A Memorable Evening of Fashion, Culture, and Charity
A Memorable Evening of Fashion, Culture, and Charity
By Crystal Dias
The Filipino Women’s Association-UK (FWA-UK) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 35th Year Anniversary and the 125th years of Philippine Independence with a grand event on Saturday, June 17th, 2023. Held at the prestigious Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London, the Annual Dinner & Dance brought together over 260 guests for an unforgettable evening.
Under the theme “Enhancing Lives Throughout the Journey of Life: Celebrating 35 years of Positive Impact” the event aimed to commemorate the accomplishments of FWA-UK while honouring the rich heritage and culture of the Philippines.
The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated collaboration between FWA-UK and PamPinay, a clothing brand founded by talented Filipina artists. The event showcased PamPinay’s latest collection, titled “Dilag,” which captivated the audience with its unique blend of Filipino craftsmanship and contemporary fashion.
Guiding the guests through the evening was the esteemed Master of Ceremonies, Rose Eclarinal, News Bureau Chief of ABS-CBN EMEA and producer of Juan Eu Konek. Eclarinal’s engaging presence added an extra touch of elegance to the proceedings.
The entertainment line-up featured a diverse array of performances. Anna Murrai, a flautist from Russia, enchanted the audience with her rendition of traditional Filipino “haranas.” The Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company took the stage with a captivating cultural performance, showcasing the beauty and grace of Filipino dance. The music for the evening was provided by the talented Breeze Band, featuring Annie Leyva and Gerald Lao of GL Productions, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
FWA-UK’s collaboration with PamPinay holds special significance. Founded by Pamela Gotangco, a visual artist based in Switzerland, and Christian Belaro, a digital designer based in London, PamPinay is a collection of high-quality wearable art that highlights Filipino culture and heritage. The brand aims to promote social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and responsible branding through its playful illustration of Filipino traits in the pop art genre. Each PamPinay product is individually created by dressmakers who lost their jobs during the pandemic, supporting local communities in the Philippines. The fashion show during the Dinner and Dance Gala Night showcased the brand’s stunning “Dilag” collection.
To further reinforce their commitment to charitable initiatives, PamPinay announced during the event that 20% of the sales generated at the event would be donated to FWA-UK’s charitable projects. This generous contribution will enable FWA-UK to continue its vital work in supporting indigent scholars in the Philippines and uplifting communities in need. By aligning their artistic endeavors with philanthropy, PamPinay exemplifies the spirit of social responsibility and collaborative efforts in making a positive difference in the lives of others.
During the event, Chairman Dulia Prado expressed gratitude to the dedicated staff, officers, and members of FWA-UK who have tirelessly contributed to its charitable endeavours over the years. Minister and Consul at Philippine Embassy London, Rhenita Rodriguez, delivered an inspiring message to the guests, highlighting the impactful work carried out by FWA-UK in supporting indigent scholars in the Philippines.
The Annual Dinner & Dance serves as FWA-UK’s flagship fundraising event. Proceeds from the gala will go toward supporting indigent scholars in the Philippines, continuing FWA-UK’s mission of empowering lives and creating opportunities.
Hailed as one of the best Philippine National Day celebrations organized by FWA-UK to date, the 2023 Annual Dinner & Dance left a lasting impression on attendees. The event successfully brought together fashion, culture, and charity, encapsulating the spirit of FWA-UK’s dedication to making a positive impact in the Filipino community and beyond.
As FWA-UK looks toward the future, it remains committed to its noble cause, empowering women, and making a difference in the lives of those in need. The Annual Dinner & Dance serves as a reminder of the organisation’s achievements and a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and compassion within the Filipino community in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the Filipino Women’s Association-UK visit www.fwa-uk.com