As the EPCALM Foundation marked its 19th year, it staged a fundraiser, “APO Sings for HOPE” featuring the Apo Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo on 24 September 2024 at the Samsung Hall of SM AURA in BGC, Taguig City. Joining the duo was award-winning singer, Leah Navarro, as Guest Performer. The concert was also in celebration of World Leukemia Awareness Month.
A short program before the concert proper highlighted the role of raising public awareness on adult leukemia, as it also thanked the Sponsors, Patrons, Donors and others who supported the fundraising concert. On hand for this segment were Pastor Bennie Lagos, who led the Invocation, followed by Executive Director Mitch Duran, who emphasized that 100 per cent of the concert proceeds will fund personalized and family-oriented programs and services earmarked for EPCALM patients and their families.
Meanwhile, President and CEO, Engr. Justice Demerre, thanked all those who have continued to support the Foundation throughout the years, while Founder and Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Erlyn Cabanag Demerre, acknowledged that God is the Hope, the Healer, and the Provider, as she also posed a challenge to the audience to always lend a helping hand to the marginalized and disadvantaged Filipinos.
Opening the show was Leah Navarro, who dished out her well-loved hit songs, with a live band. The audience sang along to her OPM classics, such as Metropop grand winner, “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit”, “Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito” and “Kailangan Kita,” among other favorites.
She was joined onstage by Jim and Boboy, with specially arranged songs by seasoned musicians, including Colby dela Calzada, with Bond Samson as Musical Director. Then it was time for the APO to cast its magical brand of music and entertainment on the audience, which fondly recognized their every song – “Blue Jeans”, “Lumang Tugtugin”, “Batang-Bata Ka Pa” and a string of medleys of their songs, which have spanned 50 years, and made their mark in the country’s OPM landscape.
It was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of life, music, and the enduring Filipino spirit of compassion. From the stirring performances to the heartfelt interaction with the audience, it created a tapestry of hope that will resonate far beyond the final bow, igniting a flame, which will shine brightly for those in need, calling all that are able to lend a helping hand.
After the show, the APO and Leah had a “meet and greet” with their fans at the foyer of Samsung Hall. The lobby also featured a Photo Gallery of some of EPCALM’s celebrity Advocates, all shot by ace photographer, Mark Nicdao.
“APO Sings for HOPE” was supported by Vallacar Transit Inc., SM Supermalls, Zenith Medical Equipment Inc., Tough Mama, Anesia Sy and Family, Jerry Lim, and Gwendolyn Ku, with Magic 89.9 as Media Partner. Corporate Exhibitors included Tough Mama, Iris Healthcare, and Corbridge Group Philippines. (With UP-Manila Interns: Lei Castor, Chelcey De Jesus, Alyanna Deocampo, Verma Pangilinan, and Santi Vista).
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