Just days after the northern Philippines were hit by destructive monsoon weather, a devastating tropical storm known as Kai-Tak tore through the country, ravaging the nation.

In the wake of its destruction, the flood and storm left approximately 95 people dead and thousands more homeless and searching for shelter.

Despite being on opposite ends of the globe, Joey Albert is doing her part to give back to a community that must begin to rebuild from the ground up.

Albert and her band, the Manila Band, named after the country's capital city, have organized an Aug. 28 benefit concert for people affected by the storm.

"Every time there is a catastrophe of some sort in the Philippines, this is something that we feel we can do [for people] back home," said Albert, a Coquitlam resident who immigrated from the Philippines in 1995.

The 10-person Filipino band will perform songs from their homeland as well as some original tunes. Over the course of the night, they hope to raise more than $1,000 in relief funds.

Albert's mother is part of the congregation called the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross, who are situated in a convent near the city of Marikina in the Philippines, which is mostly under water.

According to Albert, the funds will be wired to her mother who will use them to buy food, basic clothing and toiletries for neighbouring families.

While Albert's fundraising goals are ambitious, she hopes her children will learn some valuable life lessons from her efforts and determination to help her native country.

"It's nice for my children see how lucky they are here, but it also helps them keep a sense of responsibility for those that we left behind," Albert said, adding that her mother and brother are still in the Philippines.

"[When] I do something like this, I hope it - sends my children a message: just because we're OK here doesn't mean we can turn our back on whoever we left behind."

This is not the first relief concert Albert and the Manila Band have been a part of. In 2009, when the typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines, they raised $800, all of which was sent to those in need.

The concert will take place at the Executive Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre, at 405 North Rd. in Coquitlam on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Tickets are $30 at the door or can be purchased through Albert at 604-537-8100. The $30 price includes the donation and a replenishable appetizer platter.

editorial@thenownews.com