The Filipino Association of New Brunswick has successfully launched its first fundraiser in a Christmas for a Cause event held on Saturday, December 8.The Filipino Association of New Brunswick performed Pandanggo sa Ilaw in a multicultural fair organized by the Saint Thomas University International Student Association.

The FANB joined STU students from different countries in entertaining the guests with dances, music, fashion show and poetry in the event held on February 16 at the University of New Brunswick Student Union Building.

The guests were also treated to a variety of ethnic foods.

The 11th annual fair was success, with more than 200 people attending the event.

Cristy Mejorada, a Filipino STU student invited the Filipino association to peform at the show.

A dance group, formed by Julie McDonald, chair of the Cultural and Heritage Committee, performed Pandanggo sa Ilaw, or dance of lights.  

Despite the time constraints, the yet unofficial Filipino dance group was able to display grace and cultural vividness on stage with their rendition of the Filipino folk dance.

Other stellar performances included belly dancing and a Japanese dance portraying fishermen's movements.

"The event was a great opportunity to showcase Filipino talents and culture and it created awareness that FANB exists," McDonald said.

The dance was choreographed by Luisa Misa-Toyer. Kudos to dancers Mae Ghanem, Marissa Gesmundo, Julie McDonald, Bianca Cruz, Maiah Benigno and Laarni Benigno.