Philippine Advocacy Through Arts and Culture

"Various community organizations and concerned Filipino-Canadians have joined hands in hosting the “Unity Concert 2009 :Rebuilding People’s Lives” next month in Toronto, Canada. The project aims to gather groups willing to work together in a collaborative project that would directly benefit the typhoon victims in the Philippines.

The unity concert aims to harness the great compassion, desire to help and community building capacity of various organizations in the urgent task of helping rebuild the lives of those hard hit by Typhoons Ketsana and Pepeng in the Philippines. "(Mercury News Online)

"The ticketed concert ($25, $100) is being planned for November 29, 2009 from 3-6 pm at the University of Toronto Convocation hall.  This a 3-hour musical extravaganza showcasing diverse Filipino talents from classical, jazz, pop, rock, and progressive songs, hip-hop and Filipino traditional culture.  Musical artists who have verbally and personally signified participation are Filipino professional artists: Ma-Anne Dionisio, Lilac Cana, Karen Tan, Josie de Leon, Emilio Zarris, Vonnie Beltran and Chyrell Samson; Youth bands and musical groups like Melodious Vibes, Panyolito, Couples for Christ Foundation for Family Life choir, Joy of the Lord choir, Santa Guerilla; and progressive artists like John Flores, Myk Miranda and Belinda Corpuz.

The following organizations have confirmed theri support with the organizing committee:  Community Alliance Social Justice (CASJ), Kababayan Community Centre, Philippine Advocacy Through Arts and Culture (PATAC), Santaginians Association Of Ontario Inc, Kapisanan Philippine Center, Filipino Migrant Worker Movement, Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPCO);  Silayan Community Centre, Philippine Heritage Band, Canadian Aid Relief Project; Joy of the Lord, Philippine Independence Day Council,  Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life and various regional, religious and alumni associations.

Concert organizers include: Caommunity Alliance for Social Justice, Philippine Heritage Band, Kababayan Community Center, Philippine Advocacy Through Arts and Culture, Filipino Migrant Workers Movement and Santaginians Association of Ontario Inc. The Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC) was idenified as the main administrator for the funds in the Philippines. CDRC is a 25-year old organization respected nationally and internationally for its integrity and accountability in terms of ensuring that relief goes directly to the most vulnerable among the disaster victims. It is recognized by the United Nations and various disaster relief and rehabilitation organizations throughout the world.

Organizations and individuals are welcome to join the project and participate actively in preparations for the concert. "(Philippine Reporter Online)

For more information call Ben Corpuz at (416) 886-8921, Hermie Garcia at (416) 461-8694, Edwin  Mercurio at (416) 493-7884 . OR  Email: rebuildpeopleslives@gmail.com

More: Philippine Reporter: http://www.philippinereporter.com/2009/10/16/unity-concert-for-typhoon-victims/
MercuryNewsOnline: http://hubpages.com/hub/Unity-Concert-For-Flood-Victims?utm_source=emailhub&utm_campaign=evite&utm_medium=email