APCO’s Elvis Charity Concert was a hit!

By  Richard J Ford ( PRO )
NSW-Australia
October 1, 2014



The Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations, Inc. (APCO) hosted an Elvis Charity Concert to help raise funds for its  Humanitarian Emergency and Livelihood (HEAL)  Program, various advocacies and community development projects. This was held at the River Canyon Restaurant, Parramatta on the 28^th September 2014.

Featured guest artist, Eddie ‘ELVIS’ Lombardo wowed the audience with some of Elvis’ favourite hits like ‘Little Sister’, ‘In the Ghetto’ and ‘Treat Me Nice’. However, two hits sung so remarkably close to the original, ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’ and ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love’ elicited a rousing standing ovation from the admiring audience. Eddie is a family friend of Roberto Sacilloto and Linda Trinidad who were responsible in inviting him.

Not to be outdone is the pride of the Filipino-Australian community, versatile Brian Lorenz who entertained the audience with his spectacular solo performance as well as a duet with coloratura soprano and APCO Director, Linda Trinidad. The Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group served as background dancers for Ms Linda Trinidad while the VSD Dancers led by Victor Valdez, performed the Igorot dance with gusto. Meanwhile, performing for the first time at APCO, Ms Mariah Blanco, a seasoned singer also belted out a couple of songs.

Among the special guests were the Hon Laurie Ferguson, MP Federal Member for Werriwa; Ex-Consul General to Vietnam, Ms Linda Baisa and her business partner, Tony Chiem; Richard and Maria Maguire of Sydney Alliance; Guido Pengue, President of the Italian Associazione Laurentini and Miss Glyssa Perez, the Visayan Association’s candidate for the Miss Philippines-Australia Beauty Pageant at the Fiesta Kultura this year.

The show was managed gratis et amore by the indomitable Albert Prias and ably emceed by smart and witty Charles Chan. Leading the hosts are Ruben and Dr Cen Amores, current APCO president and founding President, respectively.

Mr Guido Pengue won the raffle’s $500 cash 1st prize and he surprised everyone when he turned over half of his win ($250) for APCO’s charity. Incidentally, the Italian Associazione Laurentini led by Pengue holds a very strong bond with APCO.