Miss Saigon artists Ima Castro and Junix Inocian at Guanabana restaurant in Camden Town/Photo courtesy of Rose Eclarinal, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

LONDON - British-Filipinos in the United Kingdom organized various fundraising activities in London for the victims of the recent typhoons in the Philippines.

Red Cross Step Forward spearheaded a campaign that included a party dubbed as ‘Halloween Special,’ at Tufnell Park, London.

The group managed to raise £1,205.83 which will be donated to the Philippine National Red Cross.

Philippine Generations, another organization composed of British-Pinoys also organized a charity gig. The Guanabana restaurant in Camden Town hosted a dinner for a cause which likewise showcased the talents of some local British-Pinoy artists.

The guests and fundraising sponsors enjoyed the sumptuous meal of some traditional Caribbean dishes like curry goat, jerk chicken, rice and peas, and for the native Pinoy palates, noodles and flying adobo were served.

“We have VIP section and we charged £20. It’s a bit of personal service but for walk -ins, it was £15 per head. Being blessed with a place like this, why not raise money for the victims in the Philippines,” said Omar Shah, owner of Guanabana restaurant. 

“A lot of people in the community wanted to do something for what has happened back home. We got an auction, we got a raffle, we got donation box going around,” said Adrian Williams, chairman of Philippine Generations.

Various acts composed of an eclectic mix of local artists such as The Shaydz, Lirikong Supremo, Tru Colorz, Charisma, Mark Villarosa and former Miss Saigon artists Junix Inocian and Ima Castro performed to the hilt.  

Singer and song writer Mutya Buena, who rose to fame as former member of all-English pop/ R&B trio Sugababes, graced the occasion and auctioned a number of her CDs.  British-Pinoy musician, model, TV and radio presenter Myleene Klass also sent some donations which were auctioned at the fundraising.

Philippine Generations thanked those who volunteered, helped and supported their recent events. Before the Guanabana gig, it also organized a golf day. For both events, Philippine Generations has raised over £2,400.

Meanwhile, Kunst Gallery and Art Bank, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy and Batangas Association UK, went back to London, this time for a fundraising art exhibit at the Wimbledon Gallery. The exhibit showcased the art works of Rene Robles, Aris Bagtas, Govanni Dela Rosa, Jojo Austria, Robert Fernandez, Ted Maddela, Marcial Pontillas and Eman Santos. The exhibit raised some £700 for the typhoon victims.