Music artists, though often broke, unite to help needy

“Musicians are some of the most broke people I know,” Sandwich frontman Raimund Marasigan told the Inquirer. But in times of difficulties, he said, “They are among the first to come forward and say, ‘Let’s help.’”

True enough, a few days after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” struck, numerous artists organized gigs, big and small, for the survivors of the catastrophe.

One of the biggest benefit concerts mounted thus far was “Myx Mo! 2013,” which gathered over 40 acts at the SM Mall of Asia Arena concert grounds on November 12.

The performers urged fans, especially the youth, to help however they could. Ticket sales for the event will help the typhoon victims and also those affected by the recent Bohol earthquake.

“Events like these [fundraisers] empower the youth, knowing that they did their part,” said Andre Allan Alvarez, Myx channel head.

Backstage, Raimund walked around carrying an orange shoe box. Asked what it was for, the rocker uncovered the box to reveal heaps of  peso bills. “I ask everyone seeking photo ops to give whatever they can spare. The money will go straight to the Philippine Red Cross,” said Raimund, who has a cousin in Tacloban, Leyte, one of the hardest-hit areas. “We found him after the storm,” he said. “We were so worried.”

Homeless kin

Rico Blanco, whose mother is from Leyte, said many of his relatives in Tacloban were now seeking shelter in evacuation centers. “But they’re alive, and we’re thankful…but, honestly, we still don’t know much [about their situation] at the moment. We’re figuring out a way to help them,” he said.

Aside from joining benefit shows, Rico vowed to give his “entire [talent] fee” from his gig at the Sundown Festival 2013 in Singapore Saturday. “But that’s not enough. Let’s do everything we can,” Rico said. “On standby lang ako lagi para kung ano man ang kailanganin.”

Former Sugarfree frontman Ebe Dancel said he meant to sit down with fellow musicians to discuss more ways to help. “I’d like to organize something in January next year. I’m sure that our kababayan will still be needing help then,” Ebe said.

Singer-actors Karylle and Christian Bautista, stars of the local staging of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” said the production team was planning to make a fundraiser out of one of the shows. “If that doesn’t push through, Plan B is to hold a fundraising Christmas concert,” Karylle said.

Close to home

One of Martin Nievera’s househelp has been trying to find her daughter in Palo, Leyte. “She hasn’t heard a squeak,” lamented the balladeer, who said he would donate his talent fee from the repeat of his “Tatlong Dekada” concert on Nov. 22. He has turned his shows in Las Vegas on Dec. 14 and 15 into fundraisers as well.

“I’m getting in touch with Filipinos in the United States and urge them to help,” Martin said.

Rapper Aristotle Pollisco or Gloc-9 would rather not announce the help he’s been extending to the typhoon victims. He doesn’t have relatives or friends in Visayas, but that didn’t matter in the bigger scheme of things, the hip-hop artist said. “We’re all family—Filipinos… If you can, please help,” he said.

In light of the recent pork barrel scam, the artists reminded everyone to be careful about how to send their donations.

Gloc-9 said, “Baka imbes na sa taong gutom, sa taong malaking tiyan mapunta.”

But in times like these, Christian pointed out, “We just have to trust our government. Let’s just make sure that the charity organizations or relief operations we go to are legitimate.”

Favorite city

Tacloban is a major stop for many music artists and rock bands when they go on concert tours to promote new albums. They were heartbroken to see the city almost wiped out.

Rico said that one of his best and most memorable concerts was held seven years ago in Tacloban. “Seventy thousand people in the middle of the pouring rain,” he said. “They never left me. I will never forget that. It helps that almost half of the crowd is related to you.”

The music fans in Tacloban, Ebe said, are some of the friendliest he has ever performed for. “They’re very warm and supportive. It’s depressing,” he said, adding that he would love to play there again. “I hope we get the chance. Mawala man lang ang lungkot nila kahit isa, dalawang oras.”

No questions

Having performed in Tacloban, Karylle said: “I’m sure that at one point, in a past show, I’ve come across some of the survivors. I’m sad that they are  suffering; I want to assure them that help is on the way.”

Kapuso singer Jonalyn Viray noted that the catastrophe has united and brought out the best in every artist. “We all joined ‘Myx Mo!’ and other benefit shows, no questions asked,” she said. “I’m so happy that we can set aside the network wars even for a  while. I hope we can do this all the time.”

If he had the power, Martin said he would put together a big show where all the stars from the top three networks would gather onstage for a good cause. “But I’m just a singer; I wish I could do a lot more,” he said.

In a text message to the Inquirer, composer Ryan Cayabyab said it was imperative for the music community to pool its resources through music events “for our suffering brothers.”

Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit president Ogie Alcasid commended the solidarity within the music community. “It is but natural for musicians to use their gifts to help those in need. It’s a responsibility that music people assume with a passion,” Alcasid said, also in a text message. “Music uplifts and heals wounded hearts and souls because it is a gift from God.”