PATTAYA, Thailand – Jessica (Jess) Chilvers of the Hand to Hand Foundation opened the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) meeting on August 19, 2026, with a heartfelt presentation about the Foundation’s upcoming leadership transition and its Global Walk fundraiser, before six talented Pattaya entertainers took the stage for a lively Words & Music programme.
Jess spoke about her personal connection to Hand to Hand, having first volunteered with the Foundation at the age of six. With Margaret Grainger preparing to return to Australia on September 9, Jess is stepping into a new leadership role, describing the transition as “coming back home to family.”
She also highlighted the Foundation’s Global Walk fundraiser, which runs throughout August. The goal is for participants to collectively walk 7,250 kilometres – approximately the distance from Bangkok to Brisbane. The funds raised will help provide food, essential supplies and education for children and families supported by Hand to Hand.
The fundraiser will culminate in a community walk on Saturday, August 29, at Lake Mabprachan from 8:30am to noon. Participation is 250 baht, donated to the Foundation, with participants receiving a donated T-shirt. Everyone is welcome, regardless of fitness level, and walkers can complete as much of the route as they wish.
Jess also invited members to Margaret’s upcoming farewell speech, where she will share the history of Hand to Hand. MC Ren Lexander encouraged attendees to watch his documentary about the Foundation’s work at Slumdog Saints.
Following Jess’s presentation, the PCEC welcomed six exceptional Pattaya entertainers for another lively edition of its popular Words & Music programme.
The performers were Mary Sanvictores, Dhudz Legaspi, Chloe Atienza, Coco Zue, Tikoy Ikhao CheeChan on keyboard and Paul Rosenberg on saxophone. Five had previously performed at the club, while Chloe made her PCEC debut.
Mary helped guide the programme and set an upbeat tone, highlighting the close friendships among Pattaya’s Filipino music community and the wider circle of local entertainers.
The varied programme included inspirational ballads, stage and film favourites and popular classics, including “Heal the World,” “You Raise Me Up,” “Simply the Best,” “Goldfinger,” “The Power of Love,” “Twisting the Night Away,” selections from The Phantom of the Opera, “We’ve Got Tonight,” “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “Never Enough,” “I Will Always Love You,” “A Whole New World,” “Miss You” and “Barcelona.”
Chloe received a warm welcome during her first PCEC appearance, particularly for her performance of “The Power of Love” and her later duet work. Coco added theatrical flair with “Goldfinger” and joined Mary for a dramatic Phantom of the Opera performance.
Dhudz entertained the audience with several popular numbers, while Tikoy provided the keyboard accompaniment before taking centre stage for “Barcelona.” Paul Rosenberg combined saxophone, singing and comedy, raising laughs with his playful remarks before performing “Twisting the Night Away.”
The morning also showcased the friendship and camaraderie shared by the performers. Mary and Coco were affectionately described as sisters “from another mother”, reflecting the supportive spirit among Pattaya’s entertainers.
At the conclusion of the programme, PCEC representatives presented certificates of appreciation to all six performers. The musicians then returned for an encore of “Celebration”, with audience members joining them on stage to create a memorable finale.
The performers can regularly be heard at venues around Pattaya, including Birdland Villa, Lonestar, Gold Monkey, Triangle, Romsai, Thai Garden, Hookup Corner and La Ferme.
The meeting continued with MC Ren Lexander updating members on upcoming PCEC activities, followed by the Open Forum, where attendees discuss issues and experiences relating to expat life in Thailand, particularly in Pattaya.
For more information about Hand to Hand, visit https://handtohandpattaya.com/. Information about the PCEC is available at https:/pcec.club.
To view a video of this great entertaining morning, visit the PCEC’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeOnp-dKFL4 and for Jess’s talk about Hand to Hand at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCXoA2ALx7w.
