Filipino Fiesta at Beth Israel Brooklyn BK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carol Rubiano
(212) 580-9706
FILIPINO FIESTA AT BETH ISRAEL BROOKLYN
July 10, 2012 -- Beth Israel Brooklyn’s Diversity Council organizers dubbed it a day of music,
dance, history and food – a Journey to the Philippines. With the hospital lobby festooned in
colorful buntings and flowers, and several members of the staff in island finery, it was a virtual
Filipino fiesta!
Filipinos on staff led by Nora Villalon, RN, spearheaded the events. “It was a bayanihan -- a
community effort -- to which everyone pitched in to ensure a successful outcome,” said the 3
East nurse manager. Ethel Tan, RN, and friends handled decorations, and Edith Managa, PCA,
took charge of food. According to the Finance Committee’s Evangeline Abalos, RN, employees
opened their hearts and wallets to support the event.
The hospital welcomed youthful members of the Filipino Arts and Music Ensemble (FAME)
who came to present their distinctive music and dance. Founded in 2003 by Beth Israel nurses
Belle Soriano Locsin, RN, and Ruth Samalca Manligoy, RN, and includes many children of BI
colleagues, FAME promotes the cultural heritage of the Philippines. A rondalla, a string
ensemble of 31 performed patriotic and contemporary music on a banduria, a type of mandolin
with 14 strings, octavina, guitar and a bass.
After a change of costumes, BI transporter Jimmy Locsin manned a CD boom box as several
pairs danced Tinikling, the national dance that mimics birds rhythmically stepping between
striking bamboo poles. Then six boys with halved coconut shells secured to their body and
limbs, performed Maglalatik, striking each and their partners’ shells like drums as they playfully
pranced around.
The standing room only audience erupted in thunderous applause after each number. And the
festivities continued with a slide presentation by Heidi Poulakos, PCA, about the history,
customs and traditions of a proud nation that gained notoriety for a First Lady’s shoe collection.
Bringing down the house was a hilarious video about Filipinos crafted by Yvette Tabernilla, RN,
with the help of FAVE Studios, along with a reprise of her earlier hit video spoof, Lady YaYa-We
Always Care.

“It was such a terrific day of Filipino culture and food,” said Rhona Hetsrony, Vice President for
Administration, Beth Israel Brooklyn, which has been like a second home for many Filipinos,
particularly nurses, who have worked at the hospital for several decades.
The FAME performers are largely neighborhood kids from Midwood and Marine Park who
bring music and cheer to audiences in hospitals, nursing homes and community organizations
throughout the greater metropolitan region. They also raise funds to aid victims of calamities in
the US and abroad.
“We are so proud of everyone who organized this cultural celebration and facilitated our twohour
Journey to the Philippines,” beamed Marguerite Corda, RN, MSN, VP for Patient Care
Services.