09 December 2013 - The destruction wrought by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was deeply felt all the way in Norway by its local Filipino community who were not left unscathed by the storm, with a good number having relatives and friends in the affected areas. Within just two weeks, the local Filipino community banded together to organize a benefit concert entitled “Solidaritetskonsert for Filippinene” (Solidarity Concert for the Philippines) at the prestigious Folketeateret, the previous home of Norway’s premier ballet company, opera and philharmonic orchestra before transferring to the Operahuset in 2008.

With the support of the Embassy, the community was able to meet several times at the Embassy’s premises, invite various and prestigious artists who performed for free, and secure Folketeateret also free of charge all in the short span of two weeks – a feat not normally possible.

Popular artists such as Norwegian jazz-pop band D’Sound performed on stage on December 04 to the enthusiastic cheers of the large crown composed of Filipinos, Norwegians, and members of the diplomatic corps which gave the artists a standing ovation at the end of the show.

In his speech, Ambassador Bayani Mercado gave current developments in the rehabilitation efforts in the Philippines and mentioned the overwhelming support that the country has received from the international community, underscoring how Norway has generously assisted and continues to play a large role in rebuilding the typhoon affected areas of the Philippines.

“In the Philippines, we have a saying,” Ambassador Mercado said. “It is during times of hardship that one discovers who your true friends are. Norway has definitely proven to be a true friend of the Philippines.”

The concert will benefit the rehabilitation efforts of the Norwegian Red Cross, UNICEF, and Caritas in the Philippines. END