President Marcos hosts concert for soldiers, families

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang raised the curtain last Saturday for the first Konsyerto sa Palasyo (KSP), a concert series aimed at promoting new Filipino performing artists whose sector was among the first to close down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Titled “Awit ng Magiting,” the first KSP performance was dedicated to soldiers who protect the country’s sovereignty, defend the nation from security threats and provide assistance during emergencies.

President Marcos hosted the hour-and-a-half-long concert for the military personnel and their families.

“During the pandemic, it was the first industry to close down. Now, it will not just return. It will be given a stage here in the Palace,” Cris Villonco, creative consultant of the concert series, said in a video released by the Radio Television Malacañan (RTVM).

”Our President knows that culture and the arts is one of our treasures that can bring inspiration to the people,” Villonco said.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Gerard Imperial said the KSP is a production for up-and-coming artists from different parts of the country to showcase their talents.

“We have several artists from various parts of the world. Our countrymen should know them so they will be highlighted here,” Imperial said in an RTVM video.

Among those who performed during the evening concert were the Samiweng Singers from Ilocos Norte province; musical director Jeddi Cris Celeste from Iloilo City; and harpists Benedicto Costaños Sr. and Benedicto Costaños Jr. from Cebu.

Soldiers and their families were also treated to performances by Poppert Bernadas from Davao; Princess Vire from Quezon City; Limuel Llanes from Quezon province; rappers Marco Paolo Revidiso from Parañaque City; A.K. Fella, Glnn and MC Julyo from Cavite; and spoken word Artist Kenli Marc Sibayan from Ilocos Norte.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo accompanied Marcos during the event. Also present during the concert were Cabinet members and Senators Cynthia Villar, Jinggoy Estrada and Francis Tolentino.

The KSP was organized by the Office of the President, the Presidential Communications Office, Social Secretary’s Office and the Presidential Broadcast Staff-RTVM.