Marlo Mortel to stage benefit concert for ailing mom

Marlo Mortel via Instagram

Kapamilya singer-TV host-actor Marlo Mortel is set to stage “Songs for Mama”, a benefit concert for his mom who is sick of stage four breast cancer.

In a recent visit to Inquirer Bandera’s Tropang Bandera Zone (TBZ) segment last Tuesday, the singer talked about his upcoming concert, happening on Oct. 13, 8 p.m. at The Elements, Centris. Special guests in his concert include fellow Kapamilya talents Maymay Entrata, Kisses Delavin, Michael Pangilinan and Jed Madela. Mortel also spoke about a surprise guest.

“Ang concert po na ito ay ginawa ko for my mom kasi meron siyang stage four breast cancer. Lahat po ng kikitain nito ay mapupunta directly to her medical needs and treatments. Malaki po itong bahagi ng aming lives so sana support this cause,” Mortel said.

(I am doing this concert for my mom who has stage four breast cancer. All proceeds will go directly to her medical needs and treatments. This is a huge part of our lives. I hope you support this cause.)

The concert will feature inspirational songs which Mortel dedicates to his mom. “Expect duets din” he added.

Marlo on his mom

It was about three years ago when his mom was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. Mortel shared that his mom is now experiencing complications brought about by her illness.

“Hindi siya ganun ka-ok kasi recently, kaya ko to ginawa kasi ako lang nag-wo-work sa amin kailangan talaga ng more, financially. Nung summer nag-open heart surgery na siya, nagkaroon ng lung operation, madami na operations eh, ngayon sa ospital ako umuuwi dahil nandun siya. Ngayon may bago nanaman may bukol nanaman siya na ginagamot naman so hoping and praying for the best,” he said.

(She’s not that okay recently. I am doing this because I am the breadwinner of the family. Last summer, she underwent an open heart surgery. She also had a lung operation. There are so many complications now. Actually, I am staying with her in the hospital, ever since she’s been admitted. Recently, there’s another lump detected, but it’s now being treated, so I’m hoping and praying for the best.)

It was his friend Joseph Marco who first opened up the idea that he should stage a benefit concert to help him raise funds for his mom. From there, he started materializing the plan, “Naghanap ako ng production team na pwede tumulong sakin sobrang willing sila mag help for free.” (I looked for a production team who could help me and they’re willing to assist me for free.)

It was also him who personally chose his guest performers, sponsors, stage design and basically everything about the concert.

“Gusto ko tutok ako. Siyempre close to my heart para to sa mommy ko eh.” (I want to be hands-on. Of course, it’s close to my heart because this is for my mom.)

The singer is happy that a lot of help are coming his way. He said, “Natutuwa ako kasi ‘yung mga fans ko din ‘yung umaasikaso ng tickets.” (I’m happy because [help is pouring in. In fact,] it is my fans who take care of the tickets.)

Mortel is a regular host at ABS-CBN’s morning news program “Umagang Kay Ganda”. Currently, he’s collaborating with singer-actress Kristel Fulgar as they were chosen by Resorts World Singapore to sing a song which he would not reveal yet. He is also set to appear in an upcoming teleserye entitled “All That Matters”.

His band Harana also came out with its new single “Can’t Get Over You” now available on Spotify. His group also includes Joseph Marco, Michael Pangilinan and Bryan Santos. JB

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