A star-studded concert held on December 6 at the Ibalong Centrum for Creation in Legazpi City brought together local and international performers to raise funds for typhoon relief efforts in Bicol.
Titled ‘Musika Para sa Bikol: Himig ng Bayanihan’, the event was a powerful demonstration of the bayanihan spirit, uniting artists and the community for a common cause.
The concert featured a diverse lineup of performers, starting with local bands Arimvibes and Tothapi, both from Albay. Tothapi performed their famous track ‘Panata,’ captivating the audience with their heartfelt music. International band Gene Loves Jezebel, formed in the early 1980s, also graced the stage, adding an eclectic flavor to the night’s performances.
South Korean actor and singer Kim Ji-soo showcased his musical talent by performing popular songs including Coldplay’s ‘Yellow,’ Rose’s ‘APT,’ and hits by Bruno Mars. Closing the evening was Per Sorensen, the original vocalist of Fra Lippo Lippi, who took the stage to perform some of the band’s sidetrack songs.
The event’s primary goal was to gather donations to support the ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Albay, which has been severely impacted by frequent typhoons. Proceeds from the concert will directly fund relief initiatives, including rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods.
Before the concert, Ji-soo demonstrated his commitment to the community by personally distributing relief packs to residents in Albay in collaboration with Ako Bicol Congresswoman Jil Bongalon. His gesture was part of the broader relief efforts aimed at helping residents recover from the devastation caused by the typhoons that frequently strike the region.
Bicol, known for its stunning natural wonders like the world-famous Mayon Volcano and its rich culinary heritage, faces the harsh reality of being one of the most typhoon-prone regions in the country. The region experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually, which often result in flooding, destruction of homes, damage to agricultural lands, and disruption of livelihoods, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.
The concert was made possible through a partnership between the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and Live Nation Philippines (LNPH), both of which contributed to the relief efforts. TPB, in collaboration with LionhearTV, also took part in promoting the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Marketing Enhancement Program in Albay, aimed at promoting the region’s tourism and supporting local communities.
From December 6 to 10, LionhearTV joined tourism professionals, influencers, and media representatives on a journey to enhance the region’s tourism offerings while supporting community-based initiatives.
The ‘Musika Para sa Bikol’ concert was not just a night of exceptional performances but also a testament to the power of collaboration, generosity, and the unwavering spirit of the Bicolanos. (with reports from Mark Sven Tioco Abolucion)
