Pasko ng Bayan a Smashing Success
The Pasko ng Bayan celebration held at the Storesalen on 12 December was a smashing success by any standard, according to Philippine Ambassador to Norway Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, guest of honor Mayor Tore Opdal Hansen of Drammen and many other special guests during the event. The Ambassador commended the officers and members of the Filipino Working Group of Norway for the excellent organization of the event. The numbers were performance level, the food was delicious, the stage decoration was classy, the emcees were engaging and bright, never allowing a dull moment to come in between the fun, the music and the general warm camaraderie and spirit of goodwill prevailing.
In her Christmas message to the Filipino community, Ambassador Buensuceso exhorted her countrymen and women to live a Christ-like life, characterized by humility, sacrifice and love. She also thanked them for their unwavering support to the Embassy.” The task of serving our people in this part of the world has not been a burden at all for me and my colleagues in the Embassy. On the other hand, service has become a source of joy, an open door to make lasting friendships, and a lodestar of experiences that we will love to look back to in our golden years,” she said.
The program was the result of painstaking preparations undertaken by the stalwarts of the FWG. Aside from Ms. Jean Langerud (UNFA), of special mention are Luz Bergersen UNFA), Nene Puyat (Cabalen), Marilyn Sarkkinen (Drammen Group , Ludi Fjeld (Hiyas), Lina Teh( Charismatic Group), Froilan Emphasis (JIL Church), Marti Locsin (Madayaw sa Dabaw), Evelyn Fredeksin (UNFA), Ronald Fresnedi (Bantay Bata), Dr. Rez Esmena Korsvik, Arlene Klatran (FWO), and last but not least, Pastor John Angeles of the FCCO.
The audience was treated to a variety of performances and parlor games. The Michael Jackson numbers, and Edrian Esmena’s Kansas city and Ain’t no sunshine were easy favorites. The song-and-dance numbers from Jesus is Lord, Madayaw sa Dabaw and the Filipino Christian Church, Likha Scandinavia and Hiyas Performers were captivating in their creative interpretation and beautiful costumes. The special surprise number of the Philippine Embassy set the audience stamping their feet to the tune of “Go tell it on the mountains” and their powerful rendition of “You raise me up” with soloist Edrian Esmena, under the direction of Oslo Music Academy Professor Martha Smith and Dr. Haakon Smith. The FWG and the Singles for Life and Family did catchy Philippine Christmas carols. Joe Valledo wowed his mostly Filipino audience with his renditions of Pinoy pop hits and bouncy dance numbers from the ‘80’s.
Emcees Cesar Buensuceso and Gem Tindvik were witty and in control of the program which also included some enjoyable parlor games and a raffles of exciting prizes.
The Embassy of the Philippines reiterates its congratulations and deep gratitude to all those who have made the Pasko ng Bayan a highly successful event. Everybody had fun, but most of all, there were reminders everywhere of Him who is the reason for the season.
The FWG also extends its thanks to the donors of the raffle prizes- Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso, Consul General Evelyn Garcia, Forex, Alex Bobadilla, Bella Cristina Resort and Travel, Bobby Vasquez, Luz Reyes, Charlie, Emy of Scanasia, and Roger Buenaventura.
