Pistang Pinoy 2015 draws huge crowd

A huge crowd of Filipinos gathered together to have fun and celebrate Philippine Independence Day during this year’s Pistang Pinoy.

Non-stop activities and performances were staged at the Marianas Business Plaza the whole day of Sunday from 9am to 10pm.

Pistang Pinoy 2015’s main event included a Pinoy production number entitled “Shine Pilipinas Shine” which was directed by Sharmaine Casquero. (Frauleine S. Villanueva)

United Filipino Organizations president Bong Malasarte said he already expected the huge crowd especially because the venue for this year is better compared to last year.

“Preparations were hard but it was worth it,” Malasarte said, “It’s about entertainment and making the people happy.”

The formal start of the program happened around lunchtime with Philippine Honorary Consul Eli Arago and Malasarte giving inspirational and welcome speeches after the national anthem was sung.

“Let unity start with our families and big changes will happen to our country. Although we don’t realize it, families are really important,” Arago said. “We need to be united, to always do the right thing, and we will achieve change.”

“I thank all our kababayans who are present here today. I also want to thank all those who volunteered to help us make this event a successful one,” Malasarte said.
Around 7pm, the main events of the day commenced with a Pinoy production number entitled “Shine Pilipinas Shine” which was directed by Sharmaine Casquero. Included in the number are members of Uncle Ben’s Studio, Saipan Music & Dance, Man’amkó Queens 2014 and 2015 Terry Soroza and Minerva Maghanoy, and the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” singing and impersonating contest contenders.

After that, the most awaited competition began with 16 contestants all dressed up and mimicking their chosen icons in the music industry.

First place winner was Tammy Torres who acted like Diana Ross and won $500 cash. In second and third place were Casquero as Lady Gaga and Jennifer Villanueva as Anne Wilson, winning $300 and $200, respectively.

Other contestants impersonated artists such as Madonna, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Tina Turner as well as Pinoy singers like Zsa Zsa Padilla and KC Tandingan. Nemie Cayao impersonated Freddie Aguilar who sang “Bayan Ko,” a timely piece for the event.

Hapi Canazares Gabriel entertained the crowd as the master of ceremonies during the contest.

Other individuals and groups who performed at the day-long event were Justin Tubera, Donnarose & DJ Santiago, Juliet Inocencio and Monique Leo, Mixed Jam band, Umang Glee Club, Out of the Ordinary band, BaRaHa band, High Pitch Band, Donato Santiago, Lawrence Tubera, Erica Faye Tubera, Mikaella Cunanan, Mica Ella Sune, Bernice Shane Sabino, Gio Sagana, Hopwood Full 4th Band, Cornerstone Church performing group, Saipan Ballroom dance teams, and Rhythm & Harmony.

Booths of food and non-food items were also around the venue. Games were also held at the event as well as raffle draws. Prizes include shirts, Let’s Go 4X4 rides, hotel stays, and buffet and other gift certificates. Among the sponsors were IT&E, LBC, TSL Foundation, SM Mart, Alter City, Aqua Resort Club, Mariana Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Saipan.