On 10 May, the Asia Pacific Group of the United Nations Women’s Guild (APG-UNWG) held a fundraising event for the victims of typhoon Haiyan at the Casa Generalizia of the Society of the Divine Word in Rome.

Led by its President Winy Amato, Vice President Susheela Rodrigues, treasurer Takako Fujinami, and overall coordinator Maris Gavino, the APG-UNWG held a food fair and cultural program featuring dishes, songs and dances from the Asia-Pacific. Dr. Noelle Rodriguez coordinated the Philippine participation in the event, as well as the preparation of dishes for the Philippine food table.

The event generated a festive atmosphere with a wonderful collage of Asian taste, sound, color and movement.

Filipino performers— such as singer Robert Jacinto and a group of young Filipino residents in Rome with a common interest in music and dance called the “Pinoy Teens” — joined counterpart performances for the Asia-Pacific region.