ABS-CBN FOUNDATION, ‘HEALING THE WORLD’ FOR TWO DECADES

Christelle Belmonte (CCD)

The ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) held a star-studded 20th anniversary concert recently at the Meralco Theater dedicated to the biggest stars in the foundation’s meaningful existence – its donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

AFI, led by its Managing Director Regina “Gina” Paz Lopez, is behind the programs Bantay Bata 163, Bayan Foundation, E-Media, Bantay Kalikasan, Sagip Kapamilya, BayaniJuan, and Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig. Each program addresses the different needs of Filipino communities, with one common goal. "The mission of the ABS-CBN Foundation is simple. We want to transform the world into a better place for children to live in," Lopez said.

World-class entertainers Ryan Cayabyab, Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Charice Pempengco, and Comedy King Dolphy led the artists who performed and paid tribute to all the men and women whose passion and compassion have enabled AFI to heal the world for the past 20 years.

The anniversary concert, which will be aired on ABS-CBN in August, started with Lea's riveting rendition of "Magsimula Ka," followed by breathtaking performances from Prince of Pop Erik Santos and young singing stars like Rhap Salazar, Makisig Morales. Jett Pangan’s powerful rendition of “Magnificent” preceded the energetic medley from theater icons led by Audie Gemora, Isay Alvarez, and Robert Seña.

The duet of soprano Rachelle Gerodias and Rachelle Ann Go and Charice’s performance of the international hit “Note to God” brought the house down. Kapamilya artists Piolo Pascual, Zaijan “Santino” Jaranilla, Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo, Anne Curtis, John Lloyd Cruz, Willie Revillame, Ai Ai Delas Alas, and anchor Bernadette Sembrano explained how each program have changed many lives through video presentations which preceded the concert’s production numbers.

Bantay Bata 163 provides education and counseling to victims of child abuse while Bayan Foundation offers micro-financing for aspiring entrepreneurs. E-Media provides schools with free educational video materials while Bantay Kalikasan is behind the restoration and protection of environmental treasures like the La Mesa Watershed. Sagip Kapamilya provides relief to calamity-stricken areas in the Philippines while BayaniJuan, synergizes all AFI’s programs to give communities a holistic development. Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig, on the other hand, aims to clean the Pasig River in seven years.

ABS-CBN president Charo Santos Concio, who has also volunteered for AFI, described the work of all the donors and supporters as “heroic and angelic.” She also called Lopez “a great example of a woman who extends her hand to the needy.”

Lopez, meanwhile, also commended the foundation’s beneficiaries who welcomed AFI into their lives and worked with the group for their betterment. She also thanked ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. for its continued support to all AFI’s advocacies.

Standing side by side the night’s performers and hosts Edu Manzano, Atom Araullo, and Karen Davila, Lopez made a challenge to everyone, “If each of us will make a commitment, the next 20 years will be a greater chapter for the ABS-CBN Foundation.”

Special thanks to AFI’s 20th anniversary donors: Tamayo’s catering, The Margarita King, Crystal clear, Sophie Martin Paris, I-Personalized Souvenir Shop, Rustan’s Essences and Belo Medical Group / Belo Essentials.