Cool Gadgets

Last year, I got the big and plump variety and this year we harvested and still are harvesting medium size ones. However, that patch has not given me the small sweet cherry tomatoes, yet. I’ll probably be lucky next year. Abangan!

With the abundance of tomatoes in the house, I am compelled to cook recipes which require this ingredient. Listed are mechado, menudo, sarciadong isda, sinigang and a lot of ginisa - upo, ampalaya, labong or even pinakbet. I share the rest of the tomatoes with my neighbors and friends and some, I keep frozen for my future use. My friends Norma Azarcon and Alma Conty got their share of the tomatoes in the Mechado.

Pat is often seen in our front yard either mowing, watering the grass and plants or weeding. My neighbors don’t see me puttering outside. When cars pass by he acknowledges our neighbors who admire his plants adorned with white stones. They don’t see me inside the house cooking for the gardener so that he will have the energy to do the yard work. Of course, he is popular and gets a lot of compliments. During one block party that we attended in our subdivision, most of our neighbors greeted my husband and when I was introduced, I have observed the expression on their faces like they were saying. “oh, so that’s the wife,” - kind of surprised to see that he had a wife after all (I wanted to say, “you don’t see me outside because I am allergic to insects and gnats and I cook food for the gardener, OK?"). But of course, I didn’t like to sound defensive, they were friendly neighbors. Unluckily, the three neighbors living in front and next to our that surround our house were not present. They’re my friends and they have tasted and loved my “lumpia.”

Continuation of the Pitoy Moreno Fashion Show ...............

Two issues ago, I wrote about the Pitoy and his fashion show which I did not finish. As a refresher, it was sponsored by the Embassy of the Philippines presented as a part of the Centennial Celebration of the First Filipino Migration to the U.S. It was a showcase of Philippine fashion which portrayed the Filipino customs and traditions. Here goes the continuation.....

When Pitoy Moreno and his all Filipino models arrived at the National Airport, I immediately interviewed them as they were walking towards the baggage area. Obviously, Pitoy was dwarfed by his tall models of four handsome young men and nine beautiful and exotic young ladies. The tenth Filipina supermodel, Precious Lara Quigaman, the 2005 Miss International, was to arrive the next day. In spite of the tiring 24 hour plane trip, Pitoy managed to look cool and fresh.

When asked what he will offer the Washingtonians in celebration of the centennial, he said he will show designs of Filipino costumes which dates back to late 1800. The selections will include Maria Clara tops of delicate antique pina materials and also barong tagalog with unique designs.

His models will also wear gowns and ternos of contemporary designs. Talking to the handsome models, I learned that two of them were also movie actors and one has just finished a medical degree. Impressive! The lady models were either students or employed in companies in the Philippines. The youngest was 16 and still in the high school. Modeling was only a second job for those who were employed. They were poised, showing a lot of confidence. It was a pleasant experience to talk to them because of their beauty and refined demeanor.

Some of them had been on modeling assignments in the U.S., Canada and Asian countries, the others were here for the first time. I enjoyed talking to the Director/Choregrapher of the show, Raymund Villanueva. He was most conversant and obviously well versed on the historical aspect of the show. The next two days were hectic for the whole group mainly the two schedule of rehearsals at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in D.C.where the fashion show was to be held. More interesting and animated was the costume rehearsal. There was a lot of tensions where patience and professionalism were tested. Being a choreographer myself, I understood the required exactness and precision of each number being practiced. The costume rehearsal was most critical because it was supposed to be done at “performance level,” tantamount to the actual show. Observing him very closely, I admired Raymund’s controlled temper. He tried to keep his cool most of the time but I could almost read what was going on in his head during challenging situations. It was fun watching another choreographer in action.

I kind of enjoyed being an interviewer, a new experience for me. Lito Serrano of Channel 58 who assigned me to do the task, instructed me to say after every interview episode, “ Becky Pagsibigan, Channel 58, Washington. D.C." Wow, it was just like the anchors in the TV stations. Lito has asked me to be the anchor lady again in the succeeding receptions for the group. Cool!

The Costumes and Models

Pitoy Moreno deserved to be called “The Fashion Czar of Asia.” His collection of fabulous ternos and gowns exhibited class in designs and subtle fusion of colors. He also created gowns with dramatic contrast of colors. My favorite was the black strapless velvet gown with blazing red lace apron-like design. The skirt was full but slimming at the waist. I also liked the black kimona with handpainted pink roses. I was particularly attracted to the Maria Clara tops of antique pina material.

It showed character when worn with old style tailed skirt. They were so very delicate that Pitoy treated them with ultra care. During the dress rehearsal, nobody could even come close to where these precious costume pieces were placed. The designs of the Barong Tagalog were taken from the 18th century Filipiniana books. A couple of accessories used by the male models were a long tambourine-like necklace with big medalion worn over the barong and a handkerchief-size piece of cloth pinned on the shoulder. Precious Lara Quigaman was assigned to model a Cinderella-like white gown with glittering full skirt. She glided on the ramp with poise and glamour. The other super models were tall, beautiful and graceful. They definitely did justice to all the fabulous ternos and gowns that Pitoy created. They were trained to do their on stage make-up and hairdo. Backstage, I have observed all models to be reserved, mild mannered and with pleasant disposition. No one acted like a Prima Donna. Lahat sila ay magagalang.

The whole entourage was invited to three receptions - at the Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C., at Hela’s Spa in Georgetown hosted by co-owner Andrew Ladner and at the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Bert Gancayco in Potomac, Maryland.

To summarize, the event was a success in terms of the fashion show itself, the attendance, hotel and the food. The venue, Ritz Carlton, was wonderful. Congratulations!

Birthday Celebrations

* Ferdie Gomez on June 28

* Winnie Pagsibigan Brodin on July 11

* Dino de la Rosa on July 14

* Gary Vias on July 14

* Des Cunanan on July 15

* Gloria Caoile on July 30

Wedding Anniversary

* 25th Wedding Anniversary of Jose and Dr. Juliet Naldo with a renewal of vows at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Maryland. Reception was at the Indian Spring Country Club in Silver Spring, Maryland. It was definitely a well planned and elegant celebration both in church and at the reception.

Sad Moments

* Mrs. Adelaida Cornejo-Pascual, mother of Remy Cabrera of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away on June 24, 2006 at age 88. She was one of the founders and past president of the Philippine- USA of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Remy was the PFC chairman in 2003. She was buried at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland.

* Aun Hun Saplan, husband of Roger Saplan, former owner of Manila Cafe in Springfield, VA, died on June 28, 2006 from a long battle with breast cancer. She was buried at the Arlington Cemetery.

* Allan Santos, son of Charito Santos of Clifton, Maryland died on July 14, 2006 at age 32. The wake was at the National Memorial Park in Falls Church. Some of us still remember the passing of Dr. Rolly Santos, the husband of Charito, two years ago.

Death Anniversary

* Pat Abela and son, Ted, invited some friends to celebrate the 5th death anniversary of Dr. Augusto Abela. A mass was said at the Our Lady of Angels in Woodbridge, Virginia and the reception was held immediately after the mass at the church’s social hall. I remember him as a kind and compassionate person who was a wonderful dental surgeon.

Email address: pagsibiganr@aol.com