17 October 2017—The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reported today that in the true spirit of bayanihan, at least RM120,000 (roughly PhP1.5 million) was raised for the benefit of those displaced by the Marawi conflict in a fundraising event dubbed “Night of Music and Fashion” held on October 15 at the Shangri-La Hotel.

The event was spearheaded by a committee made up of Filipino and Malaysian ladies chaired by Princess Dato Sri Dr. Becky Leogardo.  The event’s royal guest of honor was Her Royal Highness, Sultana Hajjah Kalsom of Pahang.

In his remarks, Ambassador Charles C. Jose noted the strong sense of bayanihan or gotong royong amongst Filipinos and Malaysians.

“When Princess Dato Sri Dr. Becky approached the Embassy about the idea of doing a fundraiser for the benefit of those affected by the Marawi siege, we were heartened that the Filipino community in Malaysia has once again taken the initiative to help those back home.  It is also heartwarming to see so many Malaysian friends participating in our fund-raising event,” he said.

“The Philippine Government remains committed to stamping out terrorism and violent extremism in the country and believes that tolerance, understanding and peace are the way to go towards ushering development in the affected areas,” Ambassador Jose added.

As is stated in the title, the event was replete with music and fashion, with performances from Malaysian and Filipino singers, including Malaysian R&B artist Min Yasmin and laywer-singer Aloysius Cornelius Sisek, and Malaysia-based Filipino performers Yasmin Aziz, Sherwin Calderon, Cyrel Landazabal and Unlimited Resources Band.  Princess Dato Sri Dr. Becky’s daughter Gloria Mantz and Ambassador Jose and Madame Maria Victoria Jose also rendered song numbers.

A fashion show featuring avant garde Filipiniana by Axxezz by Gina Frias, ready to wear pieces by Blubelle by Nadia Razak and Malaysian-Japanese fusion clothing by Adamaya by Datin Sharifah Shawati Syed Mohamad was also part of the event.   To raise more funds, there was also an auction of gowns, jewelry and bags from Sultana Hajjah Kalsom herself.

The proceeds from the event were turned over to GMA Kapuso Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Annalee Escudero-Catibog, which will be used for the Foundation’s reconstruction projects in Marawi.  END