Dulce, Isay, Robert Sena & More sing for Bohol BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BOHOL CHURCHES AT SM CITY NORTH EDSA

Humanitarian efforts have been well publicized for Yolanda, but one of the severest hit places is Bohol, which suffered from an earthquake and a super typhoon. There were severe damages sustained to the oldest and UNESCO recognized churches and structures such as the Kapitolyo in Tagbilaran and Albur Parish, San Pedro Church in Loboc and Immaculada Concepcion de la Virgen Maria, Baclayon and many more.

A church is not just significant historically but is where Filipino life revolves. GMA’s 24 Oras quoted NCCA Subcommission on Cultural Heritage Head Regalado Jose, who lamented the damages, noting that churches are artifacts of memory. “The Church is where we go to pray, to remember our ancestors. We go there to baptize members of our clan, nearly everything we do is through the church, ” he said.

In line with this, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and SM City North EDSA have collaborated to organize Talan-Awon Ug Kasikas sa Bohol (Sights and Sounds of Bohol), a fund -raising concert and photo exhibit. This will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 5PM at the Skydome at SM City North EDSA for the benefit of the church and the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

Song of the country’s top entertainers and cultural performers will share the beautiful voices and music for this cause: DULCE, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Aicelle Santos, Bo Cerrudo, Pinky Marquez, Nenen Espina, Foretenors, Beverly Salviejo, Jay Cayuca, Kids Act, Project Based Band and award winning composer Diwa De Leon.

Talan-Awon Ug Kasikas sa Bohol is directed by Joey Nombres who is a renowned artistic and lighting director. He has established a reputation in lighting the most high profile concerts from artists such as: Leah Salonga, Michael Jackson, Kuh Ledesma Diana Krall, Phil Collins and Roxette among others. He has also directed plays and musicals with the Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Tanghalang Pilipino, Ballet Philippines, and the Europe tour of the ASEAN production of “Realizing Rama.” He has joined the IPAG in most world tours in Europe and in America. The University of the Philippines Alumni Association Presidential Award and International Theatre Institute ITI Unesco Award are just some of Joey’s awards.

An exhibit by cultural travel photographer Noel San Andres on the icons of Bohol can also be seen in the venue during the event. The exhibit features magnificent photos of the churches before they were damaged by the earthquake and super typhoon, landscapes, seascapes and the unique people of Bohol. Fine art quality prints of the photos will be sold to raise money for the repair of the damaged heritage sites. San Andres is a well-respected travel photographer having completed projects for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. He has done extensive work photographing the cultural icons, landscape and festivals of Ilocos Sur and many other provinces across the country.

Talan-Awon Ug Kasikas sa Bohol is one of the many ways SM City North Edsa continues to assist the victims of the recent calamities.

1. The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception' in Baclayon was founded in 1596. Prior to the earthquake, it was one of the best preserved Jesuit-built churches in the region

2. The Saint Michael Archangel Church and convent of Jagna was first built under the term of Jesuit priest, José Sanchez (Josef Zanzini [1616-92]), after the parish was established in 1631. Jagna was a convenient take off point for Camiguin Island, in colonial times the gateway to northern Mindanao.

3. Stage actor and Tenor Robert Sena performs at the Sky Dome of SM City North Edsa on November 30 for the benefit of the victims of Bohol earthquake.