The Ipag celebrated its 25th anniversary away from home. Its performers danced half-nude for the piece titled, "Earth, Wind and Fire"; festival judges gave them a standing ovation. On top of that, the group had a successful performance for Monaco's royalty at the Hotel de Paris' Grand Ballroom facilitated by Dr. Stephen Zuellig, Monaco's honorary consul to the Philippines.

According to Fernandez, the 85-year-old "erudite" Zuellig personally supervised the food and giveaways for an elite, by-invitation-only audience led by Monaco's Prince Albert and the Minister of State Patrick Leclercq; Col. Serge Lamblin, Chambellan du Prince Souverain; and the diplomatic corps.

Monaco's Prince

As soon as Prince Albert ("Monaco's Serene Excellency") arrived for the performance at the baroque Hotel de Paris across Monaco's famous casino, Zuellig rose to introduce the Ipag, and the dinner-show began "without fuss and without speeches," Fernandez said.

Aside from Fernandez, Ipag's performers and musicians included Melvin Pascubillo, Reynan Revillas, Arlem Abanes, Dexter Jumalon, Julius Hechanova, Nolly Ceballos, Ronald Allan Salazar, Eleanor Lila, Leilani Monterola, Lilybeth Maraon, Wenna Balaido, Lara Fatima Maglinao and Jenalyn Morales. If the dancers wowed audiences, it was Morales' singing voice by itself that never failed to get a standing ovation.

Fernandez said Europeans had more or less a positive image of the Philippines. They correctly thought that the Philippines is located somewhere in the Pacific, that it is a former colony of Spain and it is a country with beautiful beaches that offers excellent beer at a low price.

Most significantly, the Philippines' woes, including the notoriety of the Abu Sayyaf, were not mentioned in the four countries and over 20 cities where the Ipag performed. Every performance saw the Philippine flag displayed prominently in the streets, churches and buildings.

Few Filipinos were around to witness the performances, so when the red side of the Philippine flag was raised at the festival venue in Port Sur Saone, Ipag members rushed to correct this. Promptly, the French press took note of the incident, and called for greater care on the part of the hosts.

The Ipag became the darling of the press wherever they went primarily because it had the smallest performing group, with 11 dancers and three musicians in colorful costumes against 30-35 members from other countries.

The Europeans likewise raved at the olive skins and youthful appearance of the female performers who were mistaken for high school kids.

Most of those who came showed their deep interest and appreciation of Philippine culture by asking questions about the group's props, costumes and repertoire. Many more waved their Euro dollars in the air, clamoring to buy CDs of Ipag performances, which, unfortunately, Ipag didn't have.

Summing up the triumphant tour, Fernandez said, "Europeans have a sense of past and love for culture. They always look for intelligent entertainment and I believe, Ipag satisfied that."