Gary Valenciano debuted his inspirational song dedicated to Yolanda survivors: THE ANSWER. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista
It’s easy to get lost among the huge names of Pinoy pop music like Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Leo Valdez, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Jed Madela and Kuh Ledesma.
RAMAHARI cast: Karylle and Robert Seña perform with BALLET PHILIPPINES. Robert can also be seen in RAK F AEGIS at PETA from Jan31 to March 4, 2014. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
BAYANIHAN PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY impressed audiences while the LED screen of NPAT brought them to the countryside. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
But audiences at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) applauded just as strongly for our internationally renowned dance troupes: BAYANIHAN PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY, BALLET PHILIPPINES and DOUGLAS NIERRAS’ POWERDANCE.
Leo Valdez sang ‘One Voice’ with the PHILLIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS. Leo will have a Valentines concert with Kuh Ledesma entitled The KING and the DIVA at the NPAT. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Voices For Visayas Organizers from left: Miguel Miñana, Denise Weldon, Manny Miñana, Nanette Medved-Po, Ollie Campos and Joy Lagdameo. Voices for Visayas was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
The combined voices of the PHILIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS or MADZ were also among the globally acclaimed choirs/groups that performed such as the RYAN CAYABYAB SINGERS, THE COMPANY, PRIMO and MANDALUYONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
Kuh Ledesma sings ‘Somewhere’ with the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir and PRIMO. Kuh will have a Valentines concert with Leo Valdez entitled The KING and the DIVA at the NPAT. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Tacloban survivors still live in tents 3 months after Yolanda. So much still has to be done there is still no widespread waterworks or electrical system. Photo taken last February 10, 2014 by Jude Bautista.
Supporting the rebuilding efforts from recent natural disasters such as Yolanda typhoon and the Bohol Earthquake was the cause that united the best of Pinoy music and dance in Voice of Visayas.
from left: RWM Pres Kingson Sian welcomes Senator Bong bong Marcos to the Newport Performing Arts Theater. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Pops Fernandez headlined KAMI NAMAN ANG TAYA a fund raising concert for the benefit of Yolanda Typhoon survivors. Ultimate Productions and Resort’s World Manila organized the concert at the New Port Performing Arts Theater last December 3, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista.
The historic event last January 15, 2014 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater or NPAT at Resort’s World Manila also gathered the top corporations as sponsors. SMART, Coca Cola, Ayala Land, Banco De Oro, TWG Tea, Nutri Asia and Sta. Elena Golf & country estate were able to provide resources to produce the momentous event. Resort’s World Manila very generously donated the glittering venue.
TV5 Megastar Sharon Cuneta sings SMILE to Yolanda survivors. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera headline KAMI NAMAN ANG TAYA a fund raising concert for the benefit of Yolanda Typhoon survivors. Ultimate Productions and Resort’s World Manila organized the concert at the New Port Performing Arts Theater last December 3, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista.
Just a few weeks before that another Yolanda fund raising concert was held at NPAT entitled KAMI NAMAN ANG TAYA. The benefit concert was headlined by Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Lani Misalucha, David Pomeranz, Mitoy & Draybers, Christian Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Mark Bautista, Dulce and Fortenors. The concert was able to raise 8 million pesos in cash and pledges.
Martin Nievera bonds with Yolanda survivors at KAMI NAMAN ANG TAYA, a fund raising concert. Ultimate Productions and Resort’s World Manila organized the concert at the New Port Performing Arts Theater last December 3, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista.
from right: PDRF Pres. Butch Meily, Anita Meily, Pam Meily and Voice of Visayas organizers Manny Miñana and Joy Lagdameo. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Out of the tragedy of recent disasters, Phil. business has banded together to form a more enduring response. The Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation is the result. PDRF Pres. Butch Meily said, “I want to thank Voice of Visayas organizers Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Manny Miñana, Nanette Medved Po and all the many people who made tonight a reality. In a way the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation is a different type of coming together. It’s a coming together of major business groups in the country being the first permanent disaster response vehicle.” The PDRF, Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity are all beneficiaries of Voices for Visayas.
Log on to beneficiaries’ websites to donate or for more information: PDRF- http://pdrf.org/index.htm , Gawad Kalinga- http://gk1world.com/ , Habitat for Humanity Phil- http://www.habitat.org.ph/site/index.php
SMART Communications & PLDT Public Affairs Head Mon Isberto and wife Ester Isberto. They are co-authors of the Martial Law memoir: OUR 3RD LIFE. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Concertgoers were also able to buy #HELP.PH t-shirts for 200 pesos whose proceeds also go to the PDRF. Help.ph allows users to donate amounts ranging from P5, P10, to P1,000 by texting. (example: HELPPH 10) to 5353.
Bituin Escalante sang Waray waray and Balot Penoy with Mitch Valdes. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
KATY cast from left: Isay Alvarez Seña and Aicelle Santos. They can also be seen in RAK F AEGIS at PETA from Jan31 to March 4, 2014. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
The super concert earned a total of 18 million pesos with performers lending their talent pro bono. The complete list includes: Andrew Fernando, Audie Gemora, Ballet Philippines, Bayanihan National Dance Company, Bituin Escalante, Chad Borja, Douglas Nieras’ POWERDANCE, Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, Isay Alvarez, Jay Cayuca, Jed Madela, Karylle, Kuh Ledesma, Leo Valdez, Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, Martin Nievera, Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Mitch Valdes, Ogie Alcasid, Philippine Madrigal Singers, Pilita Corrales, PRIMO, Rachelle Gerodias, Regine Velasquez, Robert Seña, Ryan Cayabyab, RYAN CAYABYAB SINGERS, Sharon Cuneta and THE COMPANY.
