President Marcos hosts concert honoring Filipino athletes

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino athletes were honored yesterday during the second installment of the Konsyerto sa Palasyo (KSP), a concert series that seeks to showcase the talents of emerging performing artists while recognizing the contributions of different sectors.

President Marcos witnessed the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo: Para sa Atletang Pilipino (Concert at the Palace: For the Filipino Athlete)” with more than 300 Filipino athletes of various sports at Malacañang grounds.

He was accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos and their son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.

Seated beside the Chief Executive was boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao, who also ran for president in 2022.

Some Cabinet members, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, also watched the concert.

Among the artists who were expected to perform during the second KSP were vocalists Chloe Redondo, Emman Buñao, Jopper Ril and Kevin Traqueña; beatbox artists Adrian “AD BEAT” Ferrer and Neil Rey Llanes.

“The Voice France” season eight four-chair turner Aivan Mendoza, champion a capella group PINOPELA from Baguio City and dance group Douglas Nierras Powerdance were also expected to deliver performances during the event, which was broadcast live on the official Facebook pages of KSP and Radio Television Malacañang and the YouTube channel of RTVM.

The featured performers have mostly had viral videos on social media and were chosen for their “remarkable talent and artistry,” according to a Palace statement.

KSP, which started last April, is an initiative of the Office of the President that aims to support the pandemic-hit creative industries. The first installment of the concert series was dubbed “Awit ng Magiting” and was dedicated to soldiers.

“KSP: Para sa Atletang Pilipino” is a project of the Office of the President, Presidential Communications Office and RTVM.