I was working then as an export manager of a food firm somewhere in Makati City in Southern Metro Manila, Philippines. There were three sister companies in our holding firm owned and managed by a flamboyant Chinese businessman. There were probably a thousand employees of the three companies. We used to have our annual Christmas party where all employees of the three companies attended to enjoy the raffles and the contest that provided fabulous prizes. We had a regular team of participants in our company who rehearsed daily for the contest. But less than a week before the contest, the wife of the owner informed me that we have to form another team for the contest to make it more exciting and merrier. Nobody from our remaining employees wanted to form another team because of the proximity of the contest. In desperation I picked up a stout and jolly assistant and we formed a team to belly dance and do the hula. We practiced everyday almost nonstop. I purchased the wigs, hula dresses and the sexy outfits for our belly dancing. Come the day of the contest, we were made up by our female staff and were shielded from the audience by a large blanket that covered us. We were such a hit that everybody were standing and all rushed in front of the stage, taking pictures and having the best laugh of their lives. The judges loved our act and awarded us first prize. Only after the contest and the party were finished and everybody started teasing us did I feel the embarrassment of it all. Oh what we will do to give others a good laugh.
(Note: I lost all the pictures of that event because of the great flood that inundated our house two years ago.)
Tags: Party, Contest, Christmas Celebration, Gaiety, Company, Makati, Southern Metro Manila, Philippines, Flamboyant, Merry Making, Hula, Belly Dancing, Stout and Jolly, Winner, First Prize, Embarrassment, Teasing, Good Laugh
Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Laughter/Funny Event/Hilarity