Mitch Valdes sang Waray waray and Balot Penoy with Bituin Escalante. She also played KATY dela Cruz in the 1987 version of the musical. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
New Port Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila was the glittering venue sponsor for the historic concert Voices for Visayas last January 15, 2014.
Premiere Soprano Rachelle Gerodias’ text message inspired organizers to produce Voices for Visayas. The super concert was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
And it all started from a text message from renowned soprano Rachelle Gerodias to Miguel Miñana asking if he was organizing any benefit concert after Yolanda’s Massive destruction. In a statement Miñana said, “Her auspicious call led me to call on other great artists. The groundswell of genuine support was unbelievable.”
Premiere Soprano Rachelle Gerodias and Top Baritone Andrew Fernando sang GAANO IKAW KA MAHAL. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
BAYANIHAN PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY impressed audiences while the LED screen of NPAT brought them to the countryside. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
BAYANIHAN PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY impressed audiences while the LED screen of NPAT brought them to the countryside. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
The BAYANIHAN PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY kicked off the best of the Philippines theme. Their performance of the Tinikling and Visayan dance Itik-Itik was remarkable. The large LED screen of the NPAT easily transported viewers to the countryside amidst swaying palm trees and idyllic rice fields. BALLET PHILIPPINES brought the critically acclaimed RAMAHARI to life performing Awit Ng Pagsinta and Magabalik with superstar singers Karylle and Robert Seña.
BAYANIHAN PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY impressed audiences while the LED screen of NPAT brought them to the countryside. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
RAMAHARI cast: Karylle and Robert Seña perform with BALLET PHILIPPINES. Robert can also be seen in RAK F AEGIS at PETA from Jan31 to March 4, 2014. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
RAMAHARI cast: Karylle and Robert Seña perform with BALLET PHILIPPINES. Robert can also be seen in RAK F AEGIS at PETA from Jan31 to March 4, 2014. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
THE COMPANY created a nostalgic feel with their 70’s medley that included BIG BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY and MANILA by Hotdogs. Stage stars Audie Gemora and Menchu Lauchengco Yulo joined them and had a duet: LIMANG DIPANG TAO and SWERTE SWERTE LANG. The 2 veteran stage stars looked like a young love team ready to take on John Lloyd and Bea with their number.
RAMAHARI cast: Karylle and Robert Seña perform with BALLET PHILIPPINES. Robert can also be seen in RAK F AEGIS at PETA from Jan31 to March 4, 2014. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Under Umbrella: Audie Gemora and RWM Artistic Dir. Menchu Lauchengco performed with The Company. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Menchu was also be a part of Boublil & Schonberg’s DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?, a musical starring Lea Salonga, David Harris and Marie Zamora. Last January 29 & 30 also at NPAT Resort’s World Manila, they performed songs from LES MISERABLES, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, The Pirate Queen and La Révolution Française. Rachelle Ann Go, Jon Joven, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Jed Madela, Cocoy Laurel , Michael Williams and Leo Tavarro Valdez all lent their voices to the stellar cast. Proceeds will go to the benefit of Habitat for Humanity’s project for Yolanda victims.
Under Umbrella: Audie Gemora and RWM Artistic Dir. Menchu Lauchengco performed with The Company. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
(foreground): Kuh Ledesma sings ‘Somewhere’ with PRIMO and (background) the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir. Kuh will have a Valentines concert with Leo Valdez entitled The KING and the DIVA at the NPAT. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Jed Madela during Voices for Visayas sang the inspiring I BELIEVE. Kuh Ledesma sang the Barbara Streisand original SOMEWHERE with PRIMO and the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir. Leo Valdez had a stirring a capela of ONE VOICE with the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Both Leo Valdez and Kuh Ledesma are in a spectacular Valentine concert entitled THE KING AND THE DIVA at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila on Feb 14.
Log on to beneficiaries’ websites to donate or for more information: PDRF- http://pdrf.org/index.htm , Gawad Kalinga- http://gk1world.com/ , Habitat for Humanity Phil- http://www.habitat.org.ph/site/index.php
Jed Madela sang a riveting version of I BELIEVE. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Gary Valenciano debuted his inspirational song dedicated to Yolanda survivors: THE ANSWER. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
As a fitting finale all performers sang JUST BELIEVE composed by maestro Ryan Cayabyab and written by Jose Javier Reyes. Gary Valenciano also wrote THE ANSWER and performed it for the first time during the momentous occasion.
Martin Nievera performed in 2 Yolanda fundraisers: Voices in VISAYAS and KAMI NAMAN ANG TAYA both of them held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila. Photo by Jude Bautista
Leo Valdez sang ‘One Voice’ with the PHILLIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS. Leo will have a Valentines concert with Kuh Ledesma entitled The KING and the DIVA at the NPAT. VOICES FOR VISAYAS was held at the New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last January 15, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista
Log on to beneficiaries’ websites to donate or for more information: PDRF- http://pdrf.org/index.htm , Gawad Kalinga- http://gk1world.com/ , Habitat for Humanity Phil- http://www.habitat.org.ph/site/index.php
