With the recent rebranding of Al Dente in its newest location, holidays are made special with its live caroling happening every Friday night, December 9, 16, and 23 at 7PM. From Al Dente buffet for the last two years to a three-dining concept, the restaurant has three sections, trattoria, family buffet, and cocktail bar. The restaurant is now located in M.H. del Pilar, Molo at La Fiesta Hotel across Hotel del Rio.
To make some holiday cheers in the concept restaurant, Gising na Kabataan (GNK) Iloilo will sing Christmas carols to the customers as Filipinos traditional daigon. GNK Iloilo is a non-profit group of youth and young professionals in Iloilo with a mission to help, comfort, and influence struggling youth, especially with the rise of suicide cases this year due to a complex factor.
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This problem rose mainly due to the lack of access to mental health care for young Filipinos, particularly in remote areas. Attempted youth suicides and deaths have risen sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase in suicide-related calls to mental health centers across the country. According to a nationwide survey done by the Philippines Population Institute last October 2022, nearly one in five young Filipinos have considered ending their life. It also noted that close to almost 1.5 million youth had tried ending their life in 2021 — that is, 7.5 percent of youth.
Having known this, a daigon for a cause by GNK Iloilo in partnership with Al Dente Trattoria, Family Buffet, and Bar was born. The cash gifts from caroling and entertaining the customers every Friday night will be used for youth initiatives this 2023. GNK Iloilo with the support of several community local churches across Christian denominations are looking forward to a camp retreat summer next year.
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The summer retreat camp is on top of the youth conferences tour all over Panay throughout the year. “The goal is mainly to empower youth in overcoming personal struggles mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,” said Pastor Jonathan Azarcon, team lead of GNK Iloilo. “We have looked into several provinces already for youth conferences. Aside from Iloilo, we are planning to hold it as well in Passi, Aklan, and Antique. We hope for the support of everyone in this endeavour.”
Every financial support will be accounted for accordingly to fulfill its goal for 2023. Come and join this good cause! You are invited every Friday night to have an Italian dinner and enjoy Christmas carols brought to you by Al Dente and GNK Iloilo.
