ANGELES CITY–Various artists and performers in this highly-urbanized city have joined hands to raise funds for the victims of the Marawi siege, and the rehabilitation of the Islamic city.
Spearheaded and produced by the Culture and Arts Council of Angeles (CACA), Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) and the Sinukwan Kapampangan Center for the Arts (SiKap), a dance and musical concert was held over the weekend that raised some PHP207,667 from pledges and walk-in donations.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan likened the situation of the war-torn Marawi City to the condition of Angeles City when it was completely devastated by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption 25 years ago.
“If we were able to rise from the ashes of desolation, so can Marawi City! We hope that this concert will resonate the triumphant and the never-say-die Angeleño spirit to our Muslim brothers and sisters to inspire them to rise again from this chaos,” Pamintuan said.
“This (the event) is an expression of unity and compassion to the people of Marawi. We hope that the financial assistance that we have raised for them will help them get by their immediate needs,” he said.
Tourism officer John Montances also said that the benefit show “opened doors of opportunities for organizations and individuals from all walks of life to contribute in improving the lives of the people of Marawi.”
On the other hand, concert director Peter De Vera of SiKap said that the artists did not charge talent fees, considering their performance as part of their social responsibility.
“What we have seen is a collaboration of all the city’s artists towards one goal and that is to help Marawi through the arts. I believe, here in Angeles, we have taken art into a more proactive and influential medium to raise awareness and introduce advocacies, thus, it is art with a purpose,” De Vera said.
Meanwhile, the concert also featured vendors of various delicacies and street food at the Plaza Angel. The proceeds of the food fair were also added to the accumulated financial aid.
Those who participated during the concert were the kids of Anak Balebalayan; Angeles City Dance Athletes; Sinukwan Kapampangan; Holy Angel University Dance Theatre; Angeles City National Trade School Dance Troupe; and the performers from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Casino Filipino Angeles namely Playback; Music and Soul; Beatbox; Walter and Jhun; Dj Barney; and the Decadas Band.
The event culminated with the community singing of “Awit sa Marawi” which is composed by Vehnee Saturno, and interpreted by child singing sensation Esang De Torres.
“Our willingness to help Marawi is manifested by the variety of amount that our secretariat received. The event proved that we can all stand firm and partake in this meaningful cause without discrimination. After all, we are all Filipinos,” Pamintuan said. ( /PNA)
