Get up and dance!

Nothing can lift the spirits of a crowd faster than great music and having people get up and dance! The moment the upbeat music starts the women couldn’t help but start moving first their heads to the music and the next thing you know they were all out on the dance floor including the men. It is amazing how a little fun music and a willingness to get on our feet and dance can take all the stresses of your day and melt them completely away. Music can be such a powerful tool for changing your mood but only if you are willing to set your inhibitions aside and leave your shyness at the door and get up and move! 

I keep telling myself, life is too short to be one of those people just watching the dance party from the distance. (that was us because Daniel was too tired to dance and it didn’t help that no one in our table danced either) I kept thinking, honey, you need to get up and join in the fun. Never be the one of those people who sit worry about how silly they will look as you dance. And worry about what other people might think who are watching you. I promise that the only people who judge your dancing are those who were too scared to get out there and dance because those who are dancing on the dance floor are too busy having a good time and too busy being Happy that they don’t have the time to criticized anyone else. I rest my case!

 Each year, the Saturday before Presidents day, the American Association of the Philippines holds their annual Charity Ball diner and silent auction. During the evening the program always includes good music, dancing and an awards ceremony. The Association gives awards to people in the community who have created wonderful foundations to help the poor and the needy. 

Today their special guest was Arnel Pineda.

 Arnel Pineda has a foundation to help street children. He is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He became famous internationally when he joined the American rock band Journey as their lead vocalist. What was great to see is how Arnel Pineda remains humble and unassuming despite his success. He always expresses gratitude for his mother who supported his musical talent but passed away when he was a young man and never saw him performed. As a homeless person, he was fortunate to find someone who gave him a place to live under the steps of his house. He was invited as one of the special guests who received an award. He also performed a few songs with some other singers including a cameo appearance by one of the lead singers of the soul music group The Temptations, performing “My Girl.” 

There were other dignitaries who also received awards: 

The U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. Sung Kim who is Korean American

 Dr. Michael Tolentino, founder of the Asian Eye Institute,  

Kevin L. Tan, Chief executive officer of Alliance Global group (AGI) 

Sam Verdosa, Jr. and RS Francisco founders of FRONTROW an entertainment business responsible for many events including the Miss America pageant. 

We have attended this event every February since 2016 and with the exception of today, every year we have danced because it simply gets better and better! What a fun Par-tay and one I look forward to every year! 

Con amor,

Vero