Crisis brings out the best in Filipinos. This became more evident when artists come together to share their talents for a cause worthy as helping the rehabilitation of the victims of the recent Taal Volcano eruption.
“We saw overflowing relief efforts by kind-hearted people, but the more we see the victims, the more we realize that they need help in rebuilding their lives once the crisis is over,” says multi-awarded DzMM teleradyo host and social entrepreneur Dr. Carl Balita.
With friends couple, Isay Alvarez and Robert Sena, and multi-awarded songwriter Vehnee Saturno, the “Tulong Taal Musical Collaboration for Taal Rehabilitation Project,” was conceived.
“I grew up in the Taal and it brings me to tears seeing how devasted it is and how the eruption has harmed families, livelihood and nature,” recalls Isay who readily got the support of husband Robert, who is equally a nature lover.
Vehnee on his part watched the news and confesses, “I entered the shower very emotional as well, spent the whole evening composing and came out with a concept of a song, ‘Tulong Taal.’”
The next day the “Tulong Taal” was ready for recording in Vehnee’s studio.
The proponents met and wholeheartedly exerted their best effort to push for the fruition of the noble project.
The “Tulong Taal” composed by Vehnee Saturno has an all-star recording cast that features (in order of appearance) Ice Seguerra, Isay Alvarez, Kakai Bautista, Robert Sena, Frenchie Dy, The Company, Poppert Bernadas, Vehnee Saturno, Ebe Dancel, Jaya, Aicelle Santos, Bayang Barrios, and Angeline Quinto. It reached a combined viewership of one million in less than two days.
“All for the love of the cause, the artists came and gave their best rendition of their part,” says Robert who directed the music video with the team of video and graphic artists of the Carl Balita Productions.
Tulong Taal is now going viral in social media because of the heartfelt message and rendition that prompt viewers to like and share. ABS-CBN has extended support to even promote the cause of the project.
Taal, in the Batangas vernacular, means “genuine” and “pure.” The Tulong Taal hopes to inspire more people to help purely. As of date business organizations, and overseas Filipino Organizations have expressed support for the cause. This proves that indeed music is the language of the soul.
“We have aroused the interest of the donors to look beyond relief and think of rehabilitation before the donor fatigue ensues,” says Dr Carl.
The “Tulong Taal Musical Collaboration for Taal Rehabilitation” happens at the Cuneta Astrodome today at 6:00 p.m.. Artists who volunteered to share their time and talents include Angeline Quinto, Zephanie Dimaranan, Isay and Robert Sena, Jamie Rivera, The CompanY, El Gamma Penumbra, Gerphil Flores, Bayang Barrios, Renz Verano, Frenchie Dy, Jenine Desiderio, Beverly Salviejo, Richard Reynoso, Peppert Bernadas, Alakim, Kier Alo, Atak, Carla Guevarra-Laforteza and the Fortenors, Janice Javier, Jose Rizal Institute Singers, Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, Shine Kuk & Dancers, Tricia Canilao, and Laurence Mossman, and more.
On Jan. 27, the proponents attended the flag ceremonies at the Provincial Capitol of Batangas and the officials watched the video. Governor Hermilando Mandanas emotionally thanked the group and expressed simply, “taal na salamat.”
Vice Governor Mark Leviste on his part assures the project proponents that they are open to provide necessary support for the implementation of the rehabilitation project.
The proponent assures the artists and the donors, as well as the public, that all the proceeds of this project will go directly to the beneficiaries in the form of rehabilitation support, in consultation with them. They have also tapped experts towards the best utilization of the resources that they will be able to generate.