ASAP holds special benefit concert for victims of recent earthquakes, typhoons

MANILA, November 17 ------ Noon-time concert show ASAP united Kapamilya artists and viewers for a cause, as they mounted a special benefit concert and telethon to help families devastated by the recent earthquake and the onslaught of Typhoons Tino and Uwan.

Originally scheduled to air its Vancouver episode, the production quickly shifted gears following the widespread destruction brought by the calamities, pulling together an all-star lineup in just hours.

Concert King Martin Nievera emphasized that ASAP’s culture of service has long been part of its DNA. “We were supposed to be showing our Vancouver episode. But we felt so drawn to what’s happening now… Right away, everybody who was still in town volunteered lahat. Everyone you see here came to be part of this,” he said. Nievera added that the trust Filipinos have in ABS-CBN Foundation motivated them to act swiftly. “Ever since even before ASAP was here, we’ve been trying to make a difference… Our foundation is trusted by Filipinos around the world. Kaya madali magbuo ng ganitong show,” he explained.

He further underscored the need for continued unity and preparedness: “Sana, we do this before the storm… Let’s fill the warehouse with goods for the just in case something happens. It always happens. Pero, the Filipinos are done with resilience. We need to think of those who are struggling and come together as a people.”

Kapamilya actor Kyle Echarri, who hails from Cebu, expressed deep pride and pain for his kababayans. “Maaka-proud maging Kapamilya… Even the smallest donations will go to the right cause. Pero ang sakit makita what the country has gone through these past months,” he said. He added that the calamities should serve as a wake-up call. “Sana namulat yung mata ng mga tao. We know what’s wrong and what’s right, and we choose what’s right,” he said.

Fellow Cebuana performer Kai Montinola echoed the sentiment. “Bakit ganito yung nangyayari? Pagsubok talaga… Sana, we hold back up this Christmas with love, joy, and hope. Let this be an eye-opener, and sana may mabago tayo,” she said.

Singer Angeline Quinto thanked the network for its consistent relief efforts. “Talagang nagpapasalamat ako sa ABS-CBN and ASAP kasi hindi tumitigil yung pagtulong natin sa mga kababayan natin kahit saan lugar,” she said. “Hindi man kami makapunta personally sa Cebu, sana through our songs, makatulong kami sa kanila.”

Singer Klarisse de Guzman said she was grateful to contribute through music. “Sobrang saya po. Kakanta lang naman kami hindi mahirap yun. At sa parehong oras, makakatulong kami sa mga sinanta ng bagyo,” she said.

Following the live telethon, ASAP announced that it was able to collect ₱1,866,119.13 in donations and pledges for families affected by the devastating earthquake and typhoons. The amount will be coursed through the ABS-CBN Foundation to provide food packs, shelter materials, and urgent relief to affected communities across the country.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com