22 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY February 16 - 28 , 2017

Meet the hardworking volunteers behind Band2Gether4RCRG , a fundraising concert organized by volunteers from the Greater Vancouver Filipino community . The event is in support of Richmond Cares ,

There are three Maravillas in the fundraising concert / art exhibit , Band2gether4RCRG : Mother and son team Jenny and Miguel Maravilla are co-emceeing the concert ; and husband / father , Ferdinand “ Chito ” Maravilla , a multi- awarded artist in BC ( see : http :// www . chitomaravilla . com / about . html ), donated a painting for the art raffle and is exhibiting another painting with the Dimasalang III International Group of Artists , of which he is the Vice President . Maravilla means wonder and marvel in Spanish . The Maravillas certainly live up to their family name in the community in terms of engagement and volunteerism . Jenny has been volunteering as emcee and event planner in various

Formed in 2007 , BCAkafellas was started by the Mendoza family headed by Al & Connie Mendoza . The were able to recruit other singers who came from various choir groups in the Philippines . BC Akafellas is composed of : Al Mendoza ( choir director ), Connie Mendoza ( soprano ), Rowena Andaya ( soprano ), Menchie Buenaventura ( soprano ), Dana Andaya ( soprano ), Aileen Agno Mendoza ( alto ), Charry Dazo ( alto ), Cecilia Estonilo ( alto ), Darius Andaya ( tenor ), Michael Olango ( tenor ), Jojo

Richmond Gives , a local charity that serves as a hub for volunteering and giving . WHO : Jim ’ s Underground , Five for the Road , BC AkaFellas , Our Lady of Good Counsel Family Choir ( Guest Appearance and

Performance by Vancouver- Kensington MLA Mable Elmore ) WHAT : Band2Gether4RCRG will feature performances by a diverse group of talented musicians , as well as an art exhibition by Dimasalang III

WWW . PHILIPPINEASIANNEWSTODAY . COM

International Artist Group . WHERE : Fraserview Church , 112995 Mellis Drive , Richmond , BC WHEN : Saturday , March 4 , 2017 , 7:30 pm – 10:00pm WHY : All proceeds will support Richmond Cares ,

community gatherings since 2003 . She also assists in organizing exhibits for her artist husband Ferdinand “ Chito ” Maravilla , a multi- awarded artist in BC ( see : http :// www . chitomaravilla . com / about . html ). Jenny has organized and been involved in several fundraisers since migrating to Canada in 2002 . The family has completely embraced and thrived in volunteerism in Canada . In 2016 , Jenny helped in organizing fundraisers by groups such as Domestic Abuse Services , Catholic Cemeteries , and ANCOP ( Answering the Cry of the Poor ). Volunteering runs in Jenny ’ s family : son Miquel is co-emceeing Band2Gether4RCRG ; Chito is exhibiting and donating his paintings in this event ; older son Franco , also a musician who volunteers in church , though not performing in this event , is cheering on this marvelous crew . Amidst all these , Jenny also works fulltime as a Junior Buyer for the Vancouver Airport Authority . Here are Jenny ’ s words about volunteerism .

Why is volunteering important to you ?

Volunteering is important to me because it provides an opportunity for me to fortify my strengths and use those specific skills to contribute to varying communities . This allows me to give back to organizations that are always pursuing positive change for the world around us . Using volunteering as a platform to organize and emcee allows me to contribute

Romero ( bass ), and Marius Pira ( bass ). Love for music and food bound the group together . The group usually sings in community events , concerts , and celebrations of life . BC Akafellas also performs in fundraisers at least once a year . The group had supported various causes such as fund raising for calamities in the Philippines . BC Akafellas welcomes any invites to perform for as long as it is for a good cause . Certainly , the seniors program of Richmond Cares Richmond Gives is one of them ! Michael Olango talks about volunteerism :

Why is volunteering important to you ?

Volunteering is important as it stimulates growth & strengthens our bonds .

What made you form this group ?

We formed BC AKafellas to give us an outlet or platform to share our love for music .

How and why do you keep connected to or engaged in your present community ?

We keep connected by my strongest skills and c o l l a b o r a t e with others and their specialties , so that we can all be a part of something p r o g r e s s i v e to benefit our shared communities

How and why do you keep connected to or engaged in your present community ?

When I started volunteering , I was able to establish connections with organizations . This helped me to stay in the loop with current events , and now I volunteer when possible , because it is a beneficial experience that allows me to contribute to the

Leo Cunanan , is one of the organizing members of Band2Gether4RCRG . He designed the group ’ s logo and event poster . The group

lucked out with Leo , a goldmine of talent and passion for helping , and galvanizing the community through 24 years of publishing the only directory of Filipino groups , businesses , and professional services in BC . Leo has recorded two original music albums and is member of SOCAN ( the Society of Composers , Authors and Music Publishers of Canada ). He is also a member of The Federation of Canadian Artists ( FCA ). Leo is also the President of the Dimasalang III International Group of Artists . Dimasalang ’ s vision and values are to raise awareness of contemporary arts and culture ; further

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Richmond Gives , a registered charity that promotes volunteerism , in addition to offering a variety of services for children , youth , seniors , and families .”

community however I can .

What is your tip for anyone thinking of volunteering ?

Volunteering is a fruitful experience , and anyone who wants to volunteer should know that , although it takes a lot of energy , it is a humbling experience that involves everyone and benefits entire communities !

volunteering ?

Volunteering not only enriches your life but those of others as well . It is always best to volunteer in causes that are meaningful to you so that you feel that you are doing something that is important to you and keeps you more involved .