After The Storm for Yolanda victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lea Salonga, Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips, tenor Rodell Rosel, ballet dancer Christine Rocas, apl.de.ap and other celebrities will come together in the nation’s capital for a benefit concert for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

The Philippine Embassy said the concert, dubbed After the Storm, will be staged at the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts here in Washington, D.C. on June 15.

The concert, held in cooperation with the US-Philippines Society and the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition, will be directed by Emmy-nominated producer Robert Pullen.

“This benefit concert intends to bring attention to the invaluable and necessary efforts of recovery for the people of the Philippines who were affected by Haiyan,” said Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr., who conceived the project with his wife, Maria Victoria.

Cuisia said the concert will benefit storm victims through partner organizations.

“As the world’s attention is gradually drawn away from the devastation in the central Philippines, we are reminded that formidable challenges remain for millions of families displaced by the most powerful tropical storm ever to make landfall,” said Ambassador John Maisto, president of the US-Philippines Society. “The Kennedy Center benefit evening will help those people reconstruct homes and schools, restart businesses, restore livelihoods and regain access to health facilities.”

The evening will include celebrity appearances and performances and feature a symphony orchestra and a 40-person choir. It will also include a series of video messages of hope from other personalities from around the world.

Cuisia said that among the first to confirm their participation in the concert was the Manila-based Salonga, who won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World awards for her appearance in Miss Saigon. She is also the first Asian actress to play the roles of Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables on Broadway, among other achievements.

Also participating in the concert is Fil-Am actor Phillips who is best known for his breakout film role in La Bamba as Ritchie Valens. He earned a supporting actor Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in Stand and Deliver and a Tony Award nomination for his role in The King & I. Other notable films in which Phillips has starred include Courage Under Fire, Che and Love Takes Wing.

Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas will also perform in the concert. The Philippine-born artist, whose real name is Allan Pineda, is known for his philanthropic and humanitarian work through his Apl.de.ap Foundation.

Also performing is Chicago-based tenor Rosel, who has been hailed as one of the best opera singers of his generation. Rosel performs regularly with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and has appeared in several operatic performances around the US. He made his debut performance at the Metropolitan Opera in New York early this year.

Joining the star-studded cast is Christine Rocas, principal dancer courtesy of Joffrey Ballet.

Tickets, ranging from $25 to $250, may be purchased online at www.kennedy-center.org or visiting the Kennedy Center box office or charge by phone by calling (202) 467-4600.

For details on sponsorship opportunities and other queries, e-mail [email protected] or call +1.202.595.2880.