10 December 2010 - The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. reported that the Paskong Pinoy 2010, a Christmas Celebration of Unity and Compassion, was staged at the Pryzbyla Center of the Catholic University of America on December 5.
Paskong Pinoy was presented by the Embassy, the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, the Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students and the Filipino community in the greater metro D.C. area.
More than 400 guests came out to watch talented Filipino-American artists in the D.C. area perform famous Filipino Christmas songs and other Christmas carols including Timor Leste Ambassador Constancio da Conceicao Pinto, US Army Major General Antonio Taguba (ret) and representatives from The Heritage Foundation and Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development.n his remarks, Philippine Ambassador Willy C. Gaa noted several occasions in the past year where Filipinos joined hands to achieve a common goal.
He added that on its sixth year, "Paskong Pinoy continues to enjoy the support of many individuals and organizations and has in fact, become an institution. This is largely because of the willingness of many actors to work together."
The Northern Virginia Rondalla opened the show with a unique rendition of Pasko na Naman, Mano po Ninong Mano po Ninang and Hark the Herald.
They were followed by a crisp performance of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by opera major Ernest Zalamea.
The talented Quion siblings Justin Michael, Alexander Philip, Christopher James, Patrick Anthony and Katherine Michelle performed O Holy Night and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Trepak (from the Nutcracker Suite) as a string quintet.
A delighted audience sang with the Filipino Capitol SDA Children and Teens Vocal and Dance Ensemble as they sang and danced Pasko na Naman.
To add to the distinct Filipino sound of Paskong Pinoy, the Tanghalang Pilipino and Friends Angklung Ensemble played Himig Pasko, Pasko na Sinta Ko and Kling Kling Kling.
The choral groups showed the wide array of Filipino singing talent. The Filipino Ministry Choir of St. Columba gave a soothing rendition of Night of Silence and Simbang Gabi. The Young Adults Choir of St. Columba displayed the extent of their singing prowess with Jingle Bells Calypso and Light of a Million Mornings.
The Medical Mission of Mercy USA Choral Group brought an air of nostalgia with their medley version of Namamasko, Kami Po'y Paskuhan and Noche Buena and the Filipino Teachers Choir revealed the power of their voices with You Raise Me Up and Villacinco (Pastol, Pastol Gumising).
The nine-man SHOWPOW further enlivened the crowd with their flawless rendition of Christmas favorite Carol of the Bells and Broadway hit Seasons of Love.
Elisabeth Carlton, who played Kim in the Roxy Regional Theatre's production of Miss Saigon, then gave a moving performance of Where are You Christmas and Pasko na Sinta Ko.
To close, all the performers went back on stage to sing O Holy Night.
Paskong Pinoy started as collaboration between the Embassy and the Philippine American Foundation for Charities six years ago with the aim of drawing together the Filipino-American community to usher in the holiday season.
The event also serves as a venue for promoting Philippine culture and heritage in the mainstream D.C. community during the yuletide season. END