GMA at Kilosbayan concert tonight

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo together with four world-class Filipino artists – tenor Nolyn Cabahug, soprano Andion Fernandez, bass-baritone Nomer Son, and pianist-accompanist Lourdes Gregorio – take center stage tonight in the Kilosbayan benefit concert dubbed "Sa Mahal Kong Bayan".

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Carlos Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza located at the corner of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

President Arroyo will be conferring Special Recognition Awards on today’s new heroes – nurse Ediborah Yap, and missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham – a high point of the benefit concert.

"Sa Mahal Kong Bayan" promises to be a power-packed concert with Fernandez, Cabahug, Son and Gregorio performing excerpts from operas, light classics, Broadway hits, and inspiring Filipino compositions and kundimans.

Proceeds of the concert will become part of the Kilosbayan-Bantay Katarungan endowment fund, which will help to ensure the long-term viability of Kilosbayan-Bantay Katarungan’s "Justice Watch" Program, which aims to help modernize and improve the Philippine justice system through a systematic monitoring and evaluation of courts of justice and administrative tribunals.

Education Secretary Raul Roco will also be on hand to present a special award to Model Public Servant of the Year Marilyn Bien-Bongiad, a public school teacher from Naga, Camarines Sur.

Ms. Burnham will be delivering a video message during a portion of the concert. Martin Burnham’s sister will be attending the concert to receive the award in behalf of the missionary couple. – JM