Students’ union holds concert to raise funds

THE National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) and Anakbayan, together with the delegates from Southwestern University (SWU) Student Council hosted on Sept. 16 a rock concert titled “Atak!: A benefit concert in support of Cebu’s progressive youth, at The Outpost on Veteran’s Drive in Lahug, Cebu City.

The event was attended by student activists from the University of the Philippines Cebu, SWU and the University of San Carlos.

Other Outpost regulars and artists such as Karl Lopez and Ernest Diño were also present.

“There will be a Visayas-wide Youth Summit among progressive youth organizations and communities in Escalante City, Negros Oriental on Sept. 19 to 24. We are planning to send representatives from Cebu. Due to financial constraints, we organized this to generate money to spend for these delegates’ transportation to Escalante City,” Joeddin Niño Olayvar, one of the organizers, said.

“The Visayas-wide Summit is a venue for progressive students from other regions to discuss youth issues and solutions. It aims to strengthen unity within the youth and students sector in advancing national and democratic ideals.”

Independent rock bands, ranging from alternative, pop metal and punk rock genres from Cebu’s music scene played a three-song set from 9 p.m. until the closing at 1 a.m.

Among those who played were the bands Gestalt, Ice Bergg, Cover2Cover, The Pervs, Neo Asylum and the organizers’ band Alah Akhbar.

During the event, items such as t-shirts, pins and books were sold, and there was also a donation box near the stage.

Geared towards activism, the bands performed on top of their game, earning more fanfare than expected. /UP Cebu student Raffie Sescon