CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR

December 4, 2007  --  Got something to say?
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Kutitap by Becky PagsibinganBy Becky Pagsibingan
I smell the air of Christmas. It is just around the corner. Christmas carols went over the waves on one radio station first week of October playing Jingle Bells, a month shy of the same sounds heard in the Philippines when the first ber month hit the calendar. TV ads also followed. So, on Thanksgiving Day, our thanksgiving spirit was almost lost with the proliferation of newspaper and TV Christmas ads.

Thanksgiving Day is one of the two most important gatherings that we celebrate with our family. We embraced this American tradition because it is a wonderful occasion to appreciate and thank all the blessings that we received the whole year but, it is Christmas that we truly find meaningful.

Once again, all my children were home and once again, I was in the kitchen feeding them, the four of them. The three live in the area and the youngest flew in from Florida. It was a joy to see them huddled together like children watching a movie in one of our bedrooms and it was heartwarming to hear their conversations during meals, sometimes teasing with each other. We never got tired of recalling the things they did when they were small. These moments were priceless. My husband and I were so happy that they still found our home as cozy and warm as before.

Christmas is fast approaching and soon theyll be back home-mother hen is awaiting again to feed her chicks. These chicks in normal life are actually young independent professionals who own their homes, but they always look forward to come and be with us on these important occasions. I am already planning a different menu for Christmas which will include Pancit Molo, their perennial favorite and fruit salad of my own creation.

We already asked each other what gifts we want for Christmas and it was always fun to make a shopping list. As in the past Christmases, they always said mother got the most or mother is on top of the world because they always gave me a lot more than what I told them. I just love Christmas! Soon, I will be mailing Christmas cards for our family and friends here and in the Philippines and start decorating the house with old garlands and other ornaments - all recycled. The only item I will buy new are the fresh Christmas poinsettia plants. We do all these to have the Christmas spirit and feel the love and warmth in our home, but the true spirit of Christmas is always present in us.

The ASEAN Womens Circle of Washington, D.C.
A Taste of ASEAN, a cultural event of national costume show and reception was recently held at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, DC, hosted by the ASEAN Womens Circle of Washington, DC. It was headed by its president, Madame Ravewan Garnjanna-Goonchorn, the wife of the Amabassador of Thailand, H.E. Krit Grnjana-Goonchorn. The members of the association were the illustrious wives of the Ambassadors from the ASEAN nations, other women in the diplomatic circle and the ASEAN communities in Washington, D.C.

Each country showcased their best and elegant costumes modeled by selected members of the ASEAN community. The ten ASEAN nations were- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia , Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. After the show, there was a variety of ASEAN cuisine for the guests to taste and also a display of beautiful handicrafts and gift items for sale. Madame Garnjanna-Goonchorn explained that the purpose of the event was to promote cultural activities of the ASEAN countries in the United Stares.

The Embassy of the Philippines was headed by Mrs, Linda Gaa, wife of H.E., Ambassador Willy Gaa. She asked me to handle the Philippine show which I gladly accepted. Five couples were, then tapped to model the Philippine costumes which were carefully selected to be showcased. They were all elegant and outstanding that drew much attention from the audience. With very limited time to practice, the Philippine group proved to be the most applauded in the show. I incorporated modeling of the costumes and presenting a glimpse of Philippine folk dancing to show a little bit more of our culture. The introduction that I presented helped the audience understand our cultural background and what influenced the different types of costumes that were shown to them - the Baro at Saya, the Terno, the Maria Clara, the Kimona at Saya , the Barong Tagalog and the Muslim costume. The models wereso graceful and attractive : Vellie Dietrich-Hall and Jun Eusebio, Annie and Alex Fangonil, Kristin Soriente, Jade Estrada, Becky and Pat Pagsibigan, but the big surprise was the participation of Ambassador Willy and Mrs. Linda Gaa. He was the only Ambassador among the ASEAN nations who participated to the delight of everyone. Mrs. Gaa was also well appreciated by the other Ambassadors wives as she danced waltz with her husband as part of the show.

The Ambassador and Mrs. Gaa received many congratulatory remarks after the presentation. I did, too, and the rest of the models. We were so lucky to have been able to invite the busy models especially Vellie Dietrich-Hall and Dr. Alex Fangonil. Next year will be a busier year for Mrs. Gaa as she was elected to be the next president of the ASEAN Womens Circle of Washington, D.C. I heard that more exciting events are being planned. Congratulations!
Email: pagsibiganr@aol.com

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