Benefit concert for Bohol churches at SM North EDSA

MANILA, Philippines -Humanitarian efforts have been well publicized for Yolanda, and one of the severest hit places is Bohol, which suffered from an earthquake and a super typhoon. There were severe damages sustained to the oldest and UNESCO recognized churches and structures such as the Kapitolyo in Tagbilaran and Albur Parish, San Pedro Church in Loboc and Immaculada Concepcion de la Virgen Maria, Baclayon and many more.

A church is not just significant historically. Around it Filipino life revolves. GMA’s 24 Oras quoted NCCA Subcommission on Cultural Heritage head Regalado Jose, who lamented the damages, noting that churches are artifacts of memory. “The churrch is where we go to pray, to remember our ancestors. We go there to baptize members of our clan, nearly everything we do is through the church, ” he said.

In line with this, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and SM City North EDSA have collaborated to organize  Talan-Awon Ug Kasikas sa Bohol (Sights and Sounds of Bohol), a fundraising concert and photo exhibit, which  be held on Saturday, Nov. 30, 5 p.m., at the Skydome at SM City North EDSA for the benefit of the church and the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

The country’s top entertainers and cultural performers will lend their beautiful voices and music for this cause. They are Dulce, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Aicelle Santos, Bo Cerrudo, Pinky Marquez, Nenen Espina, Foretenors, Beverly Salviejo,  Jay Cayuca, Kids Act, Project Based Band and award-winning composer Diwa De Leon.

Talan-Awon Ug Kasikas sa Bohol is directed by Joey Nombres who is a renowned artistic and lighting director. He has established a reputation in lighting the most high-profile concerts from artists such as Leah Salonga, Michael Jackson, Kuh Ledesma Diana Krall, Phil Collins and Roxette among others. He has also directed  plays and musicals with the Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Tanghalang Pilipino, Ballet Philippines, and the Europe tour of the ASEAN production of Realizing Rama. He has joined the IPAG in its world tours in Europe and in the US. 

An exhibit by cultural travel photographer Noel San Andres on the icons of Bohol can also be seen in the venue during the event. The show features photos of the churches before they were damaged by the earthquake and super typhoon; landscapes, seascapes and the unique people of Bohol. Fine art quality prints of the photos will be sold to raise money for the repair of the damaged heritage sites. San Andres is a well-respected travel photographer having completed projects for NCCA. He has done extensive work photographing the cultural icons, landscape and festivals of Ilocos Sur and many other provinces across the country.

Talan-Awon Ug Kasikas sa Bohol is one of the many ways SM City North EDSA continues to assist the victims of the recent calamities.