Top local music artists to offer songs for peace in Zamboanga

NOEL Cabangon ARNOLD ALMACEN

EBE Dancel GUNNAR CORNELIO

MANILA–A stellar cast of Filipino musicians, such as Peace Ambassadors Apl.de.ap, Noel Cabangon, Ebe Dancel and Gloc-9, will offer songs of hope and peace on Saturday, Sept. 21, as they join the rest of the nation in calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Zamboanga and other affected areas in the country.

The artists are set to hold a vigil with performances from 5:30 p.m. until 12 midnight at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon City Memorial Circle. However, there will be songs and performances from as early as 3 p.m.

Among those joining the peace ambassadors at this event are Joey Ayala, Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios, Slapshock, Brownman Revival, Jim Paredes, and many more.

“This is to show our support to our fellow Filipinos whose lives have been disrupted by the ongoing armed conflicts, especially in Zamboanga City,” said Noel Cabangon, one of the concert organizers, in a statement.

APL.DE.AP INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Since Sept. 9, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces under Nur Misuari have staged attacks in Zamboanga City, killing more than 80 people, wounding more than 160, and displacing more than 80,000.

“We recognize that we have a responsibility to help create positive changes one way or the other. And for us artists, our music is our instrument,” said Cabangon who expressed hopes that the incident in Zamboanga City will be resolved soon.

The concert will be part of the event dubbed “A Nation Praying for Peace.” Spearheaded by civil society organizations Urban Poor Associates, Women Engaged in Action, Community of Sant’Egidio, the vigil aims to gather various sectors – ranging from the entertainment industry to the government – to call for an end to violence and its peaceful resolution.

It will be held in celebration of the International Day of Peace that is observed annually in different parts of the world.

First posted September 20, 2013 | 6:00 pm