10 October 2016 – Filipino singer-songwriter Gary Valenciano evoked his moniker “Mr. Pure Energy” as he entertained his Filipino fans and made fans out of Malaysians present at a benefit dinner concert on September 30 at the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral Hotel.

Performing a repertoire of his own hits and of other artists covering different eras, Mr. Valenciano showcased his wide range—dancing along with his audience in upbeat tempo and bringing tears to the eyes of his listeners during his heartfelt renditions.

The concert-fundraiser was spearheaded by a volunteer committee chaired by Puan Sri Sylvia and her husband, Tan Sri Othman Merican, with Ms. Tess Dizon and in collaboration with the Embassy.

The benefit dinner raised around RM140,000 (PHP 1.64 million) for 6 Filipino community-run alternative learning centers for undocumented Filipino children  in Sabah.

As expected, Gary V. sang popular hits “Take Me Out of the Dark,” “Babalik Ka Rin”, “The Warrior is a Child” and “Sana Maulit Muli.” Mr. Valenciano is UNICEF Philippines National Ambassador since 1998. The program was hosted by Filipina actress, singer and host Julia Clarete, while a charity auction was emceed by Ms. Carol Ramoran-Malasig.

At a pre-concert program, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya thanked Mr. Valenciano for his readiness to help.

“Gary V. is deeply committed to the upliftment of the welfare of children their cause. That is w why when he was asked to come over to Kuala Lumpur, he readily said yes,” Ambassador Malaya said.

“I wish to convey the Embassy’s deep gratitude to him and to all of those who supported our alternative education initiative for children in Sabah. Your support goes a long, long way,” he added.

For his part, event chairperson Tan Sri Othman Merican highlighted the need to support the ALC initiative, as it gives the children and their families hope.

“We give these children a better chance of improving themselves and their families.  After all, children are our future,” he added. 

Present during the concert were AlloyMtd Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Dr. Azmil Khalid, who spoke about how the initiative made him think about how he can help further. “We hope that this initiative will continue for these children, and for their future,” Tan Sri Azmil said.

Sponsors for the event include Alloy MTD Group, IREKA Group, and Advance Tertiary College. Other key supporters include Tan Sri Othman and Puan Sri Sylvia, Entogenex Industries Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Timothy Gan and Datin Sharon Too. END