MANILA, Philippines — Filipino artists in the music and theater community have collaborated to show support for creative workers who lost their jobs during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
To raise awareness on the cause by the Artists Welfare Project, Inc. (AWPI), 50 artists lent their professional voices in a rendition of OPM classic “Umagang Kay Ganda” composed by Butch Monserrat.
The song cover released on YouTube Saturday night features actors and singers such as Lea Salonga, Rachel Alejandro, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Audie Gemora, Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez, Mark Bautista, Nyoy Volante, Myke Salomon, and Gab Pangilinan.
Salonga said on Twitter Saturday that the video was initiated by acclaimed writer and actor Rody Vera, theater director Steven Conde, and Fil-Am singer songwriter Nino Alejandro.
A bunch of Filipino theater folks did something! This was an idea sparked by Rody Vera, Steven Conde and Nino Alejandro. Thank you, gents, for doing this, as well as to all the artists that participated! Going live at 6pm tonight, Manila time. https://t.co/9sIVgOY473
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 28, 2020
“In behalf of freelance workers in the creative industry, please support our fund raising for freelance artists in the audio visual, entertainment and performing arts so they remain healthy and safe while this virus is still at large,” the AWPI appealed in video description.
“Your donations go to at least 7,000 creative workers in different disciplines who seek help to get food on the table for their families.”
Among freelancers whose job security was affected by the ECQ are artists, performers, designers, technicians and production staff.
Modes of donation can be found on the AWPI website.
READ: Free online movies help raise funds for film workers affected by the quarantine