Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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Page added on March 27, 2012

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CAFFA “Sendong” Fundraising Variety Show A Hit!

With a great deal of excitement and anticipation we prepared to attend another Benefit Show recently, on March 3. At first you may be thinking, no, not another one! However as the expression goes – “You can never have too much of a good thing” and it promised to be a lot of fun. The loss of life and property and the hardship that continues to plague those back home have reminded us that the giving, caring and sharing should never stop. We must continue to keep in mind that WE are the answer to many of their Prayers.

Hosted by the Council and Assembly of Filipino Foundations and Associations (CAFFA), the Sendong Victims Fundraising Variety Show promised to be a collaboration of many of Calgary’s well known and well respected groups. With a huge pool of talent available in our Filipino Community, the shows are always guaranteed to be a blast!

The evening’s entertainment was divided into 4 “Scenes” plus the Finale and there was something to satisfy the audience of all ages, hence, the title – Variety. Furthermore, with performers ranging from 5 to 85 years in age, it showed that it is possible that the Community can work together for the Benefit of those back home who were affected by both Typhoon Sendong and the more recent earthquake that occurred in Negros Oriental.

From the Opening Welcome words of CAFFA President ATTY. Richard Tumanon, the beautiful singing, dancing and music continued non-stop! Various themes in the Entertainment included “Songs of Music and Hope,” “Inspirational Songs and Music” and “Life Must Go On.” It gave many of Calgary’s most talented girls and guys, young and not so young, a chance to show their love. Just the sheer number of people involved is too extensive to list here and depending on your preferences – there was something for everyone tonight. From Hip Hop to Ballroom to Traditional Filipino Dances and Solos, Duets, Trios (my favorite) and large groups, it solidified the Organizers choice of “Variety Show”. Not that there was any doubt, but again it was confirmed – Our Seniors Can Sing! and dance, to the cheers of the packed house! Always crowd favorites, the Filipino Seniors Choir and the Young Once Seniors Association of Calgary Choir delighted the appreciative audience. Proving that practice makes perfect, the KAPATIRAN DANCE COMPANY and the KASAYAHAN PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION were flawless. Local favorites and the award winning team of Whittnie and Winston Lace Gaqui filled the crowd with energy and the Ballet Dancers from Winston Heights Christian Day Care proved you can never start too young! With a star studded list of MC’s, a top quality sound and lighting crew and various media recording the event, success was achieved.

With the Silent Auction arranged by the Knights of Columbus and tasty food available during the Intermission, my wife was able to shop and fill her belly! What more could we ask?

In her Closing Remarks well known Calgarian Dr. Rose Geonzon, President of Visminsa Charities Foundation confirmed that through teamwork two significant goals were reached. A major contribution to Disaster Relief is on its’ way to the Philippines and the appreciative crowd had fun tonight!

Those that contributed to the success of the night are numerous and a huge Thank You! must go to all of the Sponsors, Donors, Advertisers, Guests and Volunteers! It could not have been accomplished without your efforts. Special mention must go to EASTSIDE CITY CHURCH for providing the lavish venue for the Filipino-Canadian Community in Calgary. Make them your Church Family today!

All in all it was a night to remember and our Community can proudly say “We did what we could.” A good time was had by all!

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