A swinging, sumptuous Fourth of July

A merica’s Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

It has been a long-standing custom to throw a party on this day. It is also a great time to bond with family and friends.

In keeping with this time-honored tradition, the American Chamber of Commerce in Cebu (Amcham) once again hosted the much-anticipated party for Americans and Filipino friends alike.

Held at the Marriott Hotel, this year’s fellowship had for its theme the swinging ’60s, the groovy and crazy ’70s, and the totally unique ’80s.

Seasoned hosts Mila Espina and Michael Go started the festivities by raffling off some prizes graciously donated by corporate members such as Timex, Lear, Lexmark, Island Souvenirs, 3M, San Miguel and a lot more.

Special guest for the evening was Richard Polney, Vice Consul for Non-Immigrant Visa Section of the Embassy of the United States of America. In his brief remarks Polney once again reassured everyone of the States’ unwavering support and commitment to the Philippines.

The fun and lively program started with the appearance of Alice Woolbright as Marilyn Monroe, the ultimate temptress of the silver screen. She was in a pleated ivory “subway” dress made popular by the actress in the iconic scene from The Seven Year Itch. Then came the Amcham directors with their version of the Village People. They included Wilson Ng as the police officer, Bill Mallory as the Indian, Mark Van Dyke as the soldier, Bruce Winton as the cowboy, Preston Abernathy as the construction worker and Ramil Moya as the biker.

The staff of the Marriott Hotel and Plantation Bay and Resort likewise did a fabulous performance of rock and roll while members of Speechcom awed invitees with their interpretation of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Fun-loving ladies such as June Alegrado, Iris and Mia Arcenas, Karen Woolbright, and Agnes Huettel, together with Jay Chiongbian, also did a fabulous dance number.

At the sumptuous all-American buffet, guests enjoyed the typical Fourth of July menu that consisted of salads, grilled hamburgers, frankfurters and hotdogs in their long buns with mustard, ketchup, relish, cheese and onions.

The highlight of the celebration was the raffling of three international airline tickets, one to Guangzhou, China, courtesy of Cebu Grand Holidays, and two tickets to the United States of America on Delta Airlines and Asiana Airlines.

Entertainment was provided by the Renaissance Band, which brought everyone to a celebratory frenzy. Spirits were high and everyone danced till past midnight.

The active and dedicated Amcham officers led by president Bill Mallory, vice president Jake Marques, secretary Danilo Deen, treasurer Wilson Ng and the rest of the board, pulled out all the stops to make this delightfully dressed-down event one to remember for years to come.