SMB holds benefit concert for Yolanda victims

CEBU, Philippines - San Miguel Brewery Inc.  held a two-night benefit concert dubbed, “Sagip Mo Bayan” Drink-for-a Cause last November 14-15 at  the Plazuela in Iloilo City to raise funds for the company’s Keep Hope Afloat program for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

The event featured the country’s popular bands —Brownman Revival, Banda ni Kleggy, Callalily and Rivermaya, as well as the famous Dinagyang Festival 2013 champion, the Panayanon Tribe.  

Beer-drinkers had the chance to donate to the relief fund as ticket sales and P5 for every bottle sold were set aside for the benefit of the typhoon victims.

The event also featured the 14th National Beer Drinking Contest where the Visayas team defended their title as the fastest beer drinkers in the country for three straight years.

The Sugar Barons of Silay bested five other teams nationwide with official time of 39.51 seconds, breaking last year's record of 43.37 seconds.  The Balintawak Heroes of GMA North came in second and the South Luzon's Beer Wonders of Palawan in third place.

This year’s champions — Marlon Pogosa, Jospeh Abayon, Rufino Hechanova, Carmelo Batadlan and Jic Catanghal — also pledged to donate portion of their P500,000 prize to the typhoon victims.

The NBDC has become a much-awaited event because at its core, it is about simple joys, togetherness, genuine friendships and samahan,  SMB Trade Promo and Merchandising Manager Bobby Minosa said. 

“This year, these values take on a deeper, more significant meaning.  And we are committed to doing our best to put out a good show and use the event to help our countrymen who are in need,” he also stressed. (FREEMAN)