Entertainment

A Phenomenal Filipino night in Carson

Photos and Article by Sunalie Ratnayake. All rights reserved.

Carson, CA — Just like the popular story of Cinderella still continues to influence popular culture internationally, lending plot elements, allusions, and tropes to a wide variety of media, the night of May 30, 2008, the City of Carson “Juanita Millender McDonald Community Center,” took a similar atmosphere with five distinctly pleasing beauties from the land of Philippines floating down the isle, in their grand ternos, guided by their handsome escorts, clad in the national dress worn by Filipino men, the ever famous “Barong Tagalog.” But this time, the five exuberant flawless Filipino beauties were not taking to the altar to conduct marriage vows. These amazing beauties had long entered that sacred tenure in life. Instead, it was the coronation of the Queen and her Royal Court.

The five crowned beauties of the night, dashing their sweetest smiles included Nati Lacson crowned Mrs. Mindanao, Cathy Tiongco crowned Mrs.Luzon, Lily Ancheta crowned Mrs. Philippine Independence 2008, Theresa Ring crowned Mrs. Visayas and Juliet Baldo crowned Mrs. Manila.

The evening which started by seven, continued way past midnight, as the modern day Cinderellas didn’t have to evacuate the hall, just as the clock struck twelve, with the fear of losing their radiant looks. They kept on believing and their dreams just came true that night. No wicked stepmother to fear for, and no evil stepsisters to destroy their innocent hopes. It was their night and their’s alone, yet the entire Filipino community of Carson had the opportunity to be a part of that special night, and enjoy it to the fullest.

The five beauties that were initially dressed in elaborate cocktail ware, began the event by greeting friends, family members and special guests, that also included the Mayor of Carson Mr. Jim Dear, Council Members, as well as the organizers of the event, which were the Filipino Community of Carson (FCC), that included the lead organizer Anita Santarina, Linda King and others.
As the ushering concluded, and the guests were seated, the dance floor began to fill in with the crowd, as general dancing began. The five candidates initially took the floor, all in their detailed cocktail ware, which blended with their torsos, floating away to the mesmerizing tunes.

The next item was the individual dance performances of the candidates, for which they all changed into another set of breathtaking costumes. Nevertheless, the most eye-catching dance performance that by far grabbed the attention of the absolute gathering, happened to be of Mrs. Mindanao, Nati Lacson, who changed from her gold sequined evening ware to a deep peacock blue halter dress, seeming to be at extreme ease with every confident step that she kept on the dance floor, along with her talented partner and instructor, Paul. The duo danced to the genre of Afro-Cuban music popularly known as the “Rumba,” to the outstanding instrumental version of ‘Besame Mucho.’ It was enjoyed amidst the scrumptious dinner of delightful stake, vegetables and mashed potatoes, followed by lemon cake topped with white icing desert, which was served prior to the dance sequences.

There indeed was a reason behind excellence, and having spoken to Nati, who took this magnificent night by storm, not only with her amazing dance techniques, but also with her unique attire, it was learnt that dancing had always been part and parcel of her life. Having arrived in the US in 1972, Nati hailed from Murcia in Philippines, from a family with mixed origins. “I feel the essence of mixed blood, as I grew up in Filipino and Spanish surroundings,” she said. Her maternal grandparents were from Spanish origin. Nati grew up in a town, where her family owned fields of Sugar Cane, in the famous St. Rosa mountains, back home, which surrounds by the mighty river ‘Canlandog.’ “My childhood was full of mountain life, plenty of playtime, lot of sweat, less TV. Being the second in a united family of eight siblings, I witnessed my parents being dressed up and attending many a community function. Dancing was much encouraged among my family members, as well as singing,” Nati further explained.

To Nati, a registered Nurse in California by profession, who is also indulged in the Real Estate field, dancing has ever since helped her expose her feelings and had occupied her leisure times, apart from her time spent in nurturing her only son Mark Justin, who is now all grown up and thus, graduated College the same day that his beloved mother was crowned Mrs. Mindanao, indeed a coincidence. The same day turned out to be an equally important day of their lives, for both mother and son.

Further decorating the night, Nati changed into her third and most elegant dress in bright red, the stylish and graceful “Mestiza,” designed by the ever famous Beverly Hills based Filipino designer Ariel Agasang. The dress was especially flown from the Philippines, just on time for the coronation. This richly decorated dress was made with a lot of intricate detail and extravagant ornamentation. It was evident that Agasang had organized the design with thoroughness and careful attention to detail. Nati, being the center of attraction, was more than a queen that night, being escorted to the focus of attention by her special Sri Lankan friend Sanath Jinadasa in Barong Tagalog, where she paraded, while waving to the gathering. Then, an impressive bouquet of flowers was presented to her, by Wilma Elder of the community.

The celebrity Filipino singer cum actor, Anthony Castello serenaded the candidates in native love songs. As the grand trophy was awarded to Nati by her son, and a special friend/guest Gerly Guandiz, the most important instance of the night, the ‘crowning’ was commenced by Linda King. For Nati and the rest of the candidates, this outstanding night may remain in their minds forever.

Concluding Nati commented, “More than being crowned Mrs. Mindanao, I’m glad that I participated in this event, as the proceedings will be turned over to charity, where scholarships will be granted to send deserving Filipino children to College, and also where needy mouths of the City of Carson will be fed.”

It has to be noted that this phenomenal Filipino event was also graced by those belonging to other nationalities including Sri Lankans, Middle Easterners and well as Americans, which was indeed a significance of this memorable night.

Photos and Article by Sunalie Ratnayake. All rights reserved.