MANILA, Philippines - Some 300 soldiers confined at the AFP Medical Center in V. Luna, Quezon City will be treated to a post-Valentine concert on Feb. 16.
Featured artists are soprano Rachelle Gerodias, tenor Lemuel de la Cruz and baritone Andrew Fernando.
Billed as Handog Sa Mga Bayani (A Post-Valentine Concert), the concert was made possible by the Generals and Flag Officers Ladies Foundation, Inc. with Dr. Rita Brawner as president.
Lemuel who just sang the lead role of Mozart’s Magic Flute in Singapore said it is a big honor to pay tribute to people who make our country safe from harm. “We hope that through this concert, we will make our soldiers happy and boost their morale through the power of music,” he added.
Rachelle — who just made her Korean debut in Rossini’s Barber of Seville — said it is about time people realize what soldiers go through to protect the country. “Artists and soldiers have many things in common. They sacrifice their lives for their country and artists have sacrificed their lives for their art because they believe that through it, they can make their country proud. I feel good singing for soldiers specially those wounded in battle. They left their loved ones and sacrificed everything to fight for what they believe is right. I have very high respect for them in that regard,” she added.
The AGFO Ladies have been sponsoring concerts, musicals not only in V. Luna Gen. Hospital but also in other military hospitals. Donations of wheelchairs, crutches, walking canes, vitamins and goodies highlight the “big day” The Singing Brawners performed in US and Australia, as well as charity concerts here to raise funds for the foundation. They also solicit funds from their generous friends and relatives here and abroad.
“We have been doing these concerts for soldiers for many years and whatever proceeds we get go to buying of medical equipment, wheel chairs and many other things that injured soldiers need,” said Brawner, a member of The Singing Brawners.
“I support this worthy project because it’s time people realize we owe a lot to our soldiers,” said Ester Vibal, supporter of the AGFO Ladies Foundation.