El Circulo Fernandino marks 91st anniversary in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines - On May 7, the El Circulo Fernandino will hold its 91st Anniversary Ball at 6 a.m. at the Heroes Hall in San Juan, city of San Fernando, Pampanga. The prestigious affair will gather the “who’s who” of San Fernando.

Once every year, the El Circulo Fernandino holds one of the most celebrated and highly anticipated social events in Pampanga — the grand rigodon de honor during its anniversary ball. The rigodon de honor is performed by the officers of the club as well as the city’s prominent business, social, and government leaders. It is an elegant presentation where a spectacle of women in their stunning ternos and men in their dashing barong tagalogs are showcased. The anniversary ball develops closer association, foster stronger friendship and camaraderie among its participants and guests. The event also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the recent accomplishments and milestones of the Circulo and reaffirm the commitment towards unwavering support to social and development programs for the community.

The El Circulo Fernandino’s 91st Anniversary rigodon participants are: Mayor Oscar and Dolores Rodriguez, Ernesto and Gina Cunanan, architects Romulo and Yolanda David-Reyes, Liberato and Ma. Theresa Laus, Edgardo and Teresita Chua, Renato Sr. and Delia Legaspi, Dr. Ferdinand and Linda Rivera, Jose and Lina Velez, Fernando Jr. and BM Monina Laus, Angelo David and Ires Guzman, Armin David and Divina Tulio, Franco de Jesus and Raquel Pineda, Gen. Ramsey Ocampo and Dr. Lourdes Javier, Justin Javillonar and Purificacion Tanglao, Drs. William and Ma. Salve Olalia, Dr. Arnold and Agnes Sicat, Al Nepomuceno and Nimya Yalung, Allan Gatpolintan and Maricel Gatpolintan, Alvin Chincuanco and Councilor Ayzel Macalino, Mark Edison Chua and Mary Marjorie Cunanan, Martin Peter Cunanan and Precious David-Soriano, architect Menchie Manalo and Zeny Chamian, Reynante Fernandez and Flora Urquico, Councilor Alex Patio and Dr. Leticia Yap, Paul Tristan and Marivic Laus, architect Francis and Catherine Rivera, Dr. Fernando and Myrna Ayuyao, Emy and Letty Magaan, Dr. Noel Laxamana and Germinia Villanueva, Drs. Feliciano Jr. and Ma. Perlita Battung-Pacia, architects Ramon Mendoza and Ana Ling, Saturnino Jr. and Rubirose Reyes-Ong, Dr. Alberto and Leonor Atilano, Darius and Micaela Eireen Hizon, Peter Patawaran and Evangeline Mallari, lawyer Joel and architect Roanna Reyes-Aguirre, Rommel Reyes and Abby Telebrico, Capt. Conrado Pacla and Rita Bautista, Councilor Ruperto Dumlao and Rubie Goingco, and Norberto Cunanan and Dr. Margaret Anne Olalia.

El Circulo Fernandino reception ball in 1949.

Founded in 1920, The El Circulo Fernandino is considered as the oldest existing social club in Pampanga. It was organized by the prime movers and members of the pioneering families of San Fernando. Through the years, El Circulo Fernandino has evolved from a strictly social-status club to a socially relevant organization that reaches out to the community by raising funds through a various events.

In the past decade, the grand affair was mostly held at the Paskuhan Village and Carworld showroom in the office building owned by the Laus Group of Companies. Its president and CEO Liberato D. Laus and wife Teresa Laus offered their place at no cost to the Circulo. This year, rigodon practices were also held at their lovely mansion, which showed the true dedication of the couple to the Circulo.

The presidents for this year are architect Yolanda David Reyes and Ernesto M. Cunanan. The past presidents and vice presidents who helped in the preparation and unselfishly dedicated time and effort in many ways are Angelo David, Levi and Tess Laus, Ed and Tess Chua, Rene and Del Legaspi, Bon David, William and Salve Olalia, Ma Lourdes Javate, Gina Cunanan, Fer and Linda Rivera, Jun David, Kay Pineda, Mons Laus, Leonor Atilano, and Jean Guiao.

El Circulo Fernandino recognizes the efforts of city administrator Fer Caylao, master of dance Budjing Danao, choreographer Dalah D. Pia assisted by Renato Delgado, and the Gloria Band who will provide the music for the evening.

At the forefront of this significant affair is San Fernando City Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez, president of the Mayors League of the Philippines. Helping him are Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago and the city councilors.

 Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda also extended her generous support to ensure the success of the affair as well as the valuable cooperation of the Platinum Sponsors Pacific Paint and Manufacturing Co and Wilcon Builders.

The El Circulo Fernandino formed a foundation, which was tasked to implement its civic programs. One of the most visible projects the foundation executed was the funding (P2.7 million) of the greening of the Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA) island, which was a project of the Urban Greening Committee of the LGU and the Environment Management Committee of the Multi Sectoral and Government Council. The head of the El Circulo Fernandino Foundation is Angelo David.