Campaign Concert for Change Unites Supporters for a Night of Local Youth Talent‏

For immediate release
9 August 2009


(Montreal, Quebec) On August 8th 2009, the night before the Filipino Association of Montreal and Suburbs (FAMAS) elections, many gathered at the Chalet Kent in support of Filipino youth issues by endorsing candidate Neil Castro. As a Board Member of the Kapit Bisig Centre, Castro has been a long-time youth organizer with Kabataang Montreal, a Filipino youth organization.

"Since 2004, I have been advocating for Filipino youth rights. Now, I want to bring these concerns to the forefront of the Filipino community by running with Lingkod Bayan's presidential candidate Mel Domingo," Castro stated during last night's campaign concert. These local young artists were in support of raising the engagement level of Filipino youth within the Montreal community.

The lineup really highlighted the diversity of talent among Filipino youth: there were singers like Jennifer Flores and Cherylyn Toca; a Filipina cellist , Christina Gavino; hip hop artists like JP a.k.a. Seeko, Jaycee Pimentel, DJ Panda Zal. There was a spoken word/song performed by Jillian Sudayan and Julie Nieto, both members of Kabataang Montreal. Sinag Bayan Cultural Collective performed a drum instrumental and a song led by Jillian.

Even Indonesian rock group Orchid Blooms came out in strong support of the youth movement. Finally, Neil Castro closed out the show with a motivating rendition of After Image's ‘Next in Line’.

“It was an inspirational event,” said Krystle Doromal, who was one of the MC’s of the event. “So many gathered to show their support. Most of the performers have known Neil [Castro] for years as an active member of KM and they all recognize strong need for us youth to step forward and take charge of our own futures in the community. I think that it’s great that we’re able to be a part of this and I hope that this movement for change continues.”

FAMAS, the oldest community centre in Montreal, elections are held bi-annually to elect its President and Board of Directors. The results of the election will be announced tomorrow.


Kabataang Montreal
Member Organization of Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada/Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance

E-mail: kabataangmontreal@gmail.com
Tel: (514) 678-3901