In a show that is more than just a musical event, five of Cebu’s popular music bands will perform in the same stage to generate funds for under-privileged school children of the town of Oslob in southern Cebu.
Organized by the Ateneo Graduate School of Business Cebu (AGSB) students, the “Kids Rock: A Concert for a Cause” will feature performances from Shuffled, Bethany, Cattski, Rescue a Hero and Undercover Grasshoppers beginning 9 p.m. on June 25th at The Outpost in barangay Lahug.
As a prelude to the charity event, sponsor companies Timex Watches and Teradyne visited the school children of Agutay Elementary School in Oslob last June 14 where they distributed 100 bags and other school supplies in time for the opening of classes.
Business graduate students Carlo F. Villarica, Mary Kim C. Hong, Hannah D. Ho, Jacinto R. Jamero, Jr. tied up with the sisters of the Immaculate Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (IMQHM) for the religious organization’s mission of fighting prostitution through preventive measures such as education and livelihood programs.
“Usually, if children can’t go to school, they’ll be more tempted by recruiters. We have targeted school children from the mountains because they are usually the ones who get victimized first. The youngest we rescued was 13 years old, while the oldest was 51 years old,” said Sr. Angela B. Villalon of IMQHM during the event’s presscon last Friday at The Outpost. “We echoed our mission to some people like them [Ateneo students] and we’re glad they have decided to help us.”
The sisters chose Oslob as their first beneficiary and so far, they have already assisted 205 high school students and 700 elementary students by covering all educational expenses.
“We noticed that education wasn’t a priority for the families here before, but since our feeding, livelihood and education program, enrollees have increased,” said Sr. Angela B. Villalon.
So far, the student organizers have gathered P100,000 worth of monetary and non-monetary funds and they hope this Friday’s fundraising concert will bring in more. All proceeds will be used for buying school supplies for over 700 less fortunate school children.
The concert ticket, priced at P100, will entitle one to a bottle of free beer and the chance to win raffle prizes such as an overnight stay at the Be Resort, San Remigio Beach Club and Diplomat Hotel, as well as Flame It Burger gift certificates.