MUSIC FOR A CAUSE
L.A. area's Filipino artists come together to help the homeland in the wake of recent natural disasters
By Lorenzon Third Paran III
Amid the outpouring of support for the Philippines from the global Filipino community in the wake of a devastating earthquake and typhoon, Pinoys in the Los Angeles area turned on the style on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, as they launched efforts of their own to send relief back to the homeland.
"Artists United: A Concert for Philippine Disaster Relief," held at the Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, Calif., drew up an impressive lineup of singers and musicians for an evening of song that raised funds for the Philippine Red Cross through the Apl.de.ap Foundation International. The organizers—Appleseed LA and PAE Live!—said the proceeds will help in the rebuilding of the areas hardest-hit by the Oct. 16 temblor and Typhoon Haiyan.
Artists like Ninette Tenza, Becca Godinez, Gelo Francisco, Heidi Tan, Ric Ickard, Bernardo Bernardo, Miguel Vera and Mon David lit up the Bicycle Casino Event Center stage for almost five hours, delighting a mostly Filipino crowd of about 250.
The surprise of the night was the casino's announcement that it was giving $13,000 to the Philippine Red Cross through the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International. The news, announced by Bicycle Casino marketing director Juliana Smith, drew a hearty round of applause from the crowd. Some were even moved to stand as they clapped.
On a night when known names in Filipino music took the stage, it would be fair to say that the younger ones made quite an impression.
There was Martinez, but there was also young cellist MattHew John Ignacio, who drew much applause, especially with his duet with keyboardist Tateng Katindig on a medley consisting of the Louie Ocampo composition "Kahit Isang Saglit," "Love Story" by Taylor Swift, and "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay. Ignacio, only 19, already plays with maturity, both in technique and artistic outlook. He's been called the "Filipino Yo-Yo Ma," and not entirely without basis.
And then there was singer Melissa Morgan, an accomplished jazz singer from the East Coast who only now is beginning to be known in L.A.'s Filipino community. After revealing that her mother hails from Tagbilaran, Bohol, which was heavily damaged by the earthquake, she wowed the audience with a sophisticated and sultry style as she sang "Save Your Love for Me" and "Cheek to Cheek," drawing calls for an encore, which she gave, the only performer on the evening to have the honor. For that she not so much sang as caressed with her silky voice "The Nearness of You."
Nicole David and Carlo David accompanied their father Mon David on a number then took off with their delightful takes on "Pipit" and "Grown-up Christmas List."
"I Know this Christmas we will all be wishing for the same thing," Nicole David said.
"The flavor of jazz was there from the start with JazzPhil-USA Talent Search alumni Charmie Morales, Ciel Perlas and guitarist Albert Buyco all lending their music to the evening's cause. Jazz Moves, a band that came together especially for the show rounded out the performance.
Then all the singers and musicians came out to sing "Umagang Kay Ganda" and Bayan Ko," a fitting cap to the concert.
Credit must go to the band, led by Katindig, who executive producer Ted Benito said was the first artist to sign up for the benefit. With Katindig were his frequent collaborators: David Anderson on drums, K.T. Tyler on bass, and Takahito Mori on lead guitar. The four, as all the other artists, donated their talent and time to benefit the Filipino homeland.
The concert, which was conceived by Asian Journal columnist Prosy Delacruz, took place at the same time as a "Prayer Rally and Concert," held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in L.A. The two kicked off a weekend filled with fundraisers for the Philippines.
No doubt we will hear from these artists again soon as the L.A. Filipino community continues to rally support for relief efforts back home.
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