February 16 - 28 , 2017 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY 23
Cunanan ...
develop artistic talents ; and encourage a positive impact and contribution to the community . The group offers mentorship , life drawing , en plein air painting in the summertime and opportunities to join group exhibitions . Aside from painting , Leo is also musically inclined and is jamming with the bands and choirs of Band2Gether4RCRG . He used to be a full-time band
The 35-member strong OLGCFC is a usual feature in fundraisers and community events in the Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Surrey . The choir provides the worship songs and music for the Parish ’ s 7:00 pm mass . The group is truly a family endeavour as its members includes grandparents , grandchildren , and parents from different parishioner families all singing in harmony and bound by love of music and strong faith . The members of the OLGCFC are : Soprano : Dinky Francisco , Myla Flores , Jane Solibio , Joyce Lozada , Neneth Artiaga , Mizellee Junos , Madeleine Junos , Eleonor Garcia , Lorna Mendoza , Karen Licas ; Alto : Marose Santos , Jackie Laylo , Didith Lachica , Ritchel Alcock , Chloe Alcock , Iris Alcock , Au Gumban . Andrea Calderon , Ruby Pinili , Janet Ablang ; Tenor : Bong Aguinaldo , Sonny Flores ; Bass : Ross Francisco , Melquisedic Mendoza , Nathalio Manlapus , Joey Garcia , Mike Ablang ; Musicians : Homer Reyes , Ben Latay , Robert Alcock , Jojo Pinili , William Sale , Marreine Sale , Niki Garcia ; and Conductor / Director : Vic Sta Ana . Marose Santos , one of the volunteer organizers of Band2Gether4RCRG and Alto singer talks about her and the group ’ s passion for volunteering :
Why is volunteering important to you ?
Volunteering gives me the feeling of satisfaction of doing something willingly for a good cause . It helps me know , connect , and understand people . Through volunteering , I have developed a strong concern for people . My experiences helped develop my ability to adapt quickly in dealing with a variety of people .
What made you form this group ?
Our group was formed member in his 20 ’ s and is still active in his church ’ s music ministry playing drums and singing occasionally . He has performed in fundraisers for The Red Cross , fellow musicians in financial need , and many other charitable events . Leo and the Dimasalang artists are also usually invited to show their works for Asian Heritage Month Society , Philippine Festivals and other Filipino community events . You can
Our Lady of Good Counsel Family Choir ( OLGCFC ): United in Faith , United in Songs
primarily to serve in church and in outreach volunteer activities . T h e OLGCFC i s founded by love for service to give glory to God .
Volunteering to help and inspire others are aligned with our essence as a group . Choirs play an important role in the mass . Singing for the congregation is twice as much as praying . It is something I can do to share the gift of singing .
How and why do you keep connected to or engaged in your present community ?
We treat each other not only as a support group BUT as a family . A family who sticks together and helps each other especially during difficult times . This makes our journey through life and volunteering full of love and laughter . We have demonstrated this commitment through continued involvement when needed .
What is your tip for anyone thinking of volunteering ?
1 . Be committed . Volunteering is something you do willingly . When you volunteer , put your heart in it .
2 . Wherever you go , you can find someone who needs you . You may not have all the time in the world , but you have the heart . Go make a difference in people ’ s lives and the blessings will come back to you a hundredfold .
3 . Involve your friends and family so they will know and understand what you are doing .
read more about Leo in : http :// www . positivelyfilipino . com / magazine / drummertakes-it-easel . Here are his words about volunteerism :
Why is volunteering important to you ?
It is important for us to volunteer and donate works for charitable causes because of the pleasure in contributing to the community .
What made you form this group ?
As president of
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Dimasalang III , I discussed and presented to the group the opportunity to show our works and at the same time , help raise money for a good cause . Because RCRG needed help in preparing the logo and poster , I volunteered to help out .
How and why do you keep connected to or engaged in your present community ?
Our family has been involved in many community activities in various capacities .
We have been publishing Dahong Pilipino , the only Filipino Canadian Community Directory in BC for 24 years .
What is your tip for anyone thinking of volunteering ?
Volunteer ! It brings great joy to know you have made a difference in people ’ s lives .