CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- It was a most fitting way to savor independence, the City Government of San Fernando's vin d'honneur or annual Freedom Day ball which this year capped an early morning grand parade on Friday.

It was, for those who trooped to the evening cocktails and dinner, more than a salute to 111 years of liberties.

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It was a night just perfect to get the political blues off and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with the Magsilbi Tamu brass band quartet, the homegrown Miravilla Dei Strings ensemble under Professor Stan Palma and the young golden voices of Music Studio talents Chelsea Monasterio, Eric de Leon, Sherwin Anne de Leon and Gio Dizon belting out original Pilipino music.

The City Choir, under the baton of Professor Sonny Briones was not left out and behind in their special numbers, with a particular pitch to the popular novelty "Buchikik," especially when "guest vocalist" City Administrator Ferdinand Caylao added a bit of spice to the melodic hums of the chorale by drumming up the beat.

It was Filipiniana all throughout, with guests all garbed in their Barong Tagalogs and modern-day versions of the "saya" and evening gowns.

The mood was cheerful as wine and food flowed freely and chats and exchanges of pleasantries filled the night.

Of course, it was for a cause too, as the city honored benefactor-guests of its City College's Adopt a Scholar Program.

"With the freedom we enjoy, let us all be instruments in freeing our people from poverty. Let us all unite in pursuing independence for all," said a jubilant Mayor Oscar Rodriguez who came with the lovely city First Lady.

Dante Mendoza, the first Filipino and Fernandino film director to break through the high standards of Cannes put the concept of freedom well enough: "What we have now is freedom in a different way. I have no regrets on these 'small freedom doors' we have because they provide us a lot of avenues for expression. Freedom, like film, is a medium that gives us a lot of options."

And yes, the Fiesta-cum-Independence Day Executive Committee was all to relieved from the "bondage" of the two-month preps for the twin events of May and June.

It was a pity execom co-chairperson Jennifer Bonifacio, the ever pretty prexy of the Rotary Club of Central Pampanga, had to beg off quite early because of migraine attacks.

Still, members Jim Jimenez of ACSAT, Vega Lynne Pacla of Pacla Hydraulics, Lito Ocampo of Fedhoa, Ning Cordero of Punto, Romy Rodriguez of Agtaca and hardworking City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan (who was just gorgeous that night with her "terno") just saw through the night shaking off the day's weariness but never letting that smile vanish from their faces.

As soon as the music played, committee chair Councilor Nelson Lingat was spotted groovin' it out on the dance floor with CA Fer Caylao doing some moves too while former PD Keith Ernald Singian huddled out in animated talks with SM City Pampanga's Roman Palo and equally stunning PRO Roselle Sarmiento.

Guests were aplenty from village chiefs, city department heads, employees, civic leaders and Lingat's batchmates from PHS Class '76 who were out to sponsor scholars at the city college.

Well, that's freedom rolled in a ball. Our heroes couldn't have done it any better. It's because of them we enjoy our independence today.