RASING FUNDS FOR DISASTER VICTIMS “
Artists United” Concert to Raise Funds Through the Apl.de.ap Foundation International
Los Angeles, CA. – November 2013 – On Tuesday morning, October 16, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the Visayas and parts of Mindanao and Luzon in the Philippines. The epicenter was located 2 kilometers southeast of Carmen town in the Bohol province, known for its internationally famous “Chocolate Hills” and the world’s smallest primates, the tarsiers. The seas receded, beaches became elevated and wider, mountain tops gaped open and Bohol gained 500 meters of new shoreline. All in all, the earthquake affected over 3 million residents in the central Philippines – 222 dead, over P2Billion (pesos) in damages to roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and other public buildings in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. Even worse, the earthquake destroyed century-old churches and structures, historical edifices that have been standing for 400 to 500 years. More than three weeks later, aftershocks still shake the area. But even though more than 400,000 workers are still affected by the disaster, rebuilding efforts have begun and relief services are still in full swing.
To help answer the call for assistance, a cadre of Filipino performing artists will join forces on Friday, November 15, for a benefit concert to raise funds for the Philippine Red Cross through the Apl.de.ap Foundation International. “Artists United: A Concert for Philippine Disaster Relief” will feature the talents of Bernardo Bernardo, Albert John Buyco, Mon David and his children Nicole and Carlo, Gelo Francisco, Becca Godinez, Ric Ickard, Matthew John Ignacio, Jazz Moves, Tateng Katindig, Giji Kocher, Nicole Jarin Martinez, Charmie Morales, Ciel Perlas, Ninette Tenza and Miguel Vera with other artists expected to join the lineup.
“Like many other concerts that I have been a part of when it comes to disaster relief, this one started with one person wanting to help; then that person invited someone else and so on and so on and so on,” explains Rex Sampaga of PAE Live! who will be directing the show. “That’s what makes these type of concerts unique…the spontaneity, the caliber of artists that want to perform but more importantly, the spirit of collaboration in which they are coming together for a meaningful cause. It also helps that we are fortunate to be partnering with the Bicycle Casino because they want to help out too.”
“We couldn’t be happier!” exclaimed Sharon Palma and Christine Ramos of Appleseed LA, the production company partnering with PAE Live! to co-produce the concert. “The Bicycle Casino reached out to us to see how they could help with disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. They are providing a fantastic space for the concert, are helping us with staffing for the event and, as a special incentive to the audience, they are creating a Filipino/Chinese buffet which will begin at 5:00p.m. and for only $9.95 per person. We are thrilled to have the Bicycle Casino host this concert, which will be their first-ever event for the Filipino Community of Los Angeles!”
“This concert is a true testament to the power of conviction and collaboration….” says Ted Benito, Executive Director of the Apl.de.ap Foundation International “…and magnifies the compassion of the Bayanihan spirit in Filipinos and Filipino-Americans. All the pieces just fell into place – the venue, the artists, the timing – and I am hopeful that we can raise some much needed funds for the people in the Philippines who need help. The Apl.de.ap Foundation International (ADAFI) is committed, along with its sister organization, The Apl.de.ap Foundation-Philippines, to be part of disaster relief efforts whenever it is able. We have a special relationship with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) as Apl.de.ap himself has personally participated, hand-in-hand, with the PRC in previous disaster relief efforts. After the concert, ADAFI will forward the proceeds directly to PRC via wire. It’s going to be a very special night!”
For over 29 years, the Bicycle Casino has played a major role in the city of Bell Gardens not only by focusing worldwide attention on the city through its various poker events (including WPT/Legends of Poker) but also by employing about over 1,000 Los Angeles residents. The Bicycle Casino Foundation, which supports various non-profit organizations, focuses their attention in the health, education and welfare of children in the local area. The casino hosts one of the country’s largest poker rooms and features a myriad of card games like Blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, Seven Card Stud, Pai Gow Poker and Baccarat, to name a few, in a choice of over 175 tables. The Casino is home to Legends Café & Deli, which offers an international menu, and even has an on-site Starbucks Café. The Bicycle Casino is a smoke-free environment and has ample valet and self-parking.