Sweetnotes to headline Daughters of Saint Teresa’s 65th anniversary benefit concert

CEBU, Philippines — A mix of inspirational songs and upbeat tunes will fill the IEC Convention Center on March 10 through a benefit concert “Melodies and Beats of Hope”, organized by the Daughters of Saint Teresa (DST), as the religious congregation from Carcar City is celebrating its 65th anniversary along with the birthday of its founder Venerable Teofilo Camomot.

Headlining the concert is Sweet Notes, a duo from General Santos, formed by husband-and-wife couple Jeffrey Bactong Jr. and Charlotte Mae. Their covers on YouTube and Facebook have garnered millions of views online.

In a February 24 press conference at Sacred Heart Center, DST’s Superior General, Mother Ma. Louella Grace Buscato, told the media that organizers had to work around the duo’s availability to secure them as headliners of the concert.

“We wanted to hold it on March 3 since it’s the birthday of Venerable Teofilo Camomot. But Sweet Notes wasn’t available that day because of their busy schedule,” Buscato explained, noting that she was impressed by their entertaining performances that appeal to audiences of all ages.

Also part of the lineup are Karaoke World Championship Philippines 2024 winner Jan Francis Alinsonorin, Rev. Fr. Jonas Mejares, and the DST Singing Sisters. Buscato teased that the latter’s performance will be backed by a live band.

Other performers include The Jamn, John Wallace Tubalde, Primrose Pacenio-Kong, and the Soulfire Band.

“This concert is our thanksgiving as we celebrate Camomot’s birthday, as well as a tribute to our 65 years of giving back to the Lord for His overflowing blessings,” Buscato remarked.

Ticket prices are P300 for general admission, P500 for bronze, P700 for silver, and P1,000 for gold.

Hoping to draw an “ambitious” number of  2,000 concertgoers, Buscato said that the gold tier is a popular option since it includes dinner benefits.

All proceeds from the show will go towards the construction of the Teofilo B. Camomot Center of Spirituality, a two-and-a-half-hectare, three-story building in Carcar City that will help DST accommodate pilgrims and priests wishing to stay on their premises overnight.

“This was long overdue because it was approved by the council two years ago with a groundbreaking ceremony,” said Buscato, who hopes the building will open in a few years.

“I told the architect that our center should be elegant but simple and not costly so that many can avail themselves of our rooms at a reasonable price,” she added, noting that the building will have around 30 rooms.

DST also plans to use the center for events such as conferences, youth programs, and catechism.

Tickets can be purchased at DST’s office in Carcar City and Patria de Cebu in Cebu City. DST’s contact numbers are (032) 413 0292 and 0998 999 9849, while Patria de Cebu can be reached at (032) 412 1378 and 0920 948 8295. — (FREEMAN)