Pistahan sa Niagara rocks with Yoyoy

Pistahan sa Niagara rocks with Yoyoy

ST. CATHARINES-“More! More! More!” screamed the fans of YoyoyVillame as he was about to sing his final song to ajovial audience that watched him during the “Pistahansa Niagara” held last Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Merriton Lion’s Club of St. Catharines. A shriek of laughter and songs of yesteryear engulfed the large hall as everyone gathered to the first Filipino-sponsored trade and concert show ever held in Niagara region.

As Yoyoy sang his series of songs that can be described as the most illegal rhymes in lyric history, Peter Sumobodila of St. Catharines was amused by the lady sitting beside him and said, “Gosh, I thought the lady next to me was about to have a heart attack. She had to stand up in order to breathe from too much Laughter.” Esther Lavine of Niagara Falls also said, “Wow, the concert had been quite a big treat after a long day of playing golf.”

The No Name Band composed of Gian Bobila (lead guitar), Mike Obediente (Rhythm Guitar), Edward Calixto (Bass), David Liu (Keyboard/piano), and Brandon Navia (drums) definitely had what it took to “rock” the audience with their old time favourites. As soon as they played “I’ll have my last waltz with you,” Inday Tiro of Connecticut, grabbed her nephew and gracefully started dance the waltz. Then one by one, the men took their partners for a romantic waltz. Before anybody knew what was going on, many couples were already on the dance floor. Jimmy Alejandro, former president of the Fil-Can Association of Niagara seemed to be nostalgic while others were apparently driven back down memory lane. Mr. and Mrs. Lito Palabay had their eyes on each other only as they waltz around. Some members of the audience were simply swaying from their seats while other couples sang as they held hands. Memories perhaps? If there is something lacking at that very moment, it is the silent flare of a candle.

Adding more to the festive spirit were Chyrell Samson (three-time Grand Champion winner and Hall of Fame recipient of the Ontario Regional Songfest) and Rodney Ronquillo as they sang fervently “My Prayer” with utmost dexterity making the event unforgettable.

Of course, the Niagara event would not be complete without the performance of Henry Bustos, dubbed as the Elvis Presley of Niagara region. For anybody who just entered the hall, he would have thought that Elvis resurrected. Who would not think so? Bustos did not only mimick Elvis’s voice, he also wore a costume that made a cheerful reminder of the late rock and roll hero.

Prior to the concert, a trade show, organized by Tiro Marketing & Communications was also held. It was participated in by several traders from Toronto who wished to tap the Filipino and Canadian market in Niagara region. Guests had the opportunity to experience the taste of a wide array of Filipino dishes and sweets by Tropical Delight, FV Foods and International Comfort Foods while networking with businessmen and trade exhibitors offering business and employment opportunities.
Among the guests who attended were MPs of Niagara Region, Bob Nicholson and Kim Craitor along with Deputy Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Art Viola.

John Tanjanco of the Department of Tourism and Indhira Bañares did their fair share of promoting the beautiful islands of the Philippines with their banners spread almost in all corners of the hall.
Barbara Morris of Century 21 Today Realty and Directorof Education of St Catharines Chamber of Commerce welcomed the guests. Her good rapport with other ethnic community, the Filipino-Canadians, in particular and her keen sense in business made her popular in the business community in Niagara Region.

Special guest of honor, Philippine Consul General of Toronto, Alejandro Mosquera was eloquent in his inspirational speech as he reminded the guests of the significance of remaining cheerful. Apparently, the jovial occasion helped proved his point.

Senegence Cosmetics was the busiest with its wide array of attractive make-ups. The long queue of ladies waiting for their turn for a free make-up session made her campaign slogan “kiss proof and smearproof” successful. Promotion wise, the spirited team of Forex Cargo was quick enough to promote their service by providing the Forex Cargo T-shirt to the No Name Band.

Roland Bertumen of B&B Productions provided excitement to the trade guests as he led the announcement of the raffle draw winners. Sponsors like PNB and Western Union gave out free concert tickets along with Hospitality for You Travel Agency that gave attractive tourism related prizes. Salad Master, well-known for its healthy cook wares gave a Grand Draw of seven-day cruise to the Caribbean islands. Newcomers in the money remittance Senvia and LLC Trans-Sending Corp. were also generous in giving out colorful items. Business traders like Rose Hucson of Travel Mart and Atin Ito Balikbayan Box, Gabby Amurao of GAA Enterprises, Ernie Cruz of Hesna, Julie Ramos Asfur of Immunotec, Orson Santiago of Santiago Insurance and skillful sculptor Ross Navarro made the trade show more significant with their latest information on technology, insurance and art. Rose Corillo, who traveled from New York with her bag full of Filipino food items and cosmetics described the event as fabulous and added, “my trip was really worthwhile!”

According to Chito Gonzales of Western Union “for a first timer, this event was really successful.” Chie Gonzalez of Senegence echoed Gonzalez and said, “I would definitely come back to pursue my goal in reaching out to the Niagara Region. I think not many businessmen knew of the importance of this market.”

(PRESS RELEASE)