Being a cheerful giver is the best way to be charitable and that is exactly what happened when talented Atenean artists agreed to do a fundraiser for the Red Cross upon the invitation of RJ Jacinto. Everyone gladly joined the bandwagon and ticket sales went so fast that the RJ Bistro in Dusit Thani hotel was packed.
To represent the young alumni, popular artist Karylle and handsome Jimmy Bondoc started the evening with their hits.
Musical legend Joe Mari Chan not only sang his latest top-rating Christmas compositions, but also brought his grownup children to perfom — Michael, Franco, Jo and Liza. All of them have inherited his musical genes and it was a treat to see the super talented Chan family in full force onstage.
The surprise of the evening was Rene Puno jamming with RJ Jacinto singing Rock the Boat. The crowd could not control themselves and started dancing by their tables to the catchy tune and clamored for more.
Funnymen Gary Lising and Jun Urbano (aka Mr. Shooli of TV fame) kept us in stitches with their hilarious skits. Joke after joke flowed from these two comedians. Ateneo humor was evident since it included greenish jokes that had the women laughing louder than the men.
The evening ended on an extreme high with donations from Philcomsat, Baguio Country Club and the RJ group totaling more than P1.75 million. Dick Gordon, the indefatigable Red Cross chairman (and Atenean), was on hand to receive the contributions and gamely sang a couple of songs upon the prodding of the audience. This was certainly one of the most fun charity events that I have attended with everyone leaving with smiles on their faces.
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To donate to the Red cross, visit www.redcross.org.ph, or call (02) 527-0000.
For your comments and ideas, please e-mail: jacinto.fa@gmail.com.