Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno
As Davao City had fun with Bonnie Bailey, the people in nearby Island Garden City of Samal had a blast with the Oktoberfest and pre-Halloween party held at the Malipano Island of Pearl Farm Beach Resort.
Some 400 guests and visitors dined and wined as they toasted to the celebration modeled after the Munich event. Sumptuous foods were lavish while beer and mixed-up drinks overflowed. Everyone had a grand time.
The party started past 6 in the evening and ended with a big bang – literally. There was a fireworks show near the beach that was turned into a cemetery for the occasion. Photographers and visitors who brought their own cameras tried to capture the beauty of each blast and the technicolors being displayed on the clouds. “It has been a long time since I have witnessed this kind of spectacle,” a Dabawenya said.
But that’s going ahead of the story. Before that, the audience was entertained by Suave Latino, Davao’s premier band. Guests and visitors listened to the repertoire the band has prepared. When its vocalist, Anna Cortes, went down from the stage, she caught the attention of everyone. She was a complete livewire: she sang, danced, swayed, walked, and ad-libbed with funny lines. There was never a dull moment with her.
There was also no tedious music from the selections DJ Yancey had prepared for the party. The Jamming Grava captured the interest of the audience with the Latin beat and the fire dancing exhibition.
But the kudos went to Cueshé, the group which popularized such songs as “Stay,” “Sorry,” “Ulan,” “Can’t Let You Go,” and “Jealous Guy.” When lead vocalist Jay Justiniani started to sing, the audience listened. As one song after another was performed, some of those listening started to sing with the band. Everyone, indeed, were having good time.
Thanks to Benjamen Banzon for staging such event. Also to Roxan Obregon, Isidora Arrendondo, Marius Filamor, and other staff of Pearl Farm Beach Resort for fully supporting the needs of the guests and visitors.
