It is the queen of all social events in Pampanga.
The Circulo Fernandino Ball mirrors Kapampangan aristocracy and Spanish culture as it celebrates a glittering tradition of hospitality, while reviving a way of life among the landed gentry.
In the late 50s and the years beyond the Circulo gained incremental fame and political influence. Many of its prominent members were Kapampangan kings and captains of industries.
The famous lanterns of San Fernando have remained in size in contrast to the freewheeling and unfettered progress of the city. The parul makers have stopped defining “giant.”
The Circulo Fernandino is a spectator sports. The youth all over the province anticipate the May day blast like a red lettered event. It was the place to be in summer solstice, a prelude to the rains of June.
As early as April the teenage youth were scrounging for extra invitations, tickets were not for sale. The fanatic did not run out of ruse and device to enter the dance court.
My cousin, a street smart shoeshine boy, gained entry by carrying a block of ice, for the bar, he told the sentries. His friend waiting from outside the fence threw him his rented coat. He was in business.
Those were the years of the sugar barons in Pampanga and the Negros islands. Robber barons they were called and their families were the lords of the mansions.
Whose ladies of the era had the most expensive jewellery? The news accounts varied and only hints of real possession of prized gems were based on smuggling reports.
In one Circulo event, the ladies, during a brief brownout in the Capitol grounds, transformed the place into a cove of fireflies with their diamond wear and dazzling gems. Spectators awed at the glittering adornments by women participants in the ritual Rigodon.
Lively, romantic music, bouncy tunes, love songs lulled the observers until daybreak.
A brief altercation erupted when playboy Geronimo “Hitler” Enriquez (La Mallorca) asked the pretty lead crooner to join his table. Orchestra manager Carding Cruz refused the request. Enriquez snatched the conductor’s baton and struck Cruz with it.
“Eme kilala ing William Holden of the Phillipines” he was quoted saying.
Premier clans of Pampangos and Visayans displayed their wealth and might in the sugar era. Philippine media and sociologists made a running critique of the socio-economic rivalry as demonstrated by their dance clubs.