By Lady Monica Banta Connecticut Chapters
It was a grand celebration and one of the best Parades that I ever attended. I was filled with pride as the Knights Of Rizal came by first with my handsome Filipino Husband Sir Rey Banta KGOR leading.
As I sat on the Reviewing stand with the VIPs, UN Ambassador Sir Hilario Davide, KGCR and his beautiful wife Lady Gigi Davide, also next to me was Consul General Rebong and Grand Marshall Msgc. Oscar Aquino, we were all in awe every time a group passed by us. Many times we would just stand up and cheer as the groups passed by, nothing could hold us down as we watched the colors and fantastic floats go by.
One very great moment was when the singer Charice went by us on her Artists Float, you could hear the cheers for her as she came down the 14 blocks of the Parade. She sang 4 songs for us later at the cultural shows. Also the little Hawaiian dancers stopped at the reviewing stand and performed a dance and sang a song.
When the last float came by a few tears of joy came to my eyes, as this was the Beauty Queen who represents the whole parade, She is called Miss DIWA NG KALAYAAN, it seemed like only yesterday my beautiful daughter Dr. Lisa Marie Banta had that title in 1993.
The parade lasted over 2 hours and I must say, I was so proud that one of our Connecticut organizations received the Presidents Plaque. All in all, I would rate this parade a 10, best parade I ever witnessed.
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