GREAT Cordilleran musicians and music lovers in California gathered together for a benefit concert which aims to help the orphans and children in Itogon, Benguet who are victims of super typhoon Ompong.
Organized by Bibak of Northern California and Holy Child & St. Martin Episcopal Church in Daily City lead by Rev. Leonard Oakes, the concert featured the groups MD Lounge Band, The Uncle Experience Band with Conrad Marzan, Himig Rondalla Ensemble, and Grupong Pendong.
Other performers and musicians include Ric Maniquis, Banjo Romawac, Jason Marerro (base), Felix Tayaotao (vocals), Peddie Medina (drums/guitar/keyboard), Janus Ananayo (lead guitar, Nicolas Malabed (saxophone), Richard Arandia (guitar/lead vocals), Josie Feliciano, Geri Buenvista (vocals), and others.
Fr. Oakes said the performers immediately responded to this project even on a very short notice mainly because it has always been the goal of Bibak of NC to extend a helping hand to kailyans back home.
“We are in solidarity with the rest of the world who did their own fund raising to raise a village from a fall,” Fr. Oakes added.
At least US$2,500 was raised in the concert for a cause but the association’s board approved in their meeting in Daly City to double the amount to give for the beneficiaries.
“The body approved to match the amount to total of US$5,000 as a seed money for scholarship to students who are victims of calamity,” he said.
Bibak of NC has been a great supporter of scholarship program and Fr. Oakes intends to continue this charitable cause in his term as the group’s president in 2019.
Maricel Medina documented the event which was warmly supported by the Cordillerans based in California including their friends and families.
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