11/22/2025
Our End of Summer Festival every September isn't really humungous because we lacked the necessary funding to really go big. But being a medium-sized event doean't necessarily mean our entertainment part is anemic and amateur. Our performers are seasoned and pros who understand that giving and sharing a God-given talent almost for free is necessary to grow as an artist with the common people in the community. During the process of taking in would-be performers, Durham Filfest do not ask for demos or samplers of their performances but we validate, we search online and follow them. It is a non-intrusive form of ensuring this performer is best.
The entertainment portion is already packed weeks or months prior. Any insertions of additional performance is very difficult.
Our professional Djs are already working on all tracks and queue them in advance. They already had that visual components of how the day goes: from performers, dancers, and other aspects of the event...it is finalised week before.
So this past event last September in the afternoon, this member of our youth community approached me and kind of asked what time she'll be singing. She made me nervous because she wasn't on the list.
I suddenly remember at our Simbang Gabi in 2024 that I did asked her if she wants to sing at our festival. I observed her singing with the other youth. I thought, 'Hmmm, she can sing.' Then I lost track of her. Haven't seen her since then. Now she's here...I said, 'Maybe, we can do it next year?' I can see an obvious disappointment written all over her face and I don't want that so I asked her if she has her music and she said, 'Yes, on my phone.'
So I asked our Dj if her music is okay. Then I asked our lead MC that time to give me 15 minutes so I can let her sing. Betina was now in control of the Programme and said, 'Tita, we are already behind 30 minutes!" How about 5-6 minutes? Betina agreed.
I was really uneasy because I really don't know her capability. I said, "What's the song?" "I HAVE NOTHING..." Aw, Whitney Houston.
Ohhh...and we hold our breath! Remarkably, she did it! Julianne did it!
