Kapuso artists turn to healing power of music to help survive pandemic

(First of two parts)

For the past decade or so, social media has served as an essential tool for celebrities to widen their audience and amplify their presence.

But in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has reaffirmed its indispensability—not only as a means for self-promotion, but also for mobilizing philanthropic initiatives.

With Luzon and other provinces currently under quarantine, many show biz folks have turned to online platforms to organize fundraising drives—the most popular of which are livestreamed concerts that artists hold from the comforts of their own homes.

One such project is GMA Artist Center’s “#HealingHearts,” which has Kapuso actors and singers going live on their respective Facebook accounts, and putting on 45-minute sets.

Aside from “sparking hope and positivity,” the project intends to boost the Kapuso Foundation’s efforts to provide assistance to people who have lost their livelihoods. (Visit www.Ticket2Me.net and click on the “#HealingHearts” page.)

Through email, Inquirer Entertainment interviewed participating celebrities about the healing power of music:

Yasmien Kurdi

YASMIEN KURDI: I joined this project to inspire people in my own little way. My 7-year-old daughter, Ayesha Zara, and I sang “Heal the World” and “Someone in the Dark” by Michael Jackson. These songs inspire people to help, whatever your race or status in life.

“Heal,” according to my daughter, is about “caring for the living.” It also implies that we are all potential healers. Everyone can change the world, no matter who you are and what you do. “Someone,” on the other hand, talks about helping people in dark times and lending a hand in times of need.

Music can uplift people’s spirits. It can change moods and inspire.

Gabbi Garcia

GABBI GARCIA: A lot of people have been feeling down in their homes because of the crisis. This is a way of brightening up their day.

Music helps change your mood and emotions, so I chose songs that focus on hope and unity. That’s what we need most at the moment.

Let’s not lose hope. Let’s pray for our country and for each other. Now is not the time to spread hate. Let love and hope prevail in this time of crisis.

Anthony Rosaldo

ANTHONY ROSALDO: By volunteering here, I hope to inspire our kababayans through music and spread hope in this time of despair or negativity.

Songs are based on real-life experiences and some of them can really affect you if you related to its message. In times like these, it’s important to have access to good music. It can inspire you, bring positivity. It’s a source of entertainment. That’s why I chose perk-me-up songs that can uplift our spirits.

We’re Filipinos—we’re born survivors. We take full responsibility for our families’ health and welfare, we will survive this pandemic. We have to be resilient. Stopping the virus starts in our own homes. Sanitize, practice social distancing and just stay put. And always pray because God will never abandon us.

Kristoffer Martin

KRISTOFFER MARTIN: This is the least we could do to make people feel that someone’s rooting for them, even if we’re all under quarantine. We still want to connect with them.

I chose songs that are apt, given our current situation. There’s unity in music. Even if we have contrasting beliefs, we often find ourselves singing along to the same songs. And through music, what we’re going through becomes somewhat lighter. There are lots of songs about faith, about not giving up. Music helps bring comfort to everyone.

We will get through this. Stay indoors as much as possible. Don’t think that this is a simple illness and that your immune system is strong enough. Think about the people you interact with, especially in your homes. Let’s take this opportunity to spend time with our families.

Lyra Micolob

LYRA MICOLOB: I know that, as a singer-artist, using my voice through songs could comfort people’s hearts.

I chose to sing “Oceans” by Hillsong because it’s one of my favorite Christian songs. It gives me so much hope and reminds us that God is in control and we should always trust Him despite all the things we’re going through.

Music brings people together and helps us express our feelings. We sing and dance when we’re happy or sad. We listen to music because it gives us relief. I know that everyone is afraid of COVID-19, but I want you to know that God is in control. We can get through this. Stay home. Don’t forget to pray for everyone’s healing and protection. Let’s all cooperate.

Yasser Marta

YASSER MARTA: I have been thinking of ways to contribute while I’m at home. Social media is a big part of everyone’s lives nowadays, so I thought of joining this initiative. Through singing, I hope I was able to uplift people’s spirits, even for a brief moment.

Music is the highest form of art that connects people. Even if we’re far away from each other, no matter where we are in the world, the strength and inspiration it brings is unlike any other. I hope everyone’s praying and staying safe.

Jennifer Maravilla

JENNIFER MARAVILLA: I believe that music is food for the soul. Personally, it’s a way for me to destress—and I truly believe our current situation calls for that. It’s a way to recharge. I want to sing songs that are timely and uplifting, but can also entertain viewers. My goal is to give joy and lighten up the mood of everyone, even for a little while. I’m thrilled to be part of “Healing Hearts” because it’s my little way of giving back. I know it’s not much, but I’m hoping that through this project, we can promote unity, especially in these trying times.

I want to thank everyone, especially our health care workers and front-liners. Thank you for your sacrifices. We salute you. I encourage everyone to take care of his/her health and pray for each other’s well-being.

This, too, shall pass. May we never forget that God reigns within us.

(Conclusion tomorrow)