The Filipino-American Turns Over Proceeds of The Filipinos for Haiyan Survivors

The Filipino-American Founder and Organizer of The Filipinos benefit for haiyan Melanie Garcia with Fashion Designer Andre Soriano, Jennifer Amos, Social Turtles and Clint Gorou, Volunteer turn over proceeds to Operation Samahan

Wednesday January 29, 2014 was a very meaningful day for me and I am sure for all of those that volunteered to The Filipinos benefit show for haiyan as it was the day that we had turned over the proceeds of the show to Operation Samahan who will be sending the funds to Volunteer for Visayans to aid survivors of haiyan. 

The Filipinos raised from ticket sales and auction Seven Thousand Eighty Three Dollars ($7,083.56) on December 14, 2013 at SeaWorld San Diego.

On that tragic Friday Morning of November 8, my phone had been ringing for people offering to donate time or money to help Philippines.  While I had always been hesitant to raise funds or have anything to do with money (for fear of so much scrutiny) I knew I have a responsibility and I had to do something...  It was later that night when I received an email from Andre Soriano introducing himself as also Filipino-American and contestant to Rihanna's Styled to Rock show in Bravo TV and as a fashion designer offering to do a fashion show to benefit haiyan that I decided okay, we can do something.

The following morning, Joanne Tanyongkol of SeaWorld San Diego and Aquatica had also called to express  and offer their support.

The Filipinos a benefit show for haiyan survivors on December 14, 2013 sponsored and hosted by SeaWorld San Diego at the Nautilus Pavilion was  a collaboration of the Filipino-Americans in San Diego and everyone else that just cared and volunteered whether it was their expertise, time or money.

The event opened with CMN Productions performances by Emily Talampas, Joseph Kabiling, Micaela Marquez and the very young and talented Melanie Joie Jimenez who had garnered a standing ovation from Chula Vista Mayor herself Cheryl Cox.

Melanie Garcia, The Filipinos Organizer with Daughter Megan, presenting a Parol (Philippine Lantern)
-a symbol of hope to the survivors of haiyan  to SeaWorld Park President John T Reilly

Fashion Designer and Styled to Rock Contestant Andre Soriano did a fashion showcasing pieces from Punk de Luxe, Old Hollywood Glamour and Bridal Collection.

Fashion Designer Andre Soriano was supported by his friends America's Next Top Model
Contenders Kiara Belen (L) and Monique Victoria(R)

PASACAT (Philippine Performing Arts Company) with the direction of Ana Maria Labao Cabato was the feature presentation with traditional dances depecting the culture of the most affected area of Philippines by haiyan, Visayan Region.

Andre Soriano and his Filipiniana Ensemble

Andre Soriano with fellow Fashion Designer and Styled to Rock Contestant Dexter Simmons
 who also came out to support and donate the expertise and talent at the back stage

SeaWorld's master chef had served really delicious appetizers that night that were mostly inspired by Filipino popular dishes such as pancit and lechon kawali with a twist.

With only five weeks of production the event raised funds and was made possible by many many volunteers from Filipino Business and Professional Network, CMN Production, My Elite Models, Roxy Garvan Make up, Style Squad, all the Photographers that came,  Andre Soriano Fashion Team,  PASACAT and Wells Fargo.

PASACAT

PASACAT-Maranao Dance

PASACAT: Tinikling Dance

We are also very grateful for our sponsors, SeaWorld (main sponsor and host of event), Wells Fargo, CPP Printing, Universal Printing, Filipino Press, Fashion Week San Diego, Love at Home Health Care Inc. to name a few.

L-R Micaela Marquez, Andre Soriano, Melanie Joie Jimenez, Jennifer Amos & Clint Gorou

Delicious Food from SeaWorld that night

Andre Soriano Fashion

While it was a very tragic event for the Philippines, it had brought many of the Filipino-Americans of San Diego closer to one another. Through this event I have met many new friends.

I am very thankful to Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox for attending the event, to SeaWorld for sponsoring and hosting the event, it made a huge difference, and to Wells Fargo for fully supporting me in this cause.--Melanie Garcia, Founder-The Filipino-American, Organizer and Fundraising Director-The Filipinos

LINKS:
The Filipinos
The Filipinos-Performers
The Filipinos-Volunteers