21 November 2013 - Coming together as one united Filipino community, various Filipino organizations in Paris, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy, organized Bangon, Pilipinas! (Rise, Philippines!), a benefit concert/silent auction for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). The concert was held in the American Cathedral in Paris. The concert aims to raise more awareness on the devastation brought about by the typhoon and also to raise funds for those affected by it.

The Very Reverend Lucinda Laird, Dean of the American Cathedral in Paris, led the community in a heartfelt prayer that asked for the grace of God to be with the Philippines and to guide the country in these difficult times.

Philippine Ambassadorto France Cristina G. Ortega hailed the event as a testament to the unity of the Filipino community in Paris in helping out the country. The Ambassador also expressed gratitude for the support and generosity not only of Filipinos in France but also the French people and the international community. At the end of the evening, the Ambassador announced that the concert has raised 6,297.80 euros which will be given to Gawad Kalinga Philippines and the Hiligaynon Association of Paris.

Filipino artists living in Paris performed soulful renditions of Filipino and French songs during the concert. Megan Tuason sang Mariah Carey’s Hero; Frankee performed Celine Dion’s classic L’Amour existe encore (Love still exists) while Ashley Razonable, accompanied by Charlotte Magpayo, rendered an inspired performance of Kari Jobe’s We Are.

The evening’s guest performers were Stephanie Reese and John Florencio. Stephanie Reese, a Filipino American singer-song writer, played Kim in the German production of Miss Saigon and recently played Princess Tuptim in the West End revival of the King and I. She was given the honor of being chosen as the first artist chosen from abroad in 30 years to participate in the UNICEF concerts and galas in Germany. John Florencio, the evening’s musical director, was born in Manila and is now living in Paris is the co-founder of the San Francisco Academy for the Performing Arts. He serves as faculty of the American Musical Theater Live in Paris.

Ms. Reese and Mr. Florencio serenaded the audience with both Filipino, English and French songs such as medleys from Broadway, Glory, Glory Hallelujah, Je ne regrettre rien, Impossible Dream, Dahil Sa’yo, Usahay, Please Dios, Ako ay Pilipino. Stephanie was also joined by Paris-based actor and singer Jonathan Wagner to sing Sun and Moon from the award winning musical Miss Saigon.

Olivier Girault, President of Gawad Kalinga France, spoke on behalf of the organization and thanked everyone who participated during the event. Mr. Girault also paid tribute to the valiant efforts of both Filipino and foreign Gawad Kalinga volunteers who are helping in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

Throughout the evening, a silent auction was also held. Items from the auction were donated by Filipinos and friends of the Philippines who are living in France. Some of the items included in the auction were accommodations and roundtrip air travel for two at the Balesin Island Club donated by Alphaland Corporation and Mr. Roberto Ongpin, a weekend stay at the four-star Hotel Eiffel Trocadéro from Mr. Xavier Moraga, Villeroy & Boch Cups from Ms. Christine Badour-Belshaw, luxury bags from Ms. Marjorie Renner and other items.

The evening ended with all the artists on stage performing a heartfelt rendition of Lea Salonga’s Tagumpay Nating Lahat. END