Lilac Caña sings for Michigan med foundation

Lilac Caña sings for Michigan med foundation

Music for Medical Missions:

Caña with Dr. Vickie and Ed Navarra

By Ching Breta-Ancheta

Toronto-based, acclaimed Filipino-Canadian soprano Lilac Caña wowed audiences in Warren, Michigan, in her concert, “A Summer Serenade with Lilac Caña”. Proceeds from this successful fundraiser will benefit the Phil-Am Medical Mission Foundation of Michigan (PAMMFM)’s upcoming project to take place February 1-8, 2014 in Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines.

Invited by Michigan’s dynamic couple — Eduardo Navarra, National Chair of the NaFFAA (National Federation of Filipino American Associations), and his wife, PAMMFM President, Dr. Victoria G. Navarra, Lilac rose to the occasion and gave a thoroughly enjoyable program of songs and arias, entertaining the audience throughout the evening.

The PAMMFM is unique among other medical mission organizations in the United States. Formed on January 2, 2005 for the purpose of “providing medical and surgical assistance to the indigent in the Philippines and other locations by highly qualified professionals,” it is comprised of a central core of physicians, nurses and medical personnel licensed in Michigan. A few members, like me, are from Ontario. Members join the yearly medico-surgical mission to the Philippines for purely altruistic reasons.

As the main expense is the shipping of supplies from the US to the Philippines (averaging $5,000 to $7,000 per box or crate), the PAMMFM conducts fundraising, bringing in talents from the Philippines to Michigan. Past guest performers include Lea Salonga, Fides Cuyugan, and Jonathan Badon.

Caña with PAMMFM members