Concert raises P1.5M for earthquake relief

The second benefit concert of #Bangon SugBohol for the Oct. 15 earthquake victims raised P1.538 in cash donations as of 9 p.m. last night.

“This is a unified movement for a common cause -and that is for the love of Cebu and Bohol,” said Melanie Ng, co-producer of of the concert “We Will Rise Again” which held its second leg in SM Northwing in Cebu City.

Ng, vice chairperson of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that aside from cash and pledges, donations in kind kept pouring in.

About 15 tons of relief goods were sent to Bohol starting yesterday with another wave on its way.

“No words are enough to describe the outpouring of support and giving not just money but of talents and their resources,” Ng said.

There was an oversupply of Cebuano talents willing to perform on stage for free yesterday.

“The participation of the artists is overwhelming. Not all of them were able to perform,” said Ng following the concert held in Ayala Center Cebu.

The Mandaue Children and Youth Chorus, the Visayan Pop or Vispop and cast of “Facebooked, the musical” were among those who went on stage. The father and son duo Tony Ray and 4-year-old John Oliveros again drew enthusiastic applause with the samba song “Sway” and “It’s a Wonderful World”. Cheerdancers of the University of Cebu thrilled the audience with acrobatic moves.

The lobby of SM Northwing was packed for the concert held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Due to the unpredictable weather, heavy rains fell at noon), an initial plan to have an outdoor venue for bands and a separate indoor program for choirs was adjusted for one program at the Northwing lobby.

Booths were provided to receive donations in kind like rice, canned goods, bottled water and clothing.

The booths were assisted by University of Cebu (UC) student volunteers. Fashion designer Yves Camingue sold some of his masterpieces at the left side of the stage.

Last Sunday’s concert was held at Ayala Terraces for free. Yesterday’s concert was hosted by SM City Cebu and focused on participation of universities and student associations. /Correspondent Apple Ta-as