Spring Dance 2005--Stars are borm
By Virgilio I. Gonzales

They burst out of the side door and romped into the dance floor, in their denims and white T-shirts with rolled up sleeves, some in dark glasses looking so cool. They skipped and jumped to the tune of Grease Lightning – some twenty of them, ranging from five to 17 years old. The FAAWC Spring Dance 2005 was on.

Once again the Filipinos came out of the woodwork and emerged into the bright lights and music of the dance floor to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

They came in the style of the 60’s and 70’s – women in colorful balloon dresses with petticoats, men in white T-shirts and denim pants and dark glasses—trying to be cool. They swung and twirled to Fats Domino’s Blueberry Hill.

The rite of spring of the Filipino community in the greater Danbury area went without a hitch, without missing a beat. Over 150 members and guests filled the Martin Hall of the Jesse Lee Memorial Church on May 7.

The "Beach Boys" sang "A Kind of Hush" and a Tagalog medley to the accompaniment of a piano that needed tuning up and Francis’s excellent guitar that was unfortunately drown out by the loud singers. Herbert Cledera gamely struggled with the out-of-tune piano. It made no difference – the crowd enjoyed it and broke into a lusty applause.

The FAAWC got a shot in the arm with the infusion of new blood from members such as Allan (Jimmy) and Sarah Durante, Herbert and Karen Cledera, Hermie and Fairy Santayana, Ester and Casey Frulla and practically the whole Filipino community of Brewster led by Jerry and Nona Malaguit. Their wholehearted participation ensured the success of the spring dance.

Everything fell into place. Mila Despojado delivered the invocation. The Fiesta Grill from New Jersey served "home quality" Filipino cuisine. DJ Bong Jardeleza synchronized the music for the dance numbers choreographed by Nona Malaguit and Lani Gonzales. Mary Ann Weiss, Baby Gonzales and Alice Abrual the decorated the hall. Chie Jadeleza, Gigi Ampeloquio, Lorna Jones, and Cathy Ampeloquio and others worked behind the scene to put together this annual event.

Many stars were born that night, especially the little boys who danced their heart out, stomping on the floor with gusto and grace to the delight of the audience.

It was another night to remember.

Submitted by:

Virgilio I. Gonzales
Danbury, CT