Jumpin’ jammin’ for Mother Earth

Thousands trooped to SM Mall of Asia recently to join the annual Earth Day Jam on its 11th edition.

Several bands got the crowd jumping to their hits, deftly employing entertainment to spread awareness of the state of the planet. Judging from their response, the fans were vindicated for braving the heat.

The performing artists were led by Bloomfields, Brigada, Franco, Imago, Lou Bonnevie, Nina, Rivermaya, Session Road, Sitti, Skabeche, Sponge Cola and the Dawn. While they played and the crowd cheered, a video wall on the right side of the stage showed current information on the environment and how to nurture it.

Earth Day Jam is spearheaded by ‘70s rocker Lou Bonnevie. She practices in private life what she has preached onstage for the past 11 years: “I help the environment by not buying too many clothes. ’Wag bili nang bili, dahil wala nang matambakan sa mundo. We should all learn to recycle.”

The MoA event, hosted by Carl Mcfly of Alamid and Scarlet of 99.5 RT was jump-started by Skabeche and Session Road. Hannah Romawac-Olives, Session Road vocalist, is not daunted by the job at hand. “Parang ang laking bagay kasi ng gusto nating ma-achieve, but I believe even small efforts can make a difference. For example, I bring my own bags to the grocery and turn off the lights at home when I don’t need them.”

Comedian Tuesday Vargas supports the cause by supporting husband Coy Placido, SRlead guitarist, who’s proud of his group’s “perfect [Earth Day Jam] attendance.”

Paolo Valenciano of Salamin subbed for absent Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez, and got the audience singing the group’s hits. Paolo obviously enjoyed the gig. “Many artists come together, and the crowd is awesome,” he said. He hoped to bring his own band next time around.

Deafening screams

The people—around 7,000 at this point and growing by the minute—went ballistic when Sponge Cola went on stage. Yael Yuzon set the band’s songs on fire, pausing once in a while to let the crowd sing the chorus. The screams were deafening.

Speaking with Inquirer later, Yael said, “Everyday is Earth Day Jam… I grew up in Ateneo, [where] they instil the value that you really have to segregate and keep the environment clean.”

Jett Pangan of The Dawn said he had been supporting Earth Day Jam for as long as he could remember. “This is a good way for artists to contribute,” said Jett.

It was bedlam when Franco’s turn came. The crowd would not be pacified. Sweat streaming down their faces, everyone sang the chorus of “Song for the Suspect” and “Touch the Sky.”

Lou Bonnevie sees herself doing this till she’s a grandmother. “Then I’ll pass it on to my son,” she said. Meaning, advocates can count on many more Earth Day Jams.