02 January 2014 - Organized by the Philippine association Pinoy Jam and Mary Angeline Oyog with the help and support of the American Church in Paris, A Gift of Hope, a benefit concert for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) featuring Paris-based Filipino artists was held at the American Church in Paris last December 15, 2013. Welcoming the guests was the Reverend Scott Herr, Senior Pastor of the American Church. He expressed support to the Filipino community and to everyone who was affected by the typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). He committed the American Church’s assistance and cooperation in the relief efforts in the Philippines. Attending on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to France Cristina G. Ortega was Third Secretary and Vice Consul André Peter C. Estanislao who thanked everyone present and commended the efforts of the organizers. Mr. Estanislao also expressed gratitude for the support and generosity not only of Filipinos in France but also the French, the Americans and other members of the international community who have generously donated to the typhoon relief efforts.
Six locally based Filipino artists opened the show and sang various Christmas songs to set the mood of the evening. These artists include Richelle Valenzuela Harrison Plesse “O Holy Night”, Vanessa Pineda “Kumukutikutitap”, Cory de Jesus “Merry Christmas Darling”, Vanessa Monot “Miss Kita Kung Christmas”, Mimi Agbay-Duhamel “Sana Ngayong Pasko” and Jim Escuadra “Believe”.
They were followed by Broadway actress and singing sensation Leila Florentino and theatre actor Dennis Astorga who serenaded the audience to classic Christmas songs such as Grown-up Christmas List, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?, The Christmas Song and It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. The evening ended with community singing with all the artists leading the audience into a medley of Filipino Christmas songs. The concert’s musical director and pianist was celebrated Filipino composer, singer and song writer, John Florencio.
A mini bazaar was also set up outside the church with different Christmas and decorative items up for sale. Paris for the Philippines Association also sold their items for the benefit of the typhoon victims. All collected profit from the bazaar as well as from the concert will be turned over to World Vision. END