On Saturday December 9, PACE-MI held it's first community Holiday party since the pandemic! The annual affair, which had been delayed for 4 years, took place at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, MI and welcomed over 150 guests and community members, many of whom were new to the area and to PACE-MI! It was certainly a night of food, fun, and Filipino camaraderie right here in Ann Arbor! The people and the food were the highlights, but of course, games, prizes, dancing, karaoke and social interactions were the main focuses of the event! 
​#PhilippineCulture #Pasko #PaskoNaNaman

The University of Michigan's Filipino American Student Association (UM-FASA) held it's annual Philippine Culture Night on November 18, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The sold-out centennial event celebrates 100 years of Filipino-American student organizational activity at the University of Michigan. PACE-MI was invited to perform and showcase a variety of traditional performances. While the PACE-MI Rondalla collaborated with FASA's traditional dance groups to provide live musical accompaniment for "Pandanggo Sa Ilaw" and "Tinikling", PACE-MI also presented a colorful suite of Maguindanao kulintang music and indigenous dances such as "Sagayan" and "Asik". This event, with over 300 people in attendance, marks the first FASA PCN that PACE-MI has been invited to perform at since the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020.

From Filipino Star News

​Some 300 people attended the celebration of the feast day of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila on Sept. 25, 2015 at the St. Thomas a’Becket church in Canton.
The fiesta goers, mostly Filipino Americans, came from various parishes in Michigan, including those in Wayne, Ann Arbor and Belleville. They responded favorably to the invitation extended by the Filipino San Lorenzo Ruiz group headed by Lee Vargas.
The celebration, the first in Southeast Michigan, was highlighted by a mass said by Fr. Chris Maus. In his homily, Father Maus extolled the strong faith in God of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. He also recalled the terrible torture San Lorenzo Ruiz was subjected to in Japan when he was asked to renounce his faith in Christ.
The San Rafael-Isang Binhi choir sang the hymns and psalms in Filipino. The choir was praised by Father Maus for their excellent singing.
In a message published in the souvenir program for the event, Father Maus commended “the volunteers from other parishes in joining hands with Filipinos of this parish to make this event a success.” He also said, “As your pastor, it is an honor and privilege to have worked with you through such meaningful and concerted efforts.”      
Also in attendance at the celebration were Filipino-American priest Msgr. John Vargas and another Filipino priest.   
The mass was followed by a dinner of favorite Filipino dishes, including (of course) lechon.
The celebration was capped by a cultural show presented by the Philippine Arts and Culture Ensemble of Michigan (PACE-MI) headed by Benita Murriel, president. It featured rondalla music, singing of Tagalog songs, and cultural dances such as the “tinikling,” “Carinosa” and “bangko.”
Every number in the cultural show drew loud applause from the appreciative audience.
Addressing the audience shortly before the cultural presentation began, Vargas said “this is just the first San Lorenzo de Manila fiesta” and henceforth it will be celebrated every year.

