Oldest Fil-Canadian dance troupe holds 51st gala night

The Golden Girls bring memories of the exotic east with swirling scarves and captivating footwork. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

BRAMPTON, Ontario — Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe (FFDT), which holds the distinct honor of being one of the oldest continuously operating Filipino Canadian performance organizations, held its 51st annual gala night and fundraising event on April 8, 2017.

Held at Pearson Convention Center in Brampton, the event sought to raise funds toward the organization’s building expenses.  Loyal members and supporters from the community came in droves to enjoy the camaraderie and the professional entertainment provided by the event organizers.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of Icess Rawlings, Ms. Manila 2016, to the attendees.  The 14-year-old Rawlings entertained the guests with a song.

Icess Rawlings, Ms. Manila 2016, serenades the audience. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

No Fiesta event would be complete without their signature performances–graceful and rhythmic ethnic dances complete with authentic costumes, and tribal instruments thrumming infectious beats.

The old members–dubbed Golden Girls–were presented in a special dance number choreographed by Sue Aguinaldo.  The younger members also got fair play in their presentation of festival dances mashed up with modern reggae beats, also choreographed by Sue Aguinaldo.

Needless to say, the audience lapped everything up!

Ms. Manila 2016, Icess Rawlings, with her mom (left), Estring Aguinaldo, Fanny Calucag, and Tess Cusipag (Fiesta Filipina Press Relations Officer). INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

A major part of the fete was the raffle, where the first prize, donated by Philippine Airlines, was a return ticket to the Philippines for one person.  The trip is valued at $1018.  Second prize is a painting by Frank Cruzet of the Philippine Artists Group.  The painting is valued at $350.

The third prize, an ObusForme back chair support, valued at $200, was donated by Natural Touch Rehabilitation Center.  Fourth prize is a tablet, valued at $150, donated by Pam Barrios of FFDT.  Fifth prize are Memory Pillows, valued at $100, from Natural Touch Rehabilitation Center.

Estrellita Aguinaldo, president and cofounder of FFDT, delivered the closing remarks, where she traced the origins and development of the organization.

Fanny Calucag and Odette Aguinaldo, public relations of FFDT, served as emcees.