by: Editor-in-Chief Ryan Tejero
It was an enchanting evening with a group of Filipinos and Filipino Americans who were in festive mood while celebrating their 40 years of cultural brilliance. This special event featured a modern Filipiniana Christmas gala. It was a remarkable celebration joined by event sponsors and community volunteers. One of the stellar moments of this event was the obvious spontaneity in the programming, along with the impressive opening cultural presentations.
The highlight of the celebration was the search for the new Southeast Texas Rising Star. It was a talent competition that featured locally sourced Filipino talents. The Philippine Association of Beaumont Texas (PABT) is the main organizer of the competition and gave $1000 in cash prize to the winner. Of the five super talented contestants, Mark Kenneth Ones bested everyone with his beautiful and emotional rendition of the song, Hanggang, which was originally sang by Wency Cornejo. Mark Kenneth is one of the most recent Filipino migrant teachers and is currently teaching in a local school district in Southeast Texas.
PABT President, Andro Pol Camesa, in his message thanked the event sponsors, he said “I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the sponsors of this festivity. Your generous contributions to our organization have made this event possible. I also want to thank the volunteers and the PABT officers who have supported this project. Your dedication has gone unnoticed. Your kindness and generosity have touched many hearts.”
One Philippines Texas Newsmagazine was the media partner of PABT’s Christmas Gala. Publisher and owner, Bhong Zausa in his message to the group, he said “One Philippines is truly honored to be a partner of this successful event. One Philippines will continue to find every opportunity to unite Filipinos everywhere. It takes us to connect and learn about your organization, so we give you a platform both in print and online media. One Philippines is committed to bridge all Filipino leaders and organizations across the state of Texas.” Bhong Zausa invites everyone in PABT to visit One Philippines’ new website, www.onephtx.com to learn more about the vibrant Filipino communities in America and news from around the world.
Master of Ceremonies and Overall Chair of the Program, Vincent Jaspher Cauilan did a great job in managing the flow of the programs and ensuring that everyone was comfortable and got the best experience of the event. The sumptuous buffet dinner had filled up all the guests, not to mention the wide selection of Filipino desserts and other delicacies. The event’s photobooth was free for all the guests. Each one entering the ballroom of the MCM Elegante Hotel was greeted by a well-decorated Christmas-themed arch and a red carpet. Everyone became instant celebrities. It was truly a brilliant 40 years of celebration for PABT.
For more information about PBAT, please visit their website at pabtonline.com.
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