By Lana Laurel

Far Eastern University (FEU) IAS Sessionistas sang for victims of Typhoon ‘Opong’ and the Cebu earthquake during the ‘Bayanihan Para Sa Bayan: A Benefit Concert’ held by Angat Buhay Foundation at Museo ng Pag-asa, Quezon City, last Sunday, October 4. 

Performing for Angat Buhay for the fourth time, the IAS Sessionistas joined singers Nica del Rosario, Ben&Ben’s Migs, Pat, and Agnes, Frenchie Dy, Dulce, Bayang Barrios, FORTenors, and drag queen duo Dysco & Ezra as performers for the charity concert.

Additionally, the event was centered on celebrating the Museo ng Pag-Asa’s third founding anniversary. 

Members of IAS Sessionistas who performed for the cause were Vice President Annika Ocampo, Head Vocalist Janis Miranda, Assistant Head Instrumentalist Elijah Talain, and vocalists Carlo Calubad, Alona Bautista, Anna Jean Bayaua, and Nylanna Mendoza. 

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Miranda mentioned how the performers from the organization shared the same hope of the overall betterment for all citizens affected by the onslaught of the recent typhoons and magnitude 6.9 Cebu earthquake. 

“With the music we shared with the volunteers and audiences, we shared the same hope na maging mabuti ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan sa mga nasalanta ng recent calamities na naranasan natin (of improved conditions for our fellow citizens devastated by the recent calamities we experienced),” she expressed. 

Furthermore, Talain expressed that the IAS Sessionistas will continue to send prayers and extend their help in any way for the distressed communities. 

“Kami ay patuloy na tutulong sa abot ng aming makakaya. Kami ay patuloy na nagdarasal na sana ay mabigyan agad ng agarang aksiyon ang mga naapektuhan ng sakuna (We are going to keep helping people within our means. We are going to continue to pray that adequate immediate action is given to those hit by the calamity),” he said.

Additionally, Calubad pointed out how students should be pushed to become key contributors in aiding their communities with the lack of proper government aid. 

“Kung tayo rin ay may kakayahan na tumulong, eh, kumilos rin tayo. Kasi kung hindi ang mga tao sa taas ang tutulong sa atin, eh, ‘di walang iba kung hindi tayong mga [ordinaryong] tao ng bansa natin ang makakatulong sa atin [sa] isa’t isa (If we have the capability to help then we should act on it. Because if those in power choose not to help us, then we, as fellow citizens, are the only ones who can help each other),” he explained. 

All profits made through the event were allocated to the Typhoon ‘Opong’ Relief Operations and Cebu Earthquake Relief Operations. 

Angat Buhay also encourages people to donate basic needs like water, food, sanitary goods, and clothing through their physical drop-off points at Britech College Liloan and Angelica Building, Cebu City. 

Monetary donations are still accepted for the Cebu earthquake victims through these channels: 0138 8584 8024 for GoTyme Bank, 9059110168 for BPI, 09564265766 for GCash, and 09564265766 for Maya. 

As of October 6 at 10 a.m., Angat Buhay has raised P2 million for Filipinos affected by Opong. On the same day at 10:30 p.m., they have accumulated P8 million for the earthquake-shocked Cebuanos.

On September 22, Super Typhoon ‘Nando’ hit Bataan, Cagayan, Northern Ilocos Norte, and other northernmost areas of Luzon, followed by Typhoon ‘Opong’ in the central region four days later, devastating over four million people across 16 regions. 

Subsequently, on September 30, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake near Cebu City affected 366,360 individuals with at least 68 fatalities and 77,022 displaced, many seeking refuge in open fields due to aftershock fears.

FEU IAS Sessionistas last performed for Angat Buhay for their second anniversary concert themed ‘Araw ng Pasasalamat’ last year on September 28. 

(Photo courtesy of IAS Sessionistas)