October 9, 2009
Reference: Terrie Cervas, Sisters of Gabriela, Awaken! (SiGAw), sigaw.la@gmail.com, 213 270 4982
Los Angeles Filipinas Share Their HERSPECTIVE and Raise Funds for GABRIELA-Philippines and Victims of Typhoon Ondoy
October 4, 2009 - Stories of hope and resistance by women resounded during HERSPECTIVE, an event organized by Sisters of GABRIELA, Awaken! (SiGAw), a member organization of GABRIELA-USA, the overseas chapter of GABRIELA-Philippines. HERSPECTIVE marked SiGAw's first performance and art showcase and served as a fundraiser for GABRIELA-Philippines' 25th anniversary activities, as well as for relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Ondoy. Over 100 people attended and contributed over $1,000 in donations.
"Philippine President Arroyo's administration has proven unprepared and untrustworthy in the handling of calamity funds," stated Terrie Cervas, member of SiGAw and one of the Vice Chairs of GABRIELA-USA. "We can be sure that the funds raised from HERSPECTIVE will reach the people in need, as GABRIELA organizers immerse themselves on the ground, in communities. The burden of families' survival rests largely on women, so the money will help GABRIELA to continue to advocate and fight for their rights, as they have done over the last quarter of a century."
HERSPECTIVE featured DJs Em-1 and Michelle Q, as well as performances by singer Asa Lianess; poet and BAYAN Southwest Regional Coordinator, Daya Mortel; emcee Peklat; dancer Danielle Parish; emcee/singer Jumakae; singer Anne Marie Ceralvo, and more. Peklat stated, "This event was so beautiful. To see sisters get up, share of themselves and their art with the community is a beautiful thing. Everyone who came out blessed the space with their energy and spirits." The event also featured artwork from members of Habi Arts (including two full-sized murals depicting the strength of revolutionary Filipina women and the struggle of Filipinas against militarization and sexual violence), as well as local artists, including Sistargirl, and an array of vendors from homeopathic women's healthcare to vegan cupcakes. "Herspective was not only a means to raise funds for a great cause, but a result of a collaborative effort to create a safe, fun, and artistic space for womyn of color and queer womyn of color who constantly have to fight to be recognized in spaces that can be very male heavy and straight-centered," said Em "DJ Em-1" Baraan, also a member of SiGAw.
Kuusela Hilo, Vice Chair of BAYAN-USA, highlighted the efforts of BAYAN-USA and GABRIELA-USA's relief work through BALSA (Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan or "People's Cooperation for the People") during the program. "This is a critical time for the Filipino people. It is imperative that we contribute to the efforts which the Arroyo regime is unable to provide for its people. Having taken over $17M of the people's emergency relief funds, it is up to us, the community, to help."
HERSPECTIVE, along with other events coordinated by BAYAN-SW are part of the regional efforts to raise $10,000 for BALSA by the end of October.###
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