From Filipino Star News

It was an enchanted evening of fine “kundiman” and “rondalla” music. And the elderly Filipinos in the audience immensely enjoyed it as they heard once more popular Filipino songs.
Some turned nostalgic as they remembered the good, old days when the “harana” (serenade) was still a traditional way of expressing one’s love to a maiden.
Loud applause erupted at the end of every performance. Philippine Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge, who came from Chicago to grace the evening event, said, the presentation was “one of the best I have seen.”
According to Benita Maria B. Murriel, president of the Philippine Arts and Culture Ensemble of Michigan (PACE-MI) which staged the show last June 20 in the St. Francis Church Activity Center in Ann Arbor, “the presentation is a culmination of the dedication, commitment and hard work of our participants, organizers, volunteers and supporters.”
The presentation was simply dubbed “Ugnayan ng Ating Kultura” (Linkages of Our Culture), but it was packed with numbers showing the exquisite beauty of Philippine cultural dances and songs.
The show opened with the performance by the Kulintang Ensemble which presented diverse music and dances of Southern Philippines. The Kulintang musical numbers included “Duyug,” Maguindanao; “Kanduro Pampang,” Maranao; and “Badbad,” Manobo.
The ethnic dances performed were “Asik,” a Maguindanao maiden solo dance; and “Singkil,” a Maranao royal dance.
Part II of the program featured a special music presentation. Roy Coloma, a top-caliber pianist and piano instructor, presented a virtuoso performance as he played in the piano “Damdamin” and “Inday,” two Buencamino musical pieces with complicated notes.
This was followed by a vocal solo by Patricia Sorra Cabuena who sang San Pedro’s “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan.” Patricia’s typical Filipina beauty, fine voice and superb singing evoked nostalgic remembrances of the Philippine rural scene in the old days. She was accompanied by the Rondalla Ensemble.
Next came a vocal number of Elizabeth Ordinario whose operatic voice impressed the audience. She sang “Diwata ng Pag-ibig” (Goddess of Love) and “Lulay” (a maiden’s name), showcasing the full range of her voice.
Part III of the program was the performance by the Rondalla and Dance Ensembles with the special participation of Professor Christi-Anne Castro, Ph.D, of the University of Michigan’s Ethnomusicology Faculty.
Called “Festival in the Village,” the rondalla presentation featured popular pieces – namely, “Bahay Kubo,” “Dandansoy,” “Harana: O Ilaw,” and “Naranyag a Bulan.” The Harana number was presented by Gigi Olegario, who was the maiden being serenaded, and her husband Francis Olegario, the serenader.
The folk dances performed were “Salakot,” “Itik-Itik,” “Carinosa,” “Sayaw sa Bangko,” and “Tinikling.” This portion showcased the budding terpsichorean talents of children wearing Filipino attire.
Sean Almendras, who was the master of ceremonies, related funny stories about Filipinos during the intermission.
The finale was a community singing of “We say Mabuhay.”

The University of Michigan Center for Southeast Asian Studies is pleased to host:  
An Afternoon Tea with Philippine Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge (Consulate General of the Phillippines in Chicago)

Meet Consul General Calonge at this informal gathering to hear about his experiences and discuss issues for Filipino Americans regarding the Philippines and their Filipino heritage.

3:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015

1644 International Institute (first floor)
School of Social Work Building
1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Please RSVP by June 19 to [email protected]. 
Metered street parking available

Submitted by:
Christi-Anne Castro
Director, Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Associate Professor, Ethnomusicology
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Note:  The Consul General is here to attend the PACE-MI Concert at 6:30-8pm; see details in another blog.-Ed.

From: Christi-Anne Castro [mailto:[email protected]] 
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2015 12:29 PM
To: PACE-MI via Ignacio, Rose
Subject: Re: PACE-MI Cutural Program: Ugnayan Ng Ating Kultura:


Dear PACE-MI,
     What a delight it has been to work with you and the young people in the community to further Philippine and Filipino American arts and culture! It is through dedication, patience, and a passion for the arts that this kind of initiative can come to fruition. I have been impressed with the good cheer and interest of community members, including those with no musical experience whatsoever, and have enjoyed watching and hearing the ensemble learn new pieces and grow as musicians. 
    This multi-generational group includes seniors picking up instruments for the first time after a hiatus of decades, high school students with musical backgrounds in classical and popular music, and adults and youths who have always wanted to play an instrument or who have been looking for a group with whom to play their instruments. The spirit of inclusivity is the heart of what makes a community strong, and the pride of heritage fuels the efforts and sacrifices people have made to bring together this inaugural PACE-MI production.
Congratulations to the organizers, members, students, and parents of PACE-MI! 

