A total of P8 million was raised by UNTV, spearheaded by Kuya Daniel Razon, in the recently concluded benefit concert Songs For Heroes 2: Ang Mamatay Nang Dahil Sa’yo last June 30 at the Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gregorio Pio Catapang and then Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge Leonardo Espina expressed their gratitude for the genuine help raised by the concert, which is already the second in a span of six months since the Mamasapano encounter.

“In behalf of all who survived I wholeheartedly give thanks to you. You know, just the act of remembering, notwithstanding the fact that you have given us a huge amount of money, it pushes us to further improve our service to the people,” Gen. Espina said.

Meanwhile, Gen. Catapang was especially thankful to Bro. Eli Soriano who conceptualized Songs for Heroes. “You have given so much to us, and now you will again give help to our wounded soldiers. Thank you very much. You remembered us even though you’re so far.”

The concert starts with the Philippine national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” as our men in uniform carry the Philippine flag and the coat of arms of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) on stage. Interestingly, part of the concert’s “Songs for Heroes 2: Ang Mamatay nang Dahil Sa’yo” bears the final line of the national anthem’s lyrics. (Photo courtesy of Photoville International)

Heart-Stopping Performances

The concert was highlighted by a joint performance from AFP’s Catapang, former PNP Chief Espina, and Progressive Broadcasting Corporation President Atom Henares with their rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Heart-stopping performances were delivered by popular performers Kuh Ledesma, Jed Madela, Gerphil Flores, Wency Cornejo, Jenine Desiderio, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Arnee Hidalgo, Sam Shoaf, Gwyneth Dorado, Shanne Velasco, 5th Gen, the University of the Philippines Dance Company, and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group. Performers from the AFP and PNP also provided.

Meanwhile, prominent personalities among the audience included Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Supreme Court Justice Administrator Atty. Midas Marquez, Iloilo Representative Neil Tupas, Jr., Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon, Magdalo Partylist Representative Gary Alejano, and UNTV’s Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Larry Henares.

The Ang Dating Daan chorale also participates in the Songs for Heroes 2 concert. The Members, Church of God International, led by its Overall Servant Bro. Eli Soriano, has always been one of the major supporters of Kuya Daniel Razon’s advocacies and projects. (Photo courtesy of Photoville International)

Support of the MCGI Vital To SFH2 Success

The benefit concert was a big hit through the efforts of the Members Church of God International (MCGI) and its Overall Servant, international televangelist Bro. Eli Soriano.

“It pains my heart to see that our countrymen who maintain peace and order lack the care and concern of the people. That is why I came up with this idea,” said the popular host of the religious program Ang Dating Daan (which is The Old Path when translated from the vernacular to English).

Bro. Soriano added, “If we learn to love our enemies, even those who are not our friends, we will be children of God. That is our advocacy. We want to do good to all men so that we can be made children of God.”

It can be recalled that Bro. Eli was the first to rally support for the “Gallant 44,” the AFP and the PNP in the aftermath of the gruesome encounter at Mamasapano town in Maguindanao.

The televangelist also initiated the #Noynoyparin online campaign in support of President Noynoy Aquino’s administration, amidst attacks from his political rivals after the incident. Also, Bro. Eli has been credited for coming up with the Songs For Heroes concept on Twitter, calling on all people supportive of the SAF 44 to donate in the concert for a cause.

The concert has also inspired its audience to value our nation’s courageous men in uniform. People from all walks of life trooped to the concert venue to express their support.

“I hope they just continue with their noble acts of helping other people to the point of offering their own lives just to be of service to them. That’s really the profession of our policemen and soldiers, to sacrifice their lives for them,” said Mr. Jay Ferrera, who came all the way from Laguna to support the cause of the fundraiser.

(from left) AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, PNP Officer-in-Charge Gen. Leonardo Espina, and Progressive Broadcasting Corporation president Mr. Atom Henares share the stage with BMPI-UNTV CEO Mr. Daniel Razon as he welcomes the guests of honor in the concert. Prior to Kuya Daniel’s speech, Gen. Catapang, Gen. Espina and Mr. Henares provide one of the highlights of the concert as they perform their rendition of Dionne Warwick’s classic hit “That’s What Friends Are For.” (Photo courtesy of Photoville International)

A Songs For Heroes 3 Underway?

Veteran broadcaster Mr. Daniel Razon, who is also the chairman and CEO of Breakthrough and Milestones Productions, International (BMPI), is one of the driving forces behind the concept.

In his speech during the concert, he veteran broadcaster shared his reason for supporting the said advocacy. “We want to inspire them to carry on with their duties despite the hardships, and let them know that we appreciate what they do,” he said.

The CEO also hinted in his speech that a third installment of the Songs For Heroes concert series is already in the works, saying, “Our support to the country’s defenders does not end here.”

Written by Jerlo Kevin Rialp