Gospel bands hold concert for the victims of natural disasters in the Philippines
Manila (AsiaNews) - The College of St. Paul in Pasig City, Manila, together with the Tanging Yaman Foundation and the Jesuit Communications Foundation (JesCom), have joined forces to host a charity concert. The Philippine band Bukas Palad Music Ministry will perform today July 5th at 5:30 pm in the Bishop Frederick Z. Rooker auditorium in St. Paul College. Titled "Huwag Kang Mangamba" - "Do not be afraid" in the local language, ed - the concert aims to raise money to support awareness-raising and charitable initiatives promoted by the group. The project is a collaboration between the Tanging Yaman Foundation and St. Paul College in collecting funds for cities and provinces marked by natural disasters.
Concerts and assistance, both material and spiritual, are already underway for survivors of calamities such as the typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda which affected at least 11 million people last November. These are focusing on the areas of Tacloban, Ormoc, Bantayan Island, Sorsogon, and Bohol.
The Bukas Palad Music Ministry ("open hands" in Tagalog) is a Filipino Catholic band dedicated to writing, recording and playing live sacred music, which has already received many awards and accolades. Since 1986 it has composed and released 18 albums, thanks to the active contribution of the Jesuit Music Ministry, the art and music wing of the Jesuit Comunications Foundation.
They are inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and through their songs, intend to give glory to God and to become builders of peace, love and hope. Over the years they have become famous - and popular - at home and abroad, with concerts and live performances in Japan, Hong Kong, United States and Canada.
Their greatest hits include "Hindi Kita Malilimutan", "Tanging Yaman", "Sa 'Yo Lamang", along with "Anima Christi" and "I Will Sing Forever." Another of the concerts principal acts is the founder of Bukas Palad Fr. Manoling Francisco, Sister Bubbles Bandojo and the Musician Friends of the Jesuits Chamber Orchestra. The St. Paul college choir will also participate. Before the concert there will be the solemn mass at 4 pm, an hour before the show. Tickets are on sale at a cost of 500 pesos each (just over 11 US dollars).