On the evening of Saturday, 7 February 2026, the Filipino Women’s Association UK gathered our community at Adela’s Carinderia on Goldhawk Road, Hammersmith for Sing for a Cause — a karaoke fundraising night in aid of our scholars in the Philippines and the elderly and vulnerable members of our community here in the UK.
By the end of the evening, we had raised just over £1,400 — every pound of it going directly to FWA-UK’s charitable work. But as anyone in the room will tell you, the figure on the receipts was only part of the story.
A Filipino Tradition, A British Cause
Karaoke is woven deep into Filipino life. Whether it’s a family gathering, a baptism, a birthday, or a quiet Sunday afternoon, the microphone always seems to find its way into someone’s hand. Sing for a Cause leaned into that tradition — and put it to work for two communities who depend on us.
Funds raised on the night will support:
- Indigent scholars in the Philippines — disadvantaged children whose education through high school is funded by FWA-UK’s scholarship programme
- Elderly and vulnerable individuals in the UK — through our outreach work with Filipino seniors in our community
A Warm Welcome at Adela’s
The evening was organised by our Fundraising Committee Chair, Jeannette Thomson, whose vision and tireless work behind the scenes brought Sing for a Cause to life — from securing the venue to rallying members, sponsors, and singers. Our heartfelt thanks to Jeannette and the Fundraising Committee for the gift of this evening, and for the steady, generous hand they continue to bring to FWA-UK’s work.
Our thanks too to Adela’s Carinderia for hosting us so generously. The Filipino buffet was the kind that has guests going back for second and third helpings — homecooked dishes that tasted of memory — followed by a Filipino dessert that rounded the evening off perfectly. The cash bar kept the conversation flowing, and the venue’s warm, family-style atmosphere set exactly the right tone.
A Night of Music, Laughter, and Purpose
Once the singing started, it didn’t stop. From the polished performers to the brave first-timers, every voice was met with applause and a few good-natured cheers. A sponsored prize for karaoke participation gave everyone an extra reason to step up to the mic — though, in true Filipino fashion, most needed no encouragement at all.
It wasn’t just a night of music. It was a night of community, laughter, and purpose — exactly the kind of gathering that reminds us why FWA-UK exists.
What Your £30 Ticket Did
Every ticket sold on the night translated directly into support for our scholars and seniors. 100% of funds raised go to FWA-UK projects — there are no overheads taken from event proceeds, and every pound is accounted for through our committee structures and reported to the Executive Board.
For our scholars in the Philippines, £1,400 is meaningful money. It buys uniforms, school shoes, transport, exam fees, and the small but essential things that keep a child in school when their family cannot. For our UK seniors, it funds the visits, the gatherings, and the small acts of presence that mean so much to those who might otherwise be alone.
Thank You
To our Fundraising Committee Chair, Jeannette Thomson, and the Fundraising Committee for organising the evening with such warmth and care. To everyone who bought a ticket, took the microphone, donated a prize, or simply showed up to cheer on a friend — maraming, maraming salamat po. To Adela’s Carinderia, our hosts, thank you for making your home our home for the evening.
Events like Sing for a Cause only work because our community shows up for them. You did. And because you did, scholars in the Philippines and seniors here in the UK will feel the difference.
Here’s to the next song. 💜