19 December 2013 - A Charity Concert was successfully held last November 30 at the National Cultural Hall in Vientiane, Laos to benefit the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines. 

The concert, sponsored by the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lao Journalists’ Association, Lao Biodiversity Association, Community Development and Environment Association, Lao Handicraft Association, Lao All Star Club, Lao National Television, Lao Star Television, MV Lao, TV Lao, and local recording companies, raised more than US$ 6,000.00 during the 4-hour telethon which had the concert broadcast live on Lao National Television. 

A number of Lao business companies and associations presented specimen checks representing their respective cash donations to Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mr. Xayakane Sisouvong.

More than 30 Lao celebrities including Miss Lao 2012 Christina Lassasima; popular Lao singers Alexandra and Alouna; and various boy-band singers performed on stage and conveyed messages of sympathy to the Filipino people.  The concert also featured young Lao students who performed traditional Lao dances.  Filipino community kids also took part in the charity concert and performed Itik-Itik and Maglalatik dances.  Mr. Mar Banquillo, a Filipino teacher in Vientiane, drew loud cheers from the audience for his rendition of Freddie Aguilar’s Anak.

Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta, in her remarks, thanked the Lao government and its people for their steadfast support and its heartwarming solidarity with the Filipino people. END