Filipo Lemoto from Hala’ovave in Tonga, who shot to fame as the outright winner of the inaugural Digicel Rising Stars talent competition, which reached its finale on Monday, 4 October, is using his new found profile to help raise funds for a life saving operation for one of his youngest fans Sione Patolo.

Filipo entertained the nation through eight weeks of pressurized performances, public voting and intense scrutiny by a panel of experts and earned himself a VIP trip to Trinidad to represent Tonga at Digicel’s Rising Stars International.

But the high-flying 24 year musician has generously decided that his first public concert will be to raise funds for one of his youngest fans - seven-year Sione Patolo -  who urgently needs an operation to replace a damaged heart mitral valve.  The concert set for Friday at the Billfish Arena will see all funds raised go to help cover the $50,000 expenses required for Sione’s travel to New Zealand and for the operation itself.

Filipo and Sione first met when the Rising Star performer was visiting Vaiola hospital on the 24^th of October in the build up to the competition final and young singer was determined that he would help Sione in some way.

Speaking about decision to donate the funds from his first public concert to the Sione Patol Fund, Filipo said, “I have had such an amazing experience over the past few months in Digicel Rising Stars and have been blessed with the opportunities that the support of the public in Tonga have given me. Now is my chance to give something back and hopefully help Sione get the treatment he needs.