5 reasons why Pagbangon is a must-see

MANILA, Philippines - On Dec. 12, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) brings together some Philippine music and showbiz stars and icons at the UP Theater in Diliman for the concert dubbed Pagbangon.

Combining timeless music, inspiring poetry and the spirit of hope and giving, Pagbangon is being presented by the UPAA jointly with the UP Diliman to raise funds for helping rehabilitate and rebuild the lives of the victims of Ondoy.

The concert is set to be one of the most star-studded events of the season, with the likes of Sarah Geronimo, Celeste Legaspi, Gina Alajar, Christian Bautista, Cocoy Laurel, Cesar Montano and Leo Valdez. They will be performing alongside the best of UP’s homegrown talents: classical guitarist Lester Demetillo and flutist Sonny Yangco, renowned singers and performers Fides Asencio, Jonathan Badon, Jonaf del Fierro, Ana Feleo, Maricris Joaquin, Lara Maigue, Pinky Marquez, Joseph Olfindo, Dondi Ong, Bing Pimentel, Susan Tagle, Jeanne Velasco Vicars, with the UP Manila Chorale, the newly-organized UP-JMEG Choir, and the Maria Della Strada Chorale.

Joining the artists on stage to deliver literary readings in between the musical numbers are renowned UP dignitaries, including UP president Emerlinda Roman, UP Diliman Chancellor Sergio Cao and UP Regent and UPAA president Fred Pascual, as well as well-known alumni such as Celia Diaz-Laurel, Jessica Soho and Joonee Gamboa. Other distinguished UP alumni participating in the concert are senators Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda and Manny Villar, with UP Professors Winnie Monsod and Edru Abraham as emcees and Emlyn Olfindo-Santos as musical director.

At the helm of Pagbangon is Behn Cervantes, who promises to deliver a unique musical-literary concert experience that celebrates hope amidst tragedy, perseverance against the odds, and love for both nature and humanity.

• Regardless of who you are, you too can do your part in rebuilding the lives of the typhoon victims.  Your donation through this benefit concert will make a difference in someone’s life — simply knowing this is music to the soul.

• The artists and performers in Pagbangon will gather together for one reason only: To voluntarily share what they have been given with those in need, and to use their God-given talents for the highest purpose. Every song and line of poetry will be doubly blessed, coming from the purest, most heart-full intention.

• We all want to do our part, but sometimes we just don’t know how. Through this shared musical-literary experience and community effort, we can all band together and do more to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters.  There is strength in numbers, after all.

• Through the benefit concert, the UPAA assures the sponsors and donors, that the funds will be used with the right intentions and for the right purpose. Transparency is the byword; after the end of the show, nothing will remain hidden behind the curtains.

• The typhoons and natural disasters caused by climate change have brought home to us a grim truth: Our planet, our home, is in trouble.  We have to take action now, knowing that every little thing counts.

Finally convinced?  

Tickets priced at P1,000 and P500 are available at the UPAA Secretariat, Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman (with tel. nos. 920-6871 and 920-6875) and TicketNet (tel. no. 911-5555).