Our Benefactor
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MaryAnn Somar A passionate tango enthusiast and the heart behind many of the festival’s biggest moments, MaryAnn Somar has been our consistent and unwavering benefactor since the very beginning. Her love for tango and commitment to helping fellow countrymen and dancers in Cebu and across the Philippines have made this event possible year after year. Through her generosity and dedication, world-class tango artists have been able to teach and perform at the festival, elevating Cebu’s tango scene to international standards.
Our Team
Dexter Quijote – Chief Organizer A former Latin dancesport competitor who fell in love with the expressive beauty of Argentine Tango, Dexter Quijote leads the Cebu Tango International Festival with heart and purpose. His passion for dance evolved into a mission: to build and nurture Cebu’s tango community. With the support of MaryAnn Somar, Mercedez Hernandez, and his co-organizers, Dexter launched the festival in 2022. Under his leadership, it has become one of the largest tango events in the Philippines, inspiring dancers locally and abroad through workshops, marathons, and the Don Quijote Tango Cup competition.
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Rolan Pacana – Event Coordinator Together with his late wife, Lorena Pacana, Rolan helped lay the foundation for Cebu’s tango community. The couple devoted themselves to dancing, performing, and competing—always with the goal of bringing people together through tango. After Lorena’s passing in 2022, Rolan has continued to support the festival with strength and humility, working closely with Dexter as Event Coordinator and playing a key role in every event’s success.
Joanna Noel – Co-Organizer A dedicated supporter and community leader, Joanna Noel brings structure, creativity, and collaboration to the organizing team. Her contributions have helped ensure the smooth execution of each festival season, from workshops and guest management to welcoming dancers from all over the world.
In Loving Memory Lorena Pacana (d. 2022) A dancer, partner, and true advocate of tango in Cebu. Lorena’s legacy lives on in the embrace of every dancer who joins our festival. Her spirit continues to inspire us.