FWA-UK’s 35th Annual Philippine National Day Fundraising Gala: A Night of Celebration, Impact, and Empowerment

The Filipino Women’s Association UK (FWA-UK) celebrated a milestone as they hosted their 35th annual Philippine National Day Fundraising Gala on 17th June 2023 at the elegant Palace Suite, Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London. The event, themed “Enhancing Lives Throughout the Journey of Life: Celebrating 35 Years of Positive Impact“, brought together members of the community, sponsors, and guests to commemorate the remarkable achievements of the association while raising funds for their impactful initiatives.

FWA-UK was proud to have the generous support of its event sponsors, including Platinum Sponsor Megaworld International (Ethel Lim), Diamond Sponsor Nenita Garrad & Family, Gold Sponsor World Care Services (Nancy Villariza), and Silver Sponsor ILAW Ltd (Luigi Crespo and Stella Sait).

Our event sponsors:

Rose Eclarinal from ABS-CBN and Juan EU Konek served as the charismatic host for the evening, setting the stage for a memorable celebration. The event commenced with the performance of Annie Leyva from the Breeze Band, who beautifully sang the Philippine and British National Anthems.

Dr. Remy Reyes, FWA-UK Founding Chairman, led the opening prayer, invoking a sense of gratitude and unity among the attendees. The excitement continued with the door prize drawings, skilfully conducted by mother-daughter tandem Darcey Dias and Atty. Crystal Dias.

The door prizes included a Calvin Klein Tote Bag donated by Raquel Scrivens, a 3-Course Dinner for 2 at Kasa & Kin Restaurant, and another at Romulo Cafe Restaurant, both generously donated by Chris Joseph & Rowena Romulo. Both Raquel Scrivens and Chris Joseph personally presented the prizes, adding a personal touch to the occasion.

As guests indulged in their sumptuous 3-course meals, they were accompanied by the enchanting melodies of professional flautist Anna Murrai. The Breeze Band serenaded the audience with their captivating vocals, adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere. Highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, the Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Group graced the stage with mesmerising cultural dance performances. Their graceful movements and vibrant costumes transported the audience to the heart of Filipino traditions.

Messages from Chairman Dulia Prado and Consul General Rhenita Rodriguez of the Philippine Embassy in London added a touch of importance and significance to the event. Their heartfelt speeches emphasised the remarkable achievements and positive impact FWA-UK has made over the past 35 years.

The gala also showcased videos from FWA-UK’s scholars in the Philippines, who expressed their congratulations on the association’s 35th anniversary. These heartwarming messages served as a testament to FWA-UK’s commitment to providing educational opportunities and empowering the Filipino youth.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the fascinating fashion show presented by PamPinay. With their exquisite Dilag collection, designed by Pamela Gotangco and Christian Belaro, the fashion show captured the attention and admiration of all attendees. The collection brilliantly showcased the identity of Filipino women worldwide, blending tradition and innovation to bridge the gap between the past and the limitless possibilities of the future. Each garment proudly featured the original artwork of Pamela Gotangco, depicting men and women in the elegant “Mestiza” and traditional “Baro at Saya” ensembles from bygone eras.

The significance of the fashion show extended beyond its aesthetic appeal. It symbolised a remarkable collaboration between various communities across the Philippines, demonstrating the unity and diversity of Filipino culture. From the talented women seamstresses at the Bayanihan Spirit co-working space to the skilled women embroiderers in the T’boli tribe, as well as the accomplished loom weavers in Abra, Ilocos, and Jolo, these diverse groups joined forces to create something truly exceptional. PamPinay aimed to shine a spotlight on the profound contributions of Filipino women to the cultural tapestry of the Philippines.

The attendees were enthralled as the models gracefully showcased the Dilag collection on the runway. The meticulously crafted garments showcased not only the creativity and craftsmanship of the designers but also celebrated the heritage and rich traditions of the Philippines. The acrylic artworks, created by Pamela Gotangco and digitally translated by Christian Belaro, aimed to inspire the younger generation to honour their roots and embark on their unique journeys while embracing the beauty of their cultural heritage.

The fashion show was met with resounding applause and admiration from the audience, affirming its position as the highlight of the evening. The striking fusion of traditional elements with contemporary design captivated everyone present, leaving a lasting impression of Filipino artistry and cultural pride.

In addition to the captivating fashion show, PamPinay made a generous commitment to support FWA-UK’s initiatives. They announced that 20% of the sales on the night from their renowned clothing brand would be donated to FWA-UK, further strengthening their dedication to making a positive impact within the community. This partnership between PamPinay and FWA-UK showcased the power of collaboration and highlighted the shared goal of enhancing lives and celebrating the Filipino women’s identity worldwide.

While the fashion show stood as the highlight of the evening, the gala encompassed a range of other delightful experiences. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to participate in an exciting auction sponsored by Ali Hajj from AA World Travellers Travel & Tours. One lucky individual had the chance to secure an 8-night accommodation package for two people across various picturesque resorts in the Philippines. The auction, conducted by the dynamic duo of Christopher Dias from Lawyery.co and Rose Eclarinal, generated great enthusiasm among the guests, contributing to the fundraising efforts of FWA-UK.

Our auction sponsors:

To add to the thrill, a raffle prize draw took place, with prizes including a lunch/dinner experience for four at Origin Kensington, the Royal Garden Hotel’s esteemed restaurant, and a free Filipino language course worth £200 from ILAW LTD. Cash prizes ranging from £100.00 – £500.00 also added to the anticipation and delight of the evening. These were generously donated by Linda Celestial (£500.00), Wilma Lone (£300.00), Imee Pinto & Bing Cabatic (£200.00), Linda Challis (£100.00), Jeannette Thomson (£100.00), and Rhona Serquina (£100.00).

As the night progressed, the Breeze Band and DJ Gerald Lao from GL Productions took the stage once again, filling the room with infectious energy and ensuring that attendees had an unforgettable experience on the dance floor.

The FWA-UK 35th Annual Philippine National Day Fundraising Gala was a resounding success, with the fashion show by PamPinay serving as the highlight of the evening. This event not only celebrated the association’s achievements but also showcased the cultural heritage and artistic talent of the Filipino community. The funds raised during the gala will go towards supporting FWA-UK’s valuable initiatives, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

FWA-UK extends heartfelt appreciation to all the sponsors, performers, guests, volunteers, and the hardworking staff of the Royal Garden Hotel who contributed to the success of this memorable event. Their unwavering support and commitment to the Filipino community have made a significant difference in enhancing lives and fostering positive change throughout the journey of life.