‘Alab ng Puso’ free concert celebrates International Human Rights Day

Chris Padilla performs with his band Hilera at Alab ng Puso in Cubao, Quezon City on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. (Photo from the Facebook page of the event)

Musicians, artists, and human rights advocates staged “Alab ng Puso,” a free concert, at Times Square Food Park at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City, on Saturday, a day ahead of the celebration of the International Human Rights Day.

The concert – which started at 1 p.m. and will go on until midnight – includes performances from Sandwich, Noel Cabangon, BLKD, Aia de Leon, Tanya Markova, Hilera, Cooky Chua, Bayang Barrios and Naliyagan Band, Gary Granada, Flying Ipis, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, IV of Spades, Oh! Flamingo, and Ourselves the Elves.

Spoken word artists Alfonso Manalastas, Juan Miguel Severo, Louise Meet,s and Abby Orbeta will perform their original literary pieces before the audience.

“Alab ng Puso,” hosted by Jun “Bayaw” Sabayton, was organized by Dakila, I-Defend Philippines, and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as part of the Active Vista Human Rights Festival.

Artists, advocates, students and educators joined the event.

According to the concert’s organizers, “Alab ng Puso” calls on every Filipino to stand up for human rights and rule of law in the midst of political unrest in the country.

“More than ever, now is the time to celebrate human rights own it, and defend it,” said Rash Caritativo, Dakila executive director.

“The free expression of ideas and beliefs without being threatened by government is crucial in a working democracy. Government is duty bound to respect the rights of all persons to participate in public affairs,” said Ellecer Carlos of I-Defend.

“In face of blatant disregard for human rights, we need to push back and stand up for our rights and the rights of our fellow Filipinos,” said lawyer Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia, CHR spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, concert organizers announced they would hold a rally at Mendiola near Malacañang Palace on Sunday, Dec. 10, to protest the Duterte administration’s stance on human rights. /atm