Artists launch free online gigs to raise funds for COVID-19’s most affected sectors

MANILA, Philippines — National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab has launched a free concert series online that will feature local artists in order to raise funds for the vulnerable sectors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubbed as “Bayanihan, Musikahan,” Cayabyab said different artists will perform via their respective Facebook pages. The concerts will formally start on March 23.

https://www.facebook.com/myran.etorsa/videos/2760348940746696/?_rdc=1&_rdr

“Alam natin na tayo, kayong nanonood ng FB Live, we’re all relaxed in our houses, pero mas maraming tao na nangangailangan ng tulong,” Cayabyab said in a Facebook livestream aired Wednesday night.

(We’re all watching this FB live while relaxed in our houses, but there are people who need our help.)

“Some friends of mine got together and decided to create a project to raise funds for the most affected, most vulnerable sector of our society,” he added.

Cayabyab kicked off the project by granting netizens’ song requests like “Tuwing Umuulan,” “Mamang Kutsero,” “Araw Gabi”, and the theme song of Filipino children series “Sineskwela.”

Artists who have committed to join the project include Ice Seguerra, Lea Salonga, Christian Bautista, Chito Miranda, Ebe Dancel, The CompanY, and Jim Paredes, among others.

On an international scale, Coldplay vocalist Chris Martin also launched a similar campaign called #TogetherAtHome.

American singer-songwriter John Legend also performed a concert from his home via Instagram Live as part of the same music series.

The Together, At Home Campaign is a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Citizen, whose new virtual concert series intends to “promote unity amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s social distancing protocols.”

KGA