Kapamilya artists unite and sing for Marawi

One Music PH’s Awit Para sa Marawi special benefit concert on Aug. 6 brought together Kapamilya artists, bands and their fans at ABS-CBN’s Studio 10 to deliver a clear message: We are stronger than any adversity if we unite and work together.

“Ngayong gabi natutuwa ako kasi iba-iba ang fans na nandito. This is coming from my heart: I really appreciate it. Nakikita ko ang daming iba-ibang banners. But tonight, iisa tayong lahat for Marawi,” Jake Zyrus told the crowd, before dedicating his cover of Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven to the people affected by the armed conflict in Marawi City.

It was the first time for One Music PH, ABS-CBN’s music portal, to bring together musicians in a concert, this time, for a good cause: to raise funds for the relief operations of Operation Sagip, the emergency humanitarian arm of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI), in the conflict-stricken area.

The concert was also streamed live for free for netizens here and abroad through the music portal’s website onemusic.ph.

The crowd cheered for their favorites, but was united by the power of music to give hope, to heal and to inspire courage in people.

Some of the artists chose songs about remaining optimistic and resilient in the face of adversity — Volts Vallejo performed Pagsubok, Alexa Ilacad sang Keep Holding On, Ylona Garcia offered her rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and BoybandPH closed the show with its cover of With a Smile.

Other artists who shared their time and talent were Xian Lim, Kiana Valenciano, Sam Concepcion, The Voice Kids champions Lyca Gairanod, Joshua Oliveros and Elha Nympha, Jason Dy, Sam Mangubat, JRoa, Kaye Cal, Quest, Young JV and bands Ang Bandang Shirley, Jensen and the Flips, Genesis, Iskala, Android 18, Over October, Agsunta and Brisom.

In between performances, they offered words of encouragement to the people of Marawi, thanked their fans for offering help by going to the event and encouraged more people to help in the rehabilitation efforts.

“Pinagdadasal po namin ang mga taong namayapa dahil sa trahedya sa Marawi. Nandito po kami para awitan (ang mga naapektuhan) at magkaroon sila ng encouragement sa buhay at para masabi na hindi pa huli ang lahat para magsimula ulit sa panibagong buhay. (We are praying for those who perished in the Marawi tragedy. We are here to perform for those who have been affected so that they will find encouragement in life and they can say that it’s not too late yet to start a new life),” said Ford of BoybandPH.

“More than anything else, makakauwi kayo nang magaan sa puso kasi nakatulong kayo sa mga kababayan sa Marawi (you will be able to go home with less heavy hearts because you were able to help your kababayan in Marawi),” rapper Quest told the fans. “At sa lahat ng nasa Marawi ngayon, araw-araw namin kayong pinagdarasal. Sana dahil sa ginawa ng One Music, marami pang tao ang tatayo at magbibigay tulong sa inyo. (And to everyone in Marawi, we are praying for you every day. Hopefully, with what One Music has done, more people will stand up and offer their help).”

The event also showed a video of the participating artists recording an original song dedicated to the people in Marawi, which will be officially released soon.

To help, you may donate by visiting abs-cbnfoundation.com. You may also deposit through Banco De Oro: Bank Account No: 0039301-14199, Account Name: ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. – SagipKapamilya, Branch: Sct. Albano, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Swift Code: BNORPHMM.