By NICOLE VALICEK
PHILIPPINE born Sabina Riego is proud of her heritage so when disaster struck in her birthplace she jumped into action.
The 42-year-old Altona Meadows resident was devastated by the news about Typhoon Haiyan and was keen to take the opportunity be part of the organising committee for the charity event Entertainment Extravaganza.
The typhoon ripped through the south-east Asian nation’s central islands in the Philippines.
Ms Riego did not embrace her culture until seven years ago after her father needed help when he established the Melbourne Integrated Sport Club.
But it was her first trip back to the Philippines six years ago that she understood the old adage of Australia being “the lucky country”.
“That’s when it hit me how poor they really are.”
Ms Riego, who was born in the Philippines, was not directly affected by the disaster but said it was a natural instinct to want to help and an example set by her parents.
“It’s a very Filipino trait. We are very loving, very generous people even if we have nothing on the table we’ll still invite you over for dinner and serve you something.”
She said her parent’s home was always open to strangers and housed many people who arrived in Australia from the Philippines for a better life and trying to get on their feet.
“It’s just what we do, we band together to help out our people.”
She said the participation in the event was also in memory of her mother who died last year and to set an example for her 16-year-old daughter.
“I want to show her that this is what people can achieve and that our life is good compared to so many people.”
The Entertainment Extravaganza, held last week featured 25 acts with proceeds going to a team of builders to assist with clean-up and rebuilding and the Red Cross directed to the typhoon victims.
