Around three hundred Filipino-Australians and guests gathered together at the Artists Unite for Philippine Times last 23 July 2016 at the St Brigid’s Parish Hall in Fitzroy North.
The event was held to raise funds for Philippine Times’ legal costs. The Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Inc (PFVI) filed a Third Party notice in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court against the 25-year old newspaper for printing without permission the letter of their then lawyer Ian Finch in the August 2013 issue of TPT. On 2 August 2016, the defamation case filed by the Concerned Members of Philippine Fiesta against the PFVI was settled thereby striking out the third party case of the PFVI against TPT.
A meeting of minds and talents
Filipino-Australians who performed were: Mary Ann Vanderhost, Filipino Chaplaincy Choir of Melbourne, Beta Days, Lexxy Love, Kayla Laycey, Charlene Sotelo, Cinco Tempo, Rosemary Ong and Sheralyn May Hill. Puerza Azul, Escalera Band, and DJ Kayumanggi also entertained the crowd who stayed to listen to their music and danced.
Terry and Boy Apines of Masagana Fil-Asian in Dandenong and Boronia also sold food and they donated $750 to TPT’s legal fund.
Guests were also treated with several prizes from the raffle donated by individuals and companies.
$4,855.90 raised
The fund raised on the night was $4,855.90 from ticket sales, raffle, food sales and donations. It generated a total of $5,355.90, less $500 expenses. The artists and bands performed for free, while Gigi Kalong of Philippine Tours paid for the hall.
