That fabled social circle
Mostly as a spectator and not as a participant did I ever attend the past annual receptions and balls of the fabled El Circulo Fernandino, Pampanga’s oldest social club and inner circle of the City of San Fernando’s creme de la creme.
The organization started as a social club in 1920 during the early peace time under the American colonial regime when the local elites enjoyed the fruits of prosperity under the new colonial masters, looked for avenues to gather and meet likeminded folks and raised funds for its socio-civic projects. Other Pampanga towns followed suit with their own adaptations such as the Thomasian’s Sabado de Gloria, the Angeles Kundiman, and Macabebe’s Maharajah, some of which have also been sustained through the years.
Early photos of the El Circulo Fernandino showed American guests mingling with the local participants, everyone seemed to have a good time and were dressed to the nines. Through all these years, the annual ball has been a penultimate expression of Kapampangan values. The shining, shimmering, and splendid ball gow ns which complimented the beautiful women and the dapper and dashing looks of gentlemen in their traditional barongs prove how Kapampangans are said to be fastidious dressers, which is deeply rooted in our aesthetic values. The balls are also avenues for mutual respect and hospitality as we open our doors to guests from near and far.
There were periods in local history when the El Circulo Fernandino refrained from hosting the balls, especially during the Second World War, but resumed right after the war until the dawn of the 1980s. In 1987 right after the People Power Revolution, the balls were stopped and this lasted throughout the dreary days following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the onslaught of the lahar flows.
In 1997, through the efforts of Angelo David and Dr. Leticia Cordero Yap, the El Circulo Fernandino was revived and had been holding annual balls uninterruptedly since. A few years later, the inner circle was transformed into a foundation which institutionalized the social and civic thrusts that powered the organization behind the ball. It boosted partying with a purpose.
El Circulo Fernandino is part of our heritage as Fernandinos and is very dynamic at the same time. Gone are the days when only the social, political and economic local elites converged, but the organization in recent years has reflected the fabric of which our city is made, that of an engaged and active public and private partnership and the rise of a strong and educated middle class. Thus, we continue to witness old blood being infused with new, as old families which passed on their El Circulo legacy also warmly welcome relatively new ones into their fold. Yes, the people in San Fernando are more democratic and keener to evolve, resilient and civic minded, but know how to throw a grand and fabulous party like no ot her.
This year’s El Circulo Fernandino 98th Annual Reception and Ball will take place on
May 27, 2018 at the Kingsborough International Convention Center. Tickets are available at 1000 pesos each per person, inclusive of dinner and raffles. The presidents this year are Councilor Angie Hizon and Architect Menchie Manalo.