The Filipino Women’s Association-UK’s (FWA-UK) dinner and dance (9th of June 2018) came and went and the overall review – it was a rousing success! On behalf of the officers and members of the Association, our heartfelt thanks to everyone including H.E. Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, our patron, Mrs Maria Linda Lagdameo, the Founder and President of Honour, Mrs Angeles Quimson who we fondly call ‘Tita Nene’, all the Philippine Embassy officers who joined us in this momentous occasion. Some of our guests came far and wide; from the USA, Hong Kong, Malaysia to be with their friends and families from the FWA-UK. We did it because of your continued support and belief in the FWA-UK objectives. Our major sponsors: Philippine Airlines (PAL), AA World Travellers, Genistar, all the donors of raffle and door prizes as well as the advertisers who have always been generous in supporting our causes. The event was the celebration of two milestones:
- The 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence; the Association’s decision in inviting Karlene Moreno-Hayworth (soprano) to sing the classic ‘Bayan Ko’ and ‘Mutya ng Pasig’ was to show the nationalistic side of the FWA-UK as Filipinos. ‘Think of Me’ from the Phantom of the Opera musical was sung by Karlene especially for the non-Filipino audience. Karlene was a class act of a performer, it brought sophistication to the programme and the guests have only high praises for this excellent soprano’s performance!
- The FWA-UK’s 30th year of its founding; To quote my welcome message, ‘FWA-UK is 30 years old this year and I am proud to say, still going strong and moving forward. It continues to evolve and be responsive to change. This longevity is due to the shared belief of purpose and commitment of its members, who, throughout the years, draw inspiration from our Founder and President of Honour.’ Tita Nene was pleasantly surprised by the token of appreciation and recognition presented to her by Jeannette and the ladies.
Majority of the proceeds from the dinner and dance event go directly to the scholars and charitable projects that the FWA-UK supports. The images of scholars, projects, activities and members of the organisation were shown on the screen while the guests were having their meal on the night of the event.
Our appreciation goes to the PND Coordinating team headed by Clarita Richardson, Zanie Delmundo, Lydia Sumang, Nanie Tamayo and their members worked extremely hard to make our event tonight a success!
Highlights of the night include the impeccable service and food provided by the RGH staff, the door and raffle prize winners, auction winners, non-stop music of Breeze Band headed by Annielou Leyva and the DJs ie Erwin Dizon and Ronnel Montemayor who ensured everyone had an enjoyable evening dancing the night away!
Jeannette Thomson
FWA-UK Chairman
2017/18