Filipino community hosts sixth annual extravaganza 

Thursday, Dec. 11, marked the sixth annual Filipino Christmas Party.  Taking just over a month to plan, the party was attended by more than 300 community members.  

The multimedia extravaganza began with the singing of O’ Canada followed by the Philippine national anthem sung in Tagalog.  The evening was emceed by Marlan, Clara and Jose, done in a ‘Donnie and Marie’, ‘Sonny and Cher’, style variety show format.  The grace before the meal emphasized “love, unity and humility.” 

Diners were entertained throughout the meal by the Brown Sugar Band. The emcees also conducted playing of a variety of different games for the audience, including a risqué, never-before-seen version of musical chairs.  

The traditional food, prepared specially for the evening, was definitely the highlight.  Featuring dishes such as Beef Caldereta, Chicken Pork Adobo, Rellenong Bangus, Chopsuey, and a suckling roasted whole pig, the evening was this pudgy kid’s dream.    Not to mention the massive decorative fruit table and assortment of desserts.  

This event brought together Filipinos from all around the Jasper area to share in the festivities of the Christmas season.  Jasperite Bert Journault, the evening’s guest speaker, thanked the Filipino community for making Jasper their home and offered selflessly any assistance that he could provide to the community.  

The formal portion of the evening ended with a performance by the band Sweet November.  

Special thanks should be given to all the chefs, Elvin King (food coordinator), Bryan B., Virgilin A., Aldrin L., Ronnie S., William N., Wilbert P., Lito B., Sam A., Liway, Islao, Rhoi, and Pedro.  Joey P., May, Aura and Yhe were the decoration committee.  Jay Rose, Carra Cruz and Charlene Tio-Tio helped organize the evening.  Bong Suarez made the huge star.  Facundo Tio-Tio for lending his car so that people from the surrounding areas could attend, as well as Ruby Tio-Tio and the rest of her family for supporting the event.  

An extra special thanks goes out to Bert Journault, guest speaker, as well as all those who attended and supported the event.