THE DOMINICAN Province of the Philippines will mount the online concert “Gracias: Awit ng Pasasalamat at Paghilom,” top-billed by renowned Filipino artists, on May 30 at 7:30 p.m.
The fundraising concert will be streamed on the Dominican Province of the Philippines’ official Facebook page.
It aims to generate support for the Dominican Family Covid-19 Response Project, under which personal protective equipment (PPE) and rosaries will be given to medical frontliners. Food will also be distributed to the most affected families.
“Gracias: Awit ng Pasasalamat at Paghilom” will feature Angeline Quinto, Christian Bautista, The Company, Dulce, Erik Santos, Gian Magdangal, Jamie Rivera, Jay Durias, Kakai Bautista, Lolita Carbon, Martin Nievera, Noel Cabangon and Fr. Giuseppe-Pietro Arsciwals, O.P.
One of the performers, Dulce, will be performing “Ika’y Sadyang Dakila,” composed by Ruben P. Lopez Jr. and “Minsan Pa, Pag-Ibig” by composer Raul Lantican.
“[The concert] is very meaningful because we’re doing it at a time where there’s so much fear and discomfort not just here in our country but around the world,” Dulce told the Varsitarian. “Music is a gift from our Heavenly Father and I’m grateful that I am able to communicate my heart’s prayers to our fellowmen through songs that speak of His love, grace and mercy,”
Another performer is the lead vocalist and keyboardist of the all-Dominican band “Inggô 1587,” Fr. Giuseppe-Pietro Arsciwals, O.P., who will sing two original songs, “Breathe On Me” and “Someday.”
Arsciwals said “Breathe On Me” is a prayer asking for grace to become effective instruments in spreading the Lord’s love, while “Someday” is a Gospel-based song that seeks inspiration amid tribulations.
He said music and prayer play an important role during the pandemic, as they provide a sense of belonging when social distancing and isolation have become the new normal.
“For a person of faith, prayers provide an assurance that not only will the pandemic pass, but that despite the uncertainties, we are encompassed by the love of God,” he added.
The Covid-19 Response Project is an initiative of Tugon-OP and the Dominican Family, which is composed of Dominican priests, sisters, brothers and lay affiliates.
According to Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P., head of the Dominican Province of the Philippines (Justice, Peace and Care of Creation), the project’s first wave of cash donations have been allocated for the distribution of 2,460 sets of PPEs in 22 cities; 1,010 vegetable packs distributed to selected barangays in five cities; rice distribution to at least six barangays; and rice meals to 2,500 individuals in five barangays and six shelter homes.
Donations may be made through bank deposit, online transfer or GCash to the Dominican Province of the Philippines, Inc.’s BPI savings account number 0211-0409-39.
