Group under the direction of Marites Fernandez-Pellicer, and an invocation by Dr. Gus Medina, Fil-Am 1977 president. After FilAm president Linda Agustin gave her welcome address, the Philippine Consul General, Raoul Donato introduced the night's guest speaker, Col. Robert Vance (ret.). The highly decorated military veteran recounted World War II stories, his participation in the U.S. liberation of the country and displayed the medals bestowed on him by the Philippine government for his gallant role in the conflict.
THE CULTURAL PRESENTATION
The cultural presentation which involved several talented young Fil-Am members, was based on the story of Lapulapu and interpreted as a modern multi-media opera. Noted Filipino composer Jose Genetica V and librettist/lyricist Victor Henry Tejeros created a contemporary opera with a setting in Mactan, Cebu , 1521. "Lapu-Lapu" the opera was part of the Centennial Celebration which premiered at the Main Theater, Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1997. This was recognized and endorsed by Former President Fidel V. Ramos, National Centennial Commision Chairman, Salvador H. Laurel, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director, Carmen D. Padilla and sponsored by PLDT, plus many other major companies in the Philippines. The 5 scenes contained these storylines: Lapu-lapu's return to Mat-an after a sea adventure and the townspeople's determination to fight for their land; Lapu-lapu's poignant farewell to his wife on the eve of battle; the fierce battle of Mat-an; Magellan's defeat and death on the shores of Mat-an; Victory of Lapu-lapu against Magellan and Spanish imperialism.
The impressive production displayed the talents of the cast members and behind-the-scenes personnel under the direction of Toni Daya-Luetgers, who played the femaie leading role in a Cultural Center of the Philippines production.
The dedicated and gifted cast members and their roles were: Marc Cordon - Lapu-lapu; Mark Sessoms - Ferdinand Magellan and Voice Over; Sharon Chapman - Bulakna and Casting Assistant; Melinda Rose Sampang - Native Warrior and co-choreographer; Mike Bellarmino ,Victor Bellarmino ,Robert Manuel Luczon Peterman , and Jojo Arceo - Mat-an Warriors; Kevin Hagler - Spanish Soldier; all four Ms. Fil-Am candidates - Mat-an women. The production crew consisted of: Linda Agustin - producer, production manager, casting; Lilia Hagler - production coordinator, liason officer; Toni Daya-Luetgers - director, choreographer, scriptwriter; Chris Borja - rehearsal venue coordinator; Linda Valenzuela - costume; production consultant; Mario Valenzuela - props; Melinda Avila-Torio - production assistant, set consultant; Albert Ascalon - technical supervisor, set consultant.
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THE MISS FIL-AM 2000 PAGEANT
Having warmed up to an audience and getting used to the klieg lights, the four candidates were presented by pageant hosts Maria Hagler and Jonathan Bonus,and each gave a brief personal introduction. This made up the first category of the pageant, which was divided into four judging criteria. The talent competition showcased each of the candidates' unique qualities. Candidate #1, Barbara Caranto, gracefully danced to Donna Summers' Con Te Partido which she self-choreographed. This impressive performance earned her the "Miss Talent" award. Candidate #2, Josine Pastrana, demonstrated her bilingual ability by reciting Dr. Jose Rizal's well-known poem, Mi Ultimo Adios, in Spanish and English. She garnered the "Miss
Friendship" prize. Candidate #3, Jackie Medina, danced the Igorot Dance with nimble, bird-like steps and her poise, charm, and beauty helped make her Ms. Fil-Am 2000. Candidate #4, Dyan
Delfin, voted "Miss Photogenic" and dressed as a hula dancer, interpreted and swayed in harmony with the languid, flowing hula music. The evening gown competition and the interviews made up the other half of the categories.
Ms. Fil-Am 1999, Sharon Chapman, who worked tirelessly to foster active participation of Fil-Am youth in association activities, made her farewell walk at the end of the competition.
The judges, all prominent metro-Atlanta leaders, were: Alexandra Kho, Precilla Francis, and Dr. Ash Thakker. The pageant hosts were Maria Hagler and Jonathan Bonus.
As the judges were deciding on the winners, the Kayumanggi Choral Group sang a Visayan Medley, Jose Sanchez ' arrangement of Himig Pilipino to tie in with the cultural presentation's Visayan setting. The medley consisted of three songs: Dandansoy, Condansoy, and Walay Angay. The group members are: Sopranos - Maria Esquerra, Mary Garcia, Connie Moraleta, Salud Moraleta, Susan Namgeanfar, Dolly Ramos; Altos - Tess Garcia, Didi O'Connor, Eleanor Mae Pascual, Remy del Rosario, Angie Varona; Tenors - Tito Espina, Cas Garcia (Gen. Manager), Al Ray Gesite, Jonathan Senning, Ed Villanueva; Bass - Al Dampog, Alex Pascual, Edwin Quiambao, Benny Sta. Romana, Gene Varona; Instrumentalists: Myrna Hendrix, Marites Pellicer, Benny Sta. Romana, Gene Varona, and Ray
Varona.
After the proclamation of winners, Ms. Fil-Am 2000 , her Court and their escorts started the dancing, which paved the way for dancing for everyone till the late hours of the evening.
MS. FIL-AM 2000 BEGINS REIGN
Jacqueline Medina was crowned Miss Fil-Am 2000 at the pageant during the Independence Day Celebration on June 10. She won over three other candidates based on four equally-weighted criteria. A large number of Columbus, GA supporters went home with a hometown beauty queen. The new Ms. Fil-Am is a poised, intelligent, and charming 16-yr.old Spencer High School rising junior. This down-to-earth young lady makes the most of her inborn artistic, intellectual, and personal attributes. Jackie is the 5th child of Emilio and Connie Medina.
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