The Loboc Children’s Choir at SM City Pampanga press conference. PHOTO BY BONG LACSON
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Some P2 million was raised by the internationally renowned Loboc Children’s Choir in two benefi t concerts last February 14 and 15 at the Holy Angel University in Angeles City and at the Laus residence
at the plush St. Dominic Subdivision here.
San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said 100 percent of the proceeds of the concert will all be turned over for the rehabilitation of the ruined Loboc Church which is considered as a National Cultural
Treasure.
The concert, dubbed “Heart and Soul: Two Evenings of Fine Music for a Cause,” presented Bohol’s top performing group with another world-class artist, premier violinist Coke Bolipata.
Pampanga’s Sinukwan Performing Arts and ArtiSta. Rita did the front act for the Angeles and San Fernando concerts, respectively. David said the choir’s Pampanga engagement was initiated by the Curia Sancti Rosarii, Inc., an affiliate of Holy Rosary Parish which is among the prime movers of Pampanga for Visayas/ Palawan (Pampanga Multi-Sectoral Partnership for Generation of Aid for Visayas/Palawan).
It shouldered the P400,000 total expenses of the two-day concert including airfares and food. The 20-member Loboc Children’s Choir, whose ages range from 8 to 15, were accommodated by host-families who are residents of the upscale Villa Teresa Subdivision in Angeles City led by philanthropist Teresita Wilkerson.
Pampanga for Visayas/ Palawan is a multi-sectoral undertaking to mobilize resources in aid of communities affected by the natural calamities that hit the country last year. David said originally their target was only P1
million but due to corporate sponsors and donors they went beyond the target.
David also said the Loboc Church, which façade and altar area were destroyed, will be reconstructed “the way it was before but this time retrofitted already.” The bishop said the children’s choir was also invited by Bolipata to hold a one-day concert in Zambales.
Meanwhile, a photo exhibit was also held at the Event Center of SM City Clark last week showcasing the ruined
churches of Bohol which were damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October 15, 2013.
Sights and Sounds of Bohol is a project designed with the aim of becoming a learning tool on the plight of Bohol’s cultural treasures through a travelling photo exhibit and musical performance. It was held at the SM City Clark here last week with Mabalacat City Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales as guest.
Other than Morales, SM mall managers Ana Datu and Sheila Marie Estabillo, Sights and Sounds of Bohol coordinator Pinky San Andres, photo exhibit director Joey Nombres and photographer Noel B. San Andres were also on hand during the event.
The Holy Angel University choir rendered songs during the launching lending a solemn atmosphere to the subdued but meaningful event. A donation box for the public is also placed in the exhibit to help raise funds for the churches’ repair and reconstruction.
Ms. San Andres said the project “is our response to help the Diocese of Tagbilaran to rehabilitate the churches
and Bohol’s heritage sites and cultural treasures. We are just part of the private individuals who try to produce the show together with other artists,” she added.
Ms. San Andres said there were six iconic churches that were totally destroyed by the powerful earthquake; four of which were declared as National Cultural Treasures for their cultural, historical and architectural importance to the Filipino people.
A total of 30 iconic churches were partially destroyed by the powerful earthquake in Bohol and Cebu.
