By: Nene Martin
“Hark the herald angels singing…” Hush…but no angels…yet. It’s December 5…2021. But, clearly, there’s a sound, a Christmas sound. Right at the door of Copthorne Tara Hotel, the doors swung open and a welcome burst of sweet singing of Christmas carols. A hubbub here, a hubbub there, the hotel was exploding with boys and girls, everyone swinging as they sung in rapturous exultation. They were in London for a choral competition. Undeniably, it is Christmas
FWA UK celebrated this long awaited occasion bravely with masks and caring concern for others. In just a few weeks the 2021 Holly Jolly Christmas Party sponsored by World Remit was a sell-out affair. 1st floor, the Liffey Suite, opened its doors at 10:00 to the Working Group headed by Linda Challis and transformed the venue with glittering tinsels, balloons, lit-up mini Santas, mini Christmas trees and Christmas balls vying places with the Christmas crackers on the dining tables and gay buntings to add to the festivities. A corner nearest to the door was the proud spot of a towering Christmas tree and below it was Father Christmas Grotto where he will greet the children. It was a worthy slap bang event, surely, the first of the many Christmas parties soon to be held in London. And, to top it all, a Guinness World Record, Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, our beloved Philippine Ambassador, was the first guest to arrive! Now, who can top that?
And so the festivities began, and not on an empty stomach. A good spread of mouth-watering dishes was prepared by the hotel and the guests gladly tucked in while they were entertained by Susan Lovejoy with her trilling rendition of well-loved songs. Now, another prize moment – Ambassador Lagdameo gave a surprise duet with Susan! A moment to treasure.
A non-stop offering of performances for the Christmas afternoon by the 2 presenters, Ira and Christine included an exchange gift by the guests who brought along a gift worth £15, a raffle draw, a door prize draw managed by Clarita Richardson and group, and even a prize for the most beautiful mask! How the children would cherish the day they met Father Christmas (Shuush… it was Ronnie del Barrio). They sat on his knee, had a picture taken with him, received their Christmas present, prepared by Pat Shah…these would stay in their childhood memories. Before the afternoon ended the Lahing Kayumangi performed a frisky folk dance, a signature of the company’s well-known performances. And, not bye-the-bye without everyone dancing with the band blaring enticing pieces. There they were, shaking and writhing, the place shook and jiggled.
All kids ready to compete for the first place Father Christmas is here! Shining stars of Lahing Kayumanggi Everybody on the dance floor! Exchange gifts Bad Santa style
Thus, FWA UK celebrated the birthday of Jesus. Not with the shepherds and the three wise men with their precious gifts, not with the angels harp and songs but with joy and thanksgiving. Joy to the world…
One of the best! Great to see everyone face to face. My family and I had such a great time. Thank you FWA-UK