Rey Valera, Gary Granada perform with Manila Concert Choir in Kaakbay's thank-you concert

MANILA, Philippines - Singers Rey Valera and Gary Granada will be performing alongside the Manila Concert Choir on Saturday (June 29) in a free concert featuring classical and modern Filipino songs.

The concert, titled "Mga Sariling Himig," will be held at the Cosmopolitan Church in Taft Avenue, Manila.

“[The concert] is our humble way of thanking all who have supported our bid in the last election,” said former National Treasurer Leonor Briones, referring to her candidacy as the first nominee of the Kaakbay Party list, a party list advocating citizens’ participation in public finance, the marginalized and people’s empowerment. Briones is also the president of the Manila Concert Choir.

Songs that will be performed include “Sa Mahal Kong Bayan”, “Kayumangging Malaya”, “Kahapon, Ngayon, Bukas” and many others along with the guests artists' own repertoire.

Valera rose to fame in the 1980s through composing and performing hit songs and movie sound tracks such as Maging Sino Ka Man, Kahit Wala Ka Na and Sinasamba Kita, among others. He has worked with various Filipino artists and entertainers like Sharon Cuneta, Vilma Santos, Rico Jay Puno and Paul Enriquez.

For his part, Granada made his mark on the music industry through his unique compositions with nationalistic and socially relevant themes and humorous songs about relationships and Filipino experiences. He has also written full-length musicals in his career. His notable folk and pop songs include Kahit Konti,  Salamat Musika, Saranggola sa Ulan and Tulad ng Dati.

Joining them is the Manila Concert Choir, a group that has been performing since 1951 and has represented the Philippines abroad. The choir is composed of singers from various professions. Their current choirmaster is Dr. Romulo G. Pizaña, with piano accompanists are Mark Olivares and Agape Manigsala Labantog.

Everyone is invited to the concert.