CORDILLERAN musicians now based in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada gathered together at Maples Collegiate Commons at Jefferson Avenue for the Bangon Cordillera Benefit Concert which aims to help the super typhoon Ompong victims in the region where they came from.
Starting with a prayer and opening song “We Are The World” performed by the main performer Gangsa Rhythm Band, they showed their heartfelt sympathy to all the victims of the calamity.
The concert for a cause organized by the Association of Cordillerans in Manitoba also featured solo, duet, and band artists who do not trace any roots from the Cordillera.
Other performers include Levy Abad, Paul Ong, Pastor Jayson and Vivian, Gerald Chuhiwon, Noly Balmores, JB and Many Araullo, Amberlit Band, and Knights and Angel Band.
The association’s Acting President Daniel Tabo-oy said the event is their way of helping their kababayans back home who really needs help.
“Sa mga biktima ng Ompong alam kong marami sila but we prioritize who are in need for help,” he said.
Baguio mediaman and artist Jogin Tamayo who now resides in Winnepeg served as a Floor Director in the concert while Geraldine Grace Ong, Kobe Abad, and Angels Den Productions took care of the documentation.
Tamayo said at least Canadian $4,100 or P164,000 was raised in the concert for a cause, higher than their initial target amount.
Cordillerans Manitoba President Juliet Flores is now in Baguio City to personally hand over the donation to their target beneficiaries with the coordination of the DSWD.
They may be far away from home but whenever their help is needed the Cordillerans in Canada are ready to lend a hand, a cultural value that they continue to live on.
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