Filipino relief concert raises funds & rocks Pier 6

Organizers of a fundraising concert to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan have thanked the community for all of its support.

Joey Prevendido, president of the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, and Susie Pewter, president of The Whitfield Group Ltd, organized ‘Live BDA: Philippines Relief Fund’ to appeal for continued donations to help the storm-ravaged country get back on its feet.

Almost 6,000 people died in the super typhoon, which decimated the Southeast Asian archipelago on November 7. The cyclone brought sustained winds of 195 mph and was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded.

Up to four million Filipinos still remain displaced and homeless - among them families and friends of Bermuda’s own Filipino community.

Last night, musicians from across Bermuda came together to donate their time in a four-hour concert for relief efforts.

The concert was also the first major event to be held at the new Pier 6 Waterfront Complex, and organizers hailed it a “big success”.

Ms Pewter said last night: “There’s about 420 people right now who have come to support this, which is amazing.

“Everyone has come after the (Christmas) Boat Parade so there is a great atmosphere. I’m very happy with the turnout.

“This is Bermuda at its very best – supporting the Filipino community after this terrible tragedy.

“The community has really come together tonight, and I can’t say enough about the incredible talent. All these musicians have come on their own free time and we are very grateful.”

The Whitfield Group – a marketing and promotions agency – recently unveiled the new Pier 6 Waterfront Complex in Hamilton. The large tented venue features a stage, plush lounge chairs and bar facilities.

Ms Pewter said: “We built this facility for the entire community to use. We held the ILS Bermuda Convergence here three weeks ago, but this is the first big event where the community has come out. It’s been a big success.

“All the gate receipts ($20 admission fees), the food and liquor receipts, and cash donations will go to the Filipino relief fund.”

Mr Prevendido said: “We’ve had a lot of support from the community – it’s amazing. Tonight has also been very successful.”

He said the Association has collected more than $47,000 in donations so far, plus a $50,000 pledge from the Government of Bermuda.

Performers at ‘Live BDA: Philippines Relief Fund’ included: Heather Nova; Joy T. Barnum and Milton Raposo; Working Title; Devils Isle Audio (DIA); Bones; Sonique Sanctuary; Sultans of Swing; DJ Choice; Filipino Association Dancers; Jessica Rendora; Glass Onion Band (Tony Brannon and friends); with Hamilton Town Crier and Prestige singer, Ed Christopher, as the MC.

Musician and producer Andrew Chamberlain organized the line-up. Ms Pewter also expressed her thanks to administrator Emma Conyers and Whitfield Group COO Gemma Godfrey.

Other sponsors of the event were Great Sound, Goslings and IRG.

The proceeds of the event will go to the Red Cross and Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines and Catholic Relief Services.