Music and mission came together as Caritas Philippines marked a milestone with “Pagdiriwang ng Pag-asa: The Alay Kapwa 50 Benefit Concert” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The concert celebrated 50 years of Alay Kapwa, the Catholic Church’s flagship Lenten and outreach program dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized.
The benefit concert, hosted by Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, Gretchen Ho, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, and Robi Domingo, aimed to raise support for the BE 1N A MILLION campaign an initiative that seeks to engage one million donor-partners nationwide, promoting acts of bayanihan through time, talent, and treasure.
Folk-pop powerhouse Ben&Ben headlined the concert as Alay Kapwa’s newest mission advocates. They also led the crowd in a moving performance of the official Alay Kapwa anthem, “Sa Kapwa Ko ay Alay,” written by Robert Labayen and composed by Jonathan Manalo, which was first introduced during the campaign’s launch last June 4 at the University of Santo Tomas.
“Everyone really poured their hearts out in sharing their talents and time,” said Ben&Ben. “It’s an honor to be part of this historic and selfless program that has helped countless lives over the years.”
Fr. Carmelo “Tito” Caluag added, “This concert celebrates 50 years of Alay Kapwa and launches Ben&Ben as our new youth ambassadors for the next 50 years.”
The evening opened with a stirring medley of “Paraiso,” “Better World,” “Masdan Mo Ang Mga Bata,” and “Hawak-Kamay,” performed by Erik Santos and the Tiples de Sto. Domingo, setting a reflective tone of compassion and hope. A special segment titled “Salamat, Lolo Kiko” honored Pope Francis, with performances from Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua, Jarren Garcia, and Kai Montinola. The tribute was capped by Darren Espanto’s powerful rendition of “Tell the World of His Love.”
The concert also highlighted Alay Kapwa’s key program areas through themed clusters: Cluster 1 (Kasaysayan at Kalamidad): “Noong Unang Panahon” from Tales of the Manuvu, performed by Kuh Ledesma. Cluster 2 (Katarungan at Kalikasan): “Umagang Kay Ganda”, sung by Lara Maigue and Mike Shimamoto. Cluster 3 (Karunungan, Kalusugan, Kabuhayan): “Mga Kababayan Ko” by AC Bonifacio and the St. Anne Theater and Dance Company.
The night also featured stellar performances by Barbie Forteza, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Imogen, and the UST Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Also gracing the event were Alay Kapwa Ambassadors at Large Charo Santos-Concio and Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo, as well as Legacy Program Ambassadors: Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Jolina Magdangal-Escueta, Jodi Sta. Maria, Gerald Anderson, Noel Cabangon, Migs Bustos, and Arjo Atayde.
The evening closed with “Panata sa Pag-asa”, a prayer of commitment led by Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo and Fr. Tito Caluag, calling on Filipinos to continue serving others with compassion.
The proceeds from the concert will support Alay Kapwa’s ongoing humanitarian programs feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, sheltering the homeless, and supporting education in underserved communities.