GMA Pinoy TV paved the way for Rocco Nacino and Betong Sumaya to team up for back-to-back performances in Kalayaan, Kantawanan, at Kasiyahan sa Gitnang Silangan in Saudi Arabia on June 30.
Guests at the Philippine Consulate Jeddah were visibly thrilled when Nacino channeled his inner suave crooner, serenading the crowd with a mix of OPM and foreign love songs. Meanwhile, Betong turned up the fun meter with upbeat songs that had the people grooving along.
Before rocking the stage, the two Kapuso celebrities actively met members of the Filipino community. They paid a courtesy call on Consulate General Imelda Panolong, who gave them some insights on Filipinos in Saudi and explained why the event was timely. “The community here really deserves this break. They are really hardworking, hindi lang sila tumutulong sa pamilya nila sa Philippines, [pati na rin] sa kapwa nila community members na nangangailangan. Tumutulong din sila sa [Consulate] every time there is a need for them to help. And you don’t have to ask them. ‘Yung initiative is there.”
The two Kapuso talents consider their four-day stay in Saudi a fun and enlightening adventure. “Nakakataba ng puso dahil kami ni Betong ang pinili na pumunta dito,” said the Haplos actor. “Maraming aral para sa’min, at mas na-appreciate namin ngayon ang mga ginagawa ng mga Kapuso natin [sa Saudi]. We are humbled by this experience.”
Betong reveled in the smiles that greeted him from the moment of his arrival leading up to the event. “Sobra akong masaya kasi sobrang warm ang pagtanggap [ng mga Kapuso natin sa Saudi]. Naramdaman namin na parang hindi kami bago dito sa lugar,” said the Bubble Gang mainstay.
Kalayaan, Kantawanan, at Kasiyahan sa Gitnang Silangan was made possible by non-profit organization Kaagapay ng Bawat OFW in partnership with Philippine Consulate Jeddah. GMA Pinoy TV is the exclusive media sponsor for the event.