UV Chorale, 7 others, staging fund-raising concert today

CEBU, Philippines - The internationally-acclaimed University of the Visayas Chorale is staging a concert today, proceeds of which will go to typhoon victims.

The concert, where eight choir groups will perform, is dubbed "Awit sa Paglaum - A Concert for a Cause for the Victims of  Typhoon Yolanda."

Iian Nepthalie Villa, one of the oldest members of the award-winning choir, said they want to make use of their singing talent to help the typhoon  victims in Cebu and Leyte.

"Sige lang mi og kanta, so naka-realize mi na why not use our talent para makatabang didto. Swerte 'ta diri wa kaayo ta maapektohi," he said.

Villa said the concert, which may last for two hours, is for free and those who are attending can donate either cash or in kind.

The choristers will sing a combination of  praise and Christmas songs.

The UV Chorale, which university executive vice president Jose R. Gullas founded, would perform last, following the performances of the seven other choristers.

The concert will feature the Cebu Normal University (CNU) Children and Youth Choir, Sta. Maria Sunrise Village Choir, Rhythm and Music Choristers, Voices of Cebu Chorale, Fidelis Choir, Cebu Male Singers, and the CNU Chorale.

It will be held at the Bradford Memorial Church on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City at 8 pm today.

The Philippine Choral Directors Association, where UV is a member, organized the concert in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and the JRG Halad Foundation.  (FREEMAN)