At the launch of Ishin-Denshin International Music Festival last week, a scribe asked Manny Pacquiao why he still sought for others’ help if he could contribute in rehabilitating Marawi using his own money.
The senator and boxing champ, whose foundation is the sole beneficiary of the music fest, quickly responded, “I help out using my own money, but what can I do if there are institutions and organizations that wanted to collaborate with me? It’s better if we can gather more help, mas mabilis tayong makakatulong.”
The proceeds of Ishin-Denshin, which will be staged on Feb. 10, 2018 at the Aseana Concert Grounds in Parañaque, will go to the Manny Pacquiao Foundation to help rebuild conflict-torn Marawi City as well as to provide financial assistance to the families and children affected by the war.
“Maraming gustong tumulong kaya we are taking this opportunity to create awareness and build friendship at the same time. I can’t tell right now how many people will benefit from this collaboration but hopefully mas marami tayong matulungan,” Pacquiao added.
According to Japanese businessman Kazuyoshi Irizuki, CEO of Monde Luce Productions, the company behind the music fest, they have great respect for Manny Pacquiao and they are confident that through his foundation, the proceeds, including his company’s donation, will reach the people that they intend to help.
“There are two main reasons why we created this festival. First, since Filipinos and Japanese share the same passion for music, we wanted to strengthen our friendship through this festival. Secondly, we would like to help the people of Marawi especially the children. And we trust that Manny Pacquiao Foundation will do a great job to complete this effort,” Kazuyoshi said.
The one-day music festival expects to create a platform for Japanese artists to showcase their music in collaboration with Filipino talents. At least 15 acts from Japan and the Philippines will share the stage to provide entertainment to around 40,000 expected attendees.
Apart from the artists that will perform, concertgoers can feast on Japanese and Filipino street food at the food park area. There will be a separate activity park where guests can immerse themselves in “neon-look event,” which they described as a body paint party.
Since a Japanese festival wouldn’t be complete without the animé characters that are also popular among Filipinos, Kazuyoshi promised that adding to the guests’ Ishin-Denshin experience is the presence of cosplayers that will roam around the concert grounds.
“We have invited some of the biggest and exciting artists from Japan and the Philippines. We are also bringing here a Filipino artist who is currently making waves in our country,” the Japanese businessmen shared.
The executive explained that they are still keeping the lineup under wraps to build excitement among music fans but they can guarantee that this event is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to those who enjoy Japanese music and cultural exchange activities.