When Julie Holland Javier was proclaimed OFSAM’s Queen of Hearts 2016, the Viscount Gort Banquet Hotel and Conference Centre became a venue of an enchanted evening.
Most of the lady officers and members of the Original Filipino Seniors Association of Manitoba (OFSAM ) came in red, shade of red gowns, and men in their barongs and coats; guests from various organizations, politicians from Ottawa, Manitoba leg, and city hall, actively and eagerly participated in the ceremony, savoured the good food and danced the music. Even Arnold Tungol, a ballader and one of the best singers in the province, serenaded Queen Julie with two lovely songs.
The entrance of the Queen of Heart became the focal point of attention, as Queen Julie Javier stood side by side with her escort, MP Robert Falcon Ouellette, MP of Winnipeg Centre and followed by the previous Queen valentines.
As the musicman, led by Boyet Nicolas, the ceremony took over with inspirational music, dedicated to the queen valentine. Corsage was pinned by Carrie de la Cruz and Demtre Balaktsis, MLA candidate for Minto; City Councillor Cindy Gilroy and MP Kevin Lamoureux,Winnipeg North Centre, pinned the sash; the Crown, by Gloria Agravante, OFSAM’s 2015 Queen of Hearts escorted by Glenn Ngoho, ERD branch manager.Emilio and Mila Briol, OFSAM King and Queen Valentine 2011 and Ms. Tess Newton of Sunlife, escorted by Tony Antonio, adviser of OFSAM, offered the bouquet of flowers; Trophy was handed by Larry & Tova Vickar, as represented by Steve Lipischak, together with Aida Champagne, MLA candidate for Tyndal and president of Manitoba Filipino Street Festival escorted by Cris Aglugub, former MLA Maples. Gifts were given by Lorie Fernandez, Juanita Limon, Claire Nazario, Velerie Herbert, Rosita Dulay and Tony and Letty Antonio.
Special opening dance by OFSAM Queen of Hearts Julie Holland Javier with her escort MP Robert Falcon Ouellette; followed by a special number of the husband and wife dancing duo, Rene and Thelma Macaro. Exchanging partners for the Queen of Hearts include Jon Gerald, Jay Javier, her son; Kevin, Tony, and other guests.
Closing remarks delivered by Tony Antonio, adviser and the immediate past president; National Anthem of Canada and the Philippines led by Gloria Agravante; invocation by Claire Nazario, OFSAM vice president; Letty Duque Antonio, OFSAM president, gave the welcome greetings and acknowledgement of special guests; and Rod E. Cantiveros and Tia Provici, emcees.
Public dancing followed and everyone was happy, all smilesl and Queen of Hearts Julie Holland Javier, together with her family, extended many thanks to all who attended and participated in the celebration of the hearts. Especially to the officers and members of OFSAM led by Letty Duque Antonio, president. “One of the happiest party I’d ever attended!”, most of the comments from the guests.
Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
