Pinoy artists hold benefit concert for Maring victims

MANILA, Philippines - Over 50 artists gathered together last Aug. 25 at the Radio Republic parking Area in Makati City for “Music Heals”, a benefit concert devoted to the victims of Typhoon Maring, which left thousands of Filipinos displaced and grieving over lost loved ones.

Music Heals was also aired live via Ustream through radiorepublic.ph complete with special in-studio interviews for those who couldn’t make it to the actual event.

The concert also served as an opportunity for a wide range of talented people to come together for one selfless cause. Among the long roster of performers who participated are the youth’s most favored acts Kjwan, Spongecola, Cambio, Brigada, LDP, Stick Figgaz, Quest, Thyro and Yumi, Noel Cabangon, Ebe Dancel, Jim Paredes and Buboy Garovillo, Jay R, Christian Bautista, Nyoy Volante, South Border, True Faith, Brownbeat Allstars, Flippin Soul Stompers, Cocojam, and Pinoy rock legends, Jun Lopito, Wally Gonzales and Sampaguita.

Artists that are rapidly gaining popularity in the local music scene also did amazing sets that turned them into instant crowd favorites. Some of the noted performers include Hans Dimayuga, Jennifer Blair Bianco, Triple Fret, Moonwlk, Bullet Dumas, The Slinks, tide/edit, Farewell Fair Weather, Anyo, Brisom, Duster, Flying Ipis, Conscious & the Goodness, Malay, Humanfolk, Krissy & Erika, Steady Machine, Domino and Ginoong Vitalis. Other highlights include the participation of the Elements Music Camp, Radiorepublic.ph staff and crew, and artists from different fields who were seen in the audience.

The 15-hour show was hosted by news anchor Boyet Sison of ABS-CBN, Sanya Smith and Ornusa Cadness collectively known as The Zombettes, Youtube sensation Bogart the Explorer, Aryn Cristobal of SPIT Manila, Zach Lucero, Joyce Titular and Kelley Mangahas of Radio Republic, cultural activist and performing artist Carlos Celdran, and theatre actor, Jamie Wilson who at first, only went there to watch but eventually volunteered to lend a hand.

Despite the sporadic rains, viewers of all ages began to pour in as the show progressed. The Philippine Red Cross was also on site to accept the donations that served as the door charge. Music Heals was under the very able hands of renowned director Juno Oebanda of Creative Control Group (CCG). Together with his team and Jaime Godinez of Soundcheck who contributed most of the equipment, the event was a huge success.

Music Heals benefit concert was conceptualized in only two days but the outpour of support was tremendous. The show wouldn’t have been as successful without the help of the following: TAO Corp and subsidiaries, Philippine Red Cross, CCG, B-Side Prod, Soundcheck, Forerunner, JB Music, Forscink, Salvaje, Stageline, Beatbox, Powerplant, Digital Fusion, Happy Chef, EZ Kleen, Ultimate Bouncers, Upsilon, Lifeline, Cruz-Briones, Binalot, Frabelle and Moonleaf.