UP alumni hold concert for typhoon victims
MANILA, Philippines - With the destruction brought about by the floods and landslides, it’s difficult to maintain a positive and giving attitude, especially when we ourselves have suffered losses, too. But sometimes all it takes is a willingness to give and share what you have.
“My family was not spared from the devastation brought about by typhoon Ondoy,” reveals mezzo-soprano Maricris Joaquin, who is currently rehearsing for the upcoming musical Song of Joseph where she plays the role of Rebekah, mother of Joseph. “The floodwaters almost reached the ceiling of our first floor. Our vehicles, the piano, the furniture, appliances and wooden fixtures were submerged and damaged beyond repair. There was mud all over the place,” she adds.
New Generation voice coach and gospel singer Jeanne Velasco-Vicars suffered a similar blow.
“My daughter and I lost almost all our clothes, shoes, among others. It was very costly to clean up, and to renovate the house,” she laments.
When not performing, baritone soloist Jonaf del Fierro works as a choir conductor, freelance composer-arranger, and vocal coach. Right after typhoon Ondoy struck, though, he suffered financial setbacks as the floods led to the cancellation of several of his projects.
These experiences have deepened the artists desire to share their God-given talents and raise their voices to help others in need and to honor the heroism of the other volunteers.
Jonaf, Maricris and Jeanne will join a cast of musical performers in the benefit concert titled “Pagbangon,” which is slated on Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at the UP Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.
The concert is produced by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA), in cooperation with the UP Diliman community, to raise funds to help rehabilitate and rebuild the lives of the flood victims.
“Pagbangon” brings together Celeste Legaspi, Cocoy Laurel, Leo Valdez, Gina Alajar, Christian Bautista, Cesar Montano, and Sarah Geronimo. They will be performing alongside UP’s illustrious alumni, including classical guitarist Lester Demetillo and flutist Sonny Yangco, Fides Asencio, Jonathan Badon, Ana Feleo, Lara Maigue, Pinky Marquez, Joseph Olfindo, Dondi Ong, Bing Pimentel, and Susan Tagle, as well as performing groups such as the UP Manila Chorale, the UP-JMEG Choir, and the Maria Della Strada Chorale.
The concert will feature musical performances and poetry readings. The literary readings will be delivered by well-known UP personalities including UP president Emer Roman, UP Diliman chancellor Gerry Cao and UP Regent and UPAA president Fred Pascual, notable UP alumni such as Celia Diaz-Laurel, Jessica Soho, Joonee Gamboa, Senators Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda and Manny Villar.
With UP professors Winnie Monsod and Edru Abraham as emcees, Emlyn Olfindo-Santos as musical director and Behn Cervantes as director, “Pagbangon” promises to be an extraordinary musical-literary celebration of hope in the face of devastation.
“As a musician, singing is one of the ways I make sense of my life,” says Maricris. “I want to share, reach out, bring hope and help rebuild lives. Life must go on.”
Tickets are priced at P1,000 and P500, and are available at the UPAA Secretariat, Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman (920-6871 and 920-6875) and from Ticketnet (911-5555).
