Philippines festivities

Arkansas group’s gala raises funds for medical missions to island nation

BENTON — The Arkansas Philippine Association packed a lot into the annual Gala and Dinner-Dance celebrating its 34th anniversary. Held July 15 at the Benton Event Center, the gala took in $8,095 for the group’s medical missions.

Cris Balleza Jr., association board chairman, and Lerry Luistro, Miss APA 2016, were among those who greeted guests during an evening that featured music by the Extra Rice Band and DJ Michael Baquial. Nelia Chambers was master of ceremonies for a program that began with a welcome by event chairman Thelma Johnson and a dinner catered by Forever Yours.

Keynote speaker Joshua Price of the Delta Regional Authority shared some words about his work and about growing up as the son of a Filipino nurse whose nowmother-in-law introduced her to his father, a native of Delight. Noting that America was founded by immigrants, Price also spoke of the need for unity in today’s America. “I know there’s a lot of political animosity, there’s a lot of challenges facing the American community right now,” he said. “But I really feel that our diversity is our strength.”

The first of the gala’s fancy footwork came via the APA Dancers, who performed in flapper dresses in various colors. They were later joined by several of the men, then audience members, in a line dance.

Highlighting the evening was the crowning of Melinda Felicitas as Miss APA 2017. Mae Mitchell was first runner-up and Nenita Morgan of Ola was second runner-up during a competition that’s also a fundraiser. Preceding the coronation was a parade that included past winners and runners-up.

Annual medical missions to the Philippines are part of the mission of the association. It also awards scholarships, including this year’s $500 award to recent Mount St. Mary graduate Kristin Divino.

Delilah, Sarah and Anna Rogers with Mia Greer and Natasha Hobby

Steevan Novero and Primo Novero of Russellville (standing) with Alexis Agginie (seated, from left), Gloria Kincaid, Gerrie Novero of Russellville and Lita Novero

Keynote speaker Joshua Price (center) with his parents, Allen and Teresita Price

Nenita Morgan of Ola, Miss APA 2017 second runner-up; Mae Mitchell, first runner-up; and title winner Melinda Felicitas do their pageant walk.

Dr. John Pabona of Hot Springs, Miss APA 2012 Nelia Chambers, Melinda Felicitas and Bret Essex of Hot Springs

JR and Mila Simba (seated, from left) and Ruby Hill with (back, from left) Harriette and Dave Gilbert, Vera Baquial, Richard Hill, Joy Aguon of Bryant and Alberto Medel

Aaron Luistro and Jesaldine Davis

Miss APA 2016 Lerry Luistro is escorted by Cris Balleza Jr. in a parade of past titleholders and runners-up.