Christi-Anne Castro
Director, Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Associate Professor, Ethnomusicology
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
*************************
Christi-Anne Castro is director of the University of Michigan Center for Southeast Asian Studies and an associate professor in the Musicology Department of the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance. She holds a doctoral degree in ethnomusicology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her book, Musical Renderings of the Philippine Nation (Oxford Press 2011) is a cultural history of music, politics, and nationalism in the Philippines during the 20th century. This work won the 2012 Global Filipino Literary Award, assigning it special cataloguing status in the Library of Congress Southeast Asian Collection housed in the Asian Reading Room. At U-M, she teaches courses introducing various types of world music, music and the body, music and gender, and ethnography. She is also the long-standing musical director of the Iskwelahang Pilipino Rondalla of Boston and has been playing, arranging, and composing rondalla music for the ensemble since its founding.

Solicitation For Donation – First Annual Philippine Concert on 6/20/2015, and For The Continuation of PACE-MI Learning Programs

This open letter is both an invitation to join us on our first Annual PACE-MI Concert, and an appeal for your generous sponsorship to support the learning programs of the Philippine Arts and Culture Ensemble of Michigan (PACE-MI).   Your contributions will fund our first annual Philippine concert on 6/20/2015 and the continuation of future educational programs.

What is the Philippine Arts and Culture Ensemble of Michigan (PACE-MI)? 

PACE-MI is a tax-exempt/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Ann Arbor. Our mission is to provide community-based educational programs and resources on Philippine arts and culture by promoting Filipino heritage through teaching and learning of the Philippine Rondalla, Kulintang, and the traditional Folk Dances. Our vision is to have a sustainable organization where the younger generation teaches forward what they have learned. Our main learning outcomes include (1) special concerts,   (2) student recitals, and (3) community workshops. This year, so far, we have done over 200 hours of group lessons and practice involving an ensemble of over 30 instruments, 15 performers, and the participation of 20 families. The success and sustainability of our programs depend very much on your generosity and endorsement of our vision.

The 6/20/2015  PACE-MI Concert is our first annual concert.  It is titled ‘Ugnayan Ng Ating Kultura’ (Linkages of Our Culture), A Celebration of Philippine Traditional Music, Songs and Dances’.  It will be held at  St. Francis Catholic Church Parish Activity Center, 2250 East Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104,  on 20 June 2015, 6:30-8pm. Please save this date!

For the 6/20/2015 PACE-MI Concert, you may choose to (1) give a tax-deductible donation, and/or  (2) purchase advertising space in the event souvenir. Since PACE-MI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your individual contribution is tax-deductible. 
     For tax-deductible donations, you can choose a level of contribution as follows: 
·   Conductor’s Circle  ($1000+)
·   Principal Players  ($500+)
·   Arts Associate ($100+)
·   Music Lovers ($200+)
·   Friends of PACE ($20+)
·   In Kind
·   Venue Sponsor  ($600)
·   Program Sponsor ($300)

To purchase space for advertising or a message in the souvenir program, following are the rates. Examples of special messages can be variations of 'Congratulations To PACE-MI';   'In Memory' of [loved ones]';  'Best Wishes to PACE-MI from the UPAM Family/group'.  Here are the rates.
·   Fullpage (7.5”x4.5”) $100
·   BusinessCard (1.5x3“) $20
·   Outside Backcover $200
·   Halfpage (3.5”x4.5”)  $50
·   Inside Back Cover-  $150

Please decide soon and make your payments to Philippine Arts and Culture of Michigan or PACE-MI and mail the check to PACE-MI, PO Box 131322, Ann Arbor, MI 48113, or to our office, PACE-MI, 2232 Placid Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.  Call the PACE-MI Treasurer (734-395-2195) or the PACE-MI Secretary (734-972-8875) to make a reservation or to arrange donation pickup within Washtenaw County. Your name will be listed in our event program if they arrive by June 5, 2015.  After this date, your name will be listed in the next  programs.

In behalf of PACE-MI Executive Board, thank you for your generosity.
Fundraising Committee:
  Elizabeth Weil, PACE-MI Treasurer, tel 734-395-2195, [email protected]
  Joet Reoma,  PACE-MI Secretary,  tel 734-972-8875,  [email protected]

Link to past PACE-MI performances:   in YouTube,  in FaceBook,  in Google+

Message To PACE-MI at the first Joint Board Meeting of the Executive and Advisory Boards:
(TBE)