MCA artists for Yolanda victims

MANILA, Philippines - MCA Music gathered its current roster of signed artists in a benefit show for the victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda held recently at the Eastwood Central Plaza. 

The concert, dubbed Music Comes Alive for Visayas, also included acts connected through the label’s present distribution deals or previous record contracts. Attendees were asked to buy MCA CDs or give donations in kind to serve as entry tickets. 

“It’s a special feeling that our artists gave their time for Yolanda victims,” said MCA president Ricky Ilacad. 

Early performers included rapper Dello, bands Iktus, A Music Theory and Domino which featured Ely Buendia’s sister Lala on vocals, and solo singer Krissy Villongco. 

Krissy, who is scheduled to release her debut solo album featuring her compositions, told the crowd, “It really means a lot to us that we get to help.” She sang Hope For Humanity which she described as something “that applies to the situation right now.” 

Proceeds will be taken care of by Red Cross to reach calamity victims.

Acoustic singer Sabrina, one of MCA’s prized talents with her consistent good record sales even in other Asian countries like Indonesia, chatted with The Philippine STAR backstage and shared, “I’m so honored to be part of this and very happy to be of help, even in an indirect way.” 

The young singer is actually selling her self-drawn sketches as a personal initiative to gather money to donate for Yolanda victims. She doesn’t sit well with some people ranting against the Philippine government (on matters of relief goods distribution) through social media without making positive moves themselves. 

She related, “It’s not what you can say or post, it’s what you can do.” 

Other noted names enlisted to perform were Pupil, Nyoy Volante, Loonie, Ron Henley, Urbandub, and talents from The Voice of the Philippines led by winner Mitoy Yonting. 

1:43, which became famous with the breakthrough single Sa Isang Sulyap Mo, also performed. The K-pop styled Filipino quartet singing Tagalog songs is now promoting Ikaw at Ako which it released a few months back over 95.5 Pinas FM. 

“This is really different both in sound and approach,” said the group’s spokesperson Anjo Resurreccion.

Penned by 1:43 road manager Yuri Tesorio, the track earned positive reviews on YouTube.

Band manager Chris Cahilig pointed out,” The boys were pushing themselves more than just get the job done. They did it well instead of doing it just right.”