Only Filipino band in NI performing in Maghery

04 April 2008

The only Filipino band in Northern Ireland, Below Zero, performing in Maghery community hall

from Lurgan Mail, 04 April 2008

THE community hall rocked to the beat of Abba with a twist recently.
The social event, which saw members of the Filipino community travel from as far as Omagh and Derry, was a fundraiser for Below Zero, the only Filipino band in Northern Ireland.

The band members, who reside in Dromore and Craigavon, play various contemporary songs as well as traditional Filipino music.

While currently holding practice sessions in ‘a small bedroom’, they hope to grow and be able to play bigger audiences across Northern Ireland.

The evening of entertainment was much welcomed as a helping hand to the band who pay for all equipment and transport costs out of their own pockets.

John Alfante, spokesman for the Filipino community here, and a Maghery resident, spoke of his motivation for events such as this. He said, “I want very much to integrate members of the Filipino community into Northern Irish life”.

Chairperson of the community hall, Kevin Fox, said, “The hall is there to provide for all sections of the community and the Filippino’s use of the facility is more than welcome”.