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Giligan’s erupts into celebration
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Posted on Feb 24 1999
The Giligan’s at the Hyatt during weekends welcomes a large group of young Filipinos. Last Saturday, it became the stronghold for Filipinos. While international singing groups were performing free at Garapan, Filipinos flocked to Giligan’s with the $15 ticket – to patronize their own.
Although it was night for the Miss Cabalen 1999, not only Filipinos from Pampanga showed up but also those from other regions came to witness the event for various reasons.
First, they were extending support to one of the seven candidates competing for the title.
Second, prizes were due to be raffled off that night. Third, as the generation who strongly patronized television shows, the crowd was also there to see one of their favorite soap opera heroines.
The show delivered the crowd’s expectations. Sure, there were some minor hitches here and there, but the show pleased the Filipinos who came to be entertained.
“Cecille” from the famous Filipino soap opera “Esperanza” was an instant hit. Using the screen name Angelika dela Cruz, the audience not only envied her flawless complexion but also loved her singing to justify her two albums.
Opening her mini-concert with her rendition of “My Valentine”, she was a cosmopolitan chic, far from the barrio lass she assumes in Esperanza. At 17 years old, she has mastered how to please the crowd. Hopping from one group to another, to greet her fans in the CNMI.
In her spiel, the young star admitted that she didn’t know there were so many Filipinos in the CNMI. She was surprised to hear people talking in Tagalog right at Saipan International Airport. But she later told Saipan Tribune the she’s pleased that they are doing well in the CNMI.
Among the audience, Sen. Pete Reyes was welcomed by the night’s host, Julie Cunanan. He came in his barong Tagalog, while colleague, Rep. Manny Tenorio was also spotted at Giligan’s. Philippine Consulate officials led by Consul Julia Heidemann were also present.
Inside the Giligan, Filipinos were oblivious to the nearby festivity. After all, they had their own show. As early as 7 p.m., a large group was already waiting for the Giligan’s to open. When it ended at the stroke of midnight, the fiesta was hardly over.
