Since the late 19th century, the United States of America has commemorated the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Affirming the continuing strength of Filipino-American friendship and the enduring bonds between both countries, the Philippines has embraced this tradition with American inspired festivities.
The American Chamber of Commerce, Visayas Chapter on its 30th year in Cebu joined in the celebration with an '80s themed disco party held at the grand ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.
The evening’s guest of honor and speaker was Deputy Chief of Mission(DCM) at the US Embassy Manila, Michael S. Klecheski. He came with his Filipina wife Eloisa Saranggaya de Leon and two of their children Cara and Adam.
As the event theme was the disco scene of the '80s, DCM Klecheski addressed the positive economic and financial indicators of the Philippines and related them to lyrics of popular hits from that era.
Guests were treated to a performance by Swedish guitarist and singer Caloy Juapo, upcoming Cebuana singer Vynne Guardiana, and the Lexmark Dance club while flowing wines and spirits were the complimenting partners to a veritable smorgasbord of authentic American specialties. The dishes included buttered fish, duck fat fried potato chips with green chili sour cream and siracha sauce, slow roasted pulled pork, beef chili con carne, chicken fajita with grilled peppers and onions .Dinner was capped with salted caramel brownies, oreo cheese cake and apple pie with bourbon maple shipped cream.
DJ Boyet Illustrisimo provided all-night dancing with '80s music by Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Lioel Richie, Tina Turner and a lot more.
Philippine Airlines raffled off a round-trip business class ticket to Bangkok; Cebu Safari and Adventure Park raffled off tickets; while top hotels and resorts such as Dusit Thani Hotel Manila, Plantation Bay, Montebello Villa Hotel, Marco Polo, and Harolds Hotel offered complimentary overnight stay.