Medical volunteer group AMRO holds fundraising concert

CEBU, Philippines —  Volunteer group All-Terrain Medical Relief Organization (AMRO) will stage a concert dubbed “Sukli sa Gugma: A Live Christmas Concert for a Cause”, 7pm of November 26 at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City.

The two-hour fundraiser will feature Cebuano talents who will be performing a mix of classic Christmas songs in Filipino and English such as “All I Want for Christmas is You”, “Joy to the World”, “Boom Tarat Tarat” and “Star ng Pasko.”

Some of the performers include local television personality Gilfrancis Maningo, Mrs. Grand International Philippines 2021 and Talentadong Pinoy 2010 winner Analou Reyes, Sinulog Idol Season 4 contestant Cherish Cartalaba, and recording artist Amie Filomeno.

Raul Laurente, the executive producer of the show, said that the concept of the concert is the main star of the show.

“Everybody is a star. We are not emphasizing the names or featuring the specific performers. We are trying to sell the show itself and its concept. You have to watch the show and you will see it,” said Laurente, stressing that the musical event will be up to par with Manila concerts.

“It’s all about unity, brotherhood, and helping humanity because AMRO is composed of hundreds of members and they are doing medical missions all over Visayas and Mindanao every other month.”

Since its founding in 2010, the core of AMRO has been volunteerism. Members range from young professionals to veterans in different fields such as medical, enterprise, and engineering. Some in the group would often use their pocket money to buy extra food and construction materials, as well as use their own vehicles to travel to areas in need of aid after natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons.

“Our purpose is to help address medical problems like injuries. But you cannot avoid [other needs] when you are in there. You also have to bring in food, construction materials, all things necessary in a disaster and shelter,” said Dr. Wyben Briones, a Cebuano neurosurgeon and one of the many co-founders of AMRO.

“Activities like this always need funding. People would put in donations but it will take days before it materializes. The reason for this concert is to raise funds for preposition stocks for our relief operations,” added Dr. Briones.

Some of AMRO’s relief operations include visiting worst-impacted places such as Bantayan, Leyte, and Samar after Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. They assisted in re-building some damaged schools in Tacloban, as well as Carcar and Sibonga post-Typhoon Odette in 2021. They also visited Bohol in 2013 after the province was hit with a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

When there are no disasters to respond to, some volunteers would practice driving in rough and muddy terrain so they are prepared once assistance is needed.

The organization also helped out during the COVID-19 pandemic. AMRO designed its own personal protective equipment (PPE) suits for hospitals nationwide in short supply for free.

“We are a group of enthusiasts willing to go during disaster time. AMRO is filled with people who are so committed [to help] and I am very lucky that all of the members are committed,” said Dr. Briones.

“We are appealing for help from the kind-hearted people of Cebu because we know that there are a lot of people who want to help. We can ensure that when there are relief goods from the public, they will reach the beneficiaries.”

Tickets for “Sukli sa Gugma: A Live Christmas Concert for a Cause” – priced at P200, P300 and P500 – can be purchased by contacting AMRO’s official Facebook page.