An evening of music, purpose, and storytelling took center stage as the For The Children Concert, a project of The Giving Bridge Initiative (TGBI), unfolded on March 14, 2026, at Acacia Hotel Davao.
More than a concert, For The Children marked the start of a broader vision to bridge opportunities, nurture talent, and inspire communities through music.
Launched as TGBI’s flagship project, the event gathered some of the country’s respected artists alongside homegrown Davao talents, united by a shared goal: to create meaningful change, starting with the youth.
At its core, The Giving Bridge Initiative aims to connect those willing to give with those in need of opportunity, fostering holistic and sustainable development, particularly in Mindanao, while maintaining a national outlook.
Its first project, For The Children, reflects a simple but powerful belief: everything begins with the child. By investing in young people through the arts, the initiative hopes to help shape their future and contribute to nation-building.
The concert featured a curated repertoire celebrating Filipino heritage, blending Original Filipino Music (OPM), Broadway classics, inspirational pieces, and contemporary pop.
Performers included a mix of seasoned artists and rising young talents. Many adult performers are alumni of prestigious groups, while several children took the stage for the first time, performing not just for applause, but for a cause.
The event also featured renowned ensembles and artists, including the UST Symphony Orchestra under Asst. Prof. Daniel Bartolome, The Himig Singers led by Bong Aviola, guest conductor Jonathan Velasco, and guest soloist Nica Tupas.
Local groups such as Songspell Performing Arts Davao and Musikademy’s M6teens and M4Kids delivered performances that resonated with the audience.
A national artist’s message
A defining moment came with the presence of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, who served as the guest of honor.
Cayabyab underscored the deeper purpose of music education:
“Let us remember this: when we teach a child music, we teach them more than notes. We nurture character, we nurture children, we build communities—and ultimately, we build nations.”
He also expressed admiration for Davao’s strong pool of musical talent, noting the city’s growing reputation as a hub for the arts.
The concert’s success was driven by collaborations with partner organizations, including Holiday Group of Companies, Rogen Inn, Acacia Hotel Davao, Davao Lions Council of Presidents, the Department of Tourism, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Southern Philippines Foundation for the Arts, Culture and Ecology (SPACE)
Beyond the stage, the initiative extends its impact through beneficiaries focused on healthcare, education, and youth development. These include Musikademy, Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines Inc., Cleft Center Mindanao, House of Hope, the Institute of Psychiatric & Behavioral Medicine, and several sports and educational institutions across the region.
Building bridges, shaping futures
The initiative is led by founder Dra. Kathrina Victoria Baluyut-Angeles is supported by a board and core team committed to turning vision into action.
Through For The Children, TGBI not only staged a cultural event but also laid the groundwork for a movement—one that champions compassion and collective action through the arts.
By bridging hearts and talents, the initiative shows that meaningful change begins when communities come together.
In Davao, that change has already begun—one child, one note, one stage at a time. GCG