London parish hosts Filipino Night charity fundraiser

The beautiful Philippine Islands came to London on Saturday in a spectacular evening of Filipino food, music and dance. Holy Apostles church hall in Pimlico was packed for their annual international fundraiser for their twin parish Our Lady Queen Of Peace, Todonyang, in the Turkana desert region of northeast Kenya, run by the Missionary Community of St Paul the Apostle. (MCSPA).

This year the Filipino community organised the event. During a delicious dinner - beautifully served - the Anahaw Dance Artists performed a series of folk dances, demonstrating the diversity and richness of Filipino culture. Beginning with some of the earliest pre-Christian dances included the ancient Tinikling dance which imitates a bird, through to a dance with swirling veils brought to the Philippines by Muslim traders, they also performed a series of vibrant folk dances adapted from those brought by Spanish colonisers.

After the show, Fr Stephen Ochieng parish priest from Turkana said a few words of thanks - before a fast-moving auction - led by parish priest Canon Pat Browne.

The night ended with dancing to the music of the Rising Sons - a four piece band from London: Tom, Reuben, Simon and Jerome who all met at Holy Apostles. They are part of the church choir - but also now perform at name functions and special events.

For more information about The Rising Sons, contact: simon@aumail.com

Watch this video for an overview of the MCPSA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENpZM-KEqEM

The MCSPA is supported in the UK by New Ways, a charity run entirely by volunteers. If you would like to make a donation to one of their projects, please visit: http://mydonate.bt.com/events/keepingnurseriesopen/488487