FALW members make luau a success from start to finish

By Ren Villanueva

LW contributor

The Filipino Association of Leisure World (FALW) held its annual luau and dinner party on Sept. 3 in Clubhouse 2. The packed full house of guests dressed in their best South Pacific Island dresses and shirts gave the venue a real Islanders atmosphere. The party started with the American National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance lead by FALW Vice President Essie Hicks, followed with a welcome address by FALW President Eileen Merritt. Father James Hartnett, Pastor Emeritus of Holy Family Church in Leisure World, gave the invocation and blessing of the food.

The food was delicious with specialty islander food that everyone enjoyed. The guests were amazed by the authenticity of the event. The food served at the event included noodles, egg rolls, chicken, beef, green salads, cut fresh fruits and the infamous whole-roasted pig.

The performance of the dancers from Kahula Voyage Dance Troupe gave the guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The women showed their talents dancing in traditional style movements along with their counterpart, a young man who showed the audience his agility during his showcase of the warrior dance of the South Pacific Islands.

Midnight Motion Band, headed by Willie Manacsa, provided the music for the the guests to dance with each other.

The real success of the event was due to the unselfish volunteerism of the FALW members who helped prepare, decorate and set up the venue. Members cut fruits and served the food like a well-oiled machine without complaint. The FALW is thankful for all of them.

Everybody had a wonderful time. The club will host another luau and dinner party next year.

Members of the Filipino Association of Leisure World enjoyed a night of dancing, food and a performance by the Kahula Voyage Dance Troupe on Sept. 3.

Photos by Carolyn Mottolla