It started in a school cafeteria, before they even kept records of what they were giving away. Half a century later and it’s become one of Kauai’s signature events — with paper receipts to verify most of the scholarships they’ve
It started in a school cafeteria, before they even kept records of what they were giving away.
Half a century later and it’s become one of Kauai’s signature events — with paper receipts to verify most of the scholarships they’ve gifted students.
“The very first one was held in the Wilcox school cafeteria,” said Liza Cabal Trinidad, chair of the Terno Ball, which held its inaugural event June 20, 1964, and is now celebrating its 50th anniversary Saturday at the Kauai Marriott’s Grand Ballroom. “The first scholarship on record —but don’t have all the records — in 1970 gave $25.”
That’s a far cry from today. Last year, the event, hosted by The Kauai Filipino Women’s Club, raised $5,000 it awarded to college-bound students of Filipino descent.
Saturday’s event promises to hold the same, and besides raising money for the kids, the golden celebration will highlight culture — namely showcasing elegant terno gowns — when it starts at 6 p.m. Those wanting to enter their gowns can register them from 4 to 6 p.m. before the event starts. The dresses, a fixture in Filipino tradition, will be reviewed by three judges on workmanship, beauty and fitting, at the end of the event.
The winner will receive $250, first runner-up will get $150 and $100 will go to second runner-up.
But so much will happen between judging and when the doors open.
Dances will pay tribute to Filipino culture, with specific sets paying homage to the different parts of the islands where they originated.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the opening number prepared by the Bailes de Jose Dance Company, featuring Excerpts from the Muslim Suite of Dances of the Philippines.
The program line-up also includes performances by the 2014 Terno Ball Chorale, directed by Helen Sina and accompanied by a contingent of violinists; the Sayaw sa Cuyo dancers, consisting of members from KFWC will be presenting dances from the Maria Clara Suite. And, Trinidad added, people are encouraged to dance. The event will also pay tribute to its own past.
“We’ll be honoring past presidents and honoring women who really formed the organization,” Trinidad said of the organization that has donated roughly $70,000 in scholarships though the official tally can’t be determined because so much history wasn’t recorded before 1970.
The list of recipients includes successful engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants, research scientists, and public officials, including 5th Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano, to name but one.
Some years, attendance has swelled to about 650 people, a giant leap from the first days of a few people in a school cafeteria.
“It’s a big event,” Trinidad said.
Tickets cost $70. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. A no-host bar will be available.
Info: Trinidad at 482-0267 or Luz Diaz, 822-9255.
