All about water, life & the future

Very often, a concert-for-a-cause ends up with the cause being drowned by the concert’s concept or the slew of stellar performers. People walk away with minimal recall for why the concert even happened. In like manner, when the cause becomes pounded into our sensibilities in a heavy-handed manner, we walk away with resentment for the cause, no matter how worthy it may be. It takes a certain talent to successfully embed the cause within the concert, and still make entertainment the primary focus of the night. Such was the case when direk Johnny Manahan joined forces with Gina Lopez to compellingly draw attention to her Bantay Kalikasan campaign to have the La Mesa Watershed declared a protected area. The watershed is the only remaining water reservoir within Metro Manila. It remains clean, uncontaminated and pollution-free and affects the lives of over 12 million Manila residents.

A proposed housing site within the watershed, 24 meters above the dam’s water level, seriously poses a threat to the quality of water. A scientific study has established that garbage, pesticide and wastes from leaking septic tanks can prove detrimental to the integrity of the watershed. And it was to gather signatures and public attention to this impending catastrophic development that Gina harnessed ABS-CBN to bring us a night of entertainment with a message.

In true network fashion, it was a glittering array of the networks’ top stars, complemented by an enviable list of top-rate artists, bands and dancers. To represent the wave of rock groups that have inundated the thriving music scene, Bamboo and Kamikazee displayed their chops and, in the case of Kamikazee’s Jay Contreras, his inimitable "dance moves"! The requisite Broadway medley had Bituin Escalante, Audie Gemora, ABS’ own Mickey Muñoz, Ruben Laurente, Franco Laurel, Carlo Orosa, Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez, etc., all wow-ing the crowd. And I loved the acoustic number that put together stalwarts of the acoustic scene like Paolo Santos, Pido, Lougee of Mojofly, Aiza Seguerra, Top Suzara, Hannah of Session Road, Barbie and MichaelAngelo.

While the musical prowess of the true-blue movie stars inevitably brought the musical level down a notch, you can’t fault their sincere participation for the cause, as the crowd would go wild whenever they graced the stage – as in the case of the "love team" medley. You had Piolo and Angelica, John Lloyd and Bea, Diether and Kristine, Shaina, Maja, Rayver – you name them, and the audience was kilig in delight. And of course, the singing champions were on hand – Jed Madela, Erik Santos, Rachelle Ann Go, Sheryn Regis, Kris Laurence and Christian Bautista. They showcased their natural talent that has made them such sought after performers here and abroad.

Acting as segment hosts and as the masters of continuity, Bianca Gonzales, Iya Villania, Nikki Gil, Sam Milby and Piolo Pascual would always drive home the message of why we were there at all. With statistics, factoids and their own insights, we were reminded, in a light manner, of how this drive of Gina’s had potent implications for so many Metro Manila residents. The drive is still ongoing, and baller bands signifying your support for the campaign are available. For details, call 410-9670, 925-5555 or 925-3333.

It’s not just about water, it’s about life and the future.