A grand musical anniversary

"Music, the greatest good that mortals know, and all of heaven we have below."–Joseph Addison

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The province of Bulacan boasts of great poetry, music, visual and performing arts, and of course, beautiful women (my personal favorite!). However, in Club Bulakeño’s Crystal Anniversary, Bulacan’s music, considered as the narration of the province’s history and the mirror of its aspirations, was the focal point of the celebration.

At the grand ballroom of the Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel, guests in evening finery were treated to the unique songs of Bulacan rendered by an award-winning Malolos choir accompanied by a string ensemble. The fragrance from Bulacan’s famous flower garden added to the elegant atmosphere.

Dinner – which consisted of tantalizing Bulacan cuisine inspired by the inaugural banquet tendered by President Emilio Aguinaldo during the first Philippine Republic – was served with a flourish.

Ladies of influence and prominent gentlemen relived the stately splendor of the Banquete de Republica during the inauguration of the Malolos Republic. There was Ofelia Trinidad smiling serenely in a silver-sequined emerald-green Ben Farrales terno; Mellie Ablaza in a slate-gray, black-plumed Farrales traje de cola; Virma Vergel de Dios and Linda Cruz in Patis Tesoro baro’t saya; and many others.

Not to be outdone were the debonair Bulakeños in their barong Tagalog: Paco de la Rosa, Bert Castro, Sonny Tanchanco and Robert Estacio, among many others.

The calling of the representatives to the Malolos Congress was reenacted by Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta; MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando; Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan; Rep. Cynthia Villar; Rep. Imee Marcos; Rep. Neneng Nicolas; Rep. Kim Bernardo-Lokin; Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando; former Sen. Nikki Coseteng; former Solicitor General Frank Chavez; former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay; and former Secretary Jamby Madrigal-Valade.

The highlight of the evening was the Rigodon de Honor. The splendid baro’t saya and barong Tagalog worn by the rigodon participants defined four Philippine costume periods: the Empire style of the early 19th century, the Maria Clara of the late 19th century, the baro with extended sleeves and saya of the American period, and the traje de meztiza of the 1920s. The rigodon participants were led by this year’s joint presidents Berna Lomotan Rustia in a bronze David Tupaz creation and Patrick Jacinto in a Bergamo barong.

The annual Club Bulakeño ball has become a much-awaited event, thanks to the club officers and advisers, particularly Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco; Justa Tantoco; Nedy Tantoco; Sonny Tanchanco; engineer Gene and Lydia Reyes; Ofelia and Vina Trinidad; Ogie Villamar; Tess Castro; Louie Ablaza; and Dr. Jimmy Laya.

Congratulations on your 15th anniversary!