From a self-directed movie, to fun run, to basketball match, Mr. Public Service of Philippine Television Daniel Razon does it again, and this time through a concert.

To help sustain the tuition-free education of 600 students at the Apalit, Pampanga and Caloocan branches of La Verdad Christian College, Razon took part in Bro. Eli Soriano’s concert and album launch last Monday (November 22) at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

Bro. Eli is Kuya Daniel’s uncle and the Presiding Minister to Members Church of God International.  Both are main proponents of the La Verdad free education.

Dubbed after Bro. Eli’s album, “Songs From my Heart,” the concert and album-launch filled the heaving 20,000-seater Araneta Coliseum with Filipino and American classics and romantic ballads. The album that includes eight traditional songs earned Platinum Record in just one day.

To date, La Verdad educates 37 pre-schoolers, 87 elementary graders, 73 high schoolers, and 396 college students. Scholars receive complete scholarship grants: tuition, uniforms, books, meals, allowance, and lodging for the tertiary level.

“This concert is to augment the needs of our free education project,” Kuya Daniel explained before singing the Rico J. Puno rendition of “The Way We Were.”

Recalling how the educational grant started, the broadcast journalist said, “Our free education was once a dream. But with God’s mercy and guidance of Bro. Eli, now it came true.”

On his second performance, Kuya Daniel sang “I’ll Never Say Goodbye,” where he was joined in by two of the country’s best balladeers, Marco Sison and Anthony Castelo. Other performers include Hammilan and Juris Fernandez, former MYMP singer, who performed romantic ballads.  Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corales meanwhile, was the special guest performer who sang with Bro. Eli Soriano.

Corales was all praises to the humility and graciousness of Bro. Eli, whom she considered a good and true friend.

The international preacher may not be present at Araneta to perform in person with Pilita Corales but with the aid of modern technology, both performed synchronically some popular and favorite songs during their younger years.

Like his uncle, Kuya Daniel also received Gold and Platinum Record Awards for his musical albums. His debut album All My Life, a soulful rendition of America’s classic, earned him nominations for Best Performance by a New Male Artist Category in the 21st Awit Awards. The carrier single of his advocacy, Isang Araw Lang, made history in Philippine music industry when it turned Gold the day it was released.

Meanwhile, a collection of patriotic songs performed by Kuya Daniel and some leading musical artists in the country, “Protest Broadcast 3” obtained Platinum Record award also in just one day.  The proceeds from the sale of the album were dedicated to the victims of Maguindanao massacre that happened last November 23, 2009. (Written by Hazel Chavez-David; Editing by Jane Abao)