Olivia Rodrigo donates all Manila concert proceeds to Jhpiego Philippines

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

October 7, 2024 | 9:18am

In a photo posted on Oct. 6, 2024, Olivia Rodrigo is seen visiting Jhpiego Philippines, a local nonprofit organization, which she donated proceeds of her concert to.

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American pop star Olivia Rodrigo donated all the proceeds of the Manila leg of her "Guts" World Tour to Jhpiego Philippines. 

According to Olivia's Instagram story on Sunday, Jhpiego Philippines is "dedicated to improving the health and lives of women and girls in the Philippines, especially in underserved and conflict-affected areas."

Olivia posted her visit to the non-governmental organization's headquarters after her concert on her Instagram account.

"I’m so stoked that all the net ticket sales from last night could be donated to @jhpiego through my fund 4 good," Olivia wrote. 

"I got to visit the organization while I was in Manila and was so impressed by the work they are doing providing healthcare to women and girls in the Philippines."

"It was the most special show and the most meaningful trip. To say I’m grateful doesn’t even cut it! Mahal kita," she added.

Olivia said that performing in the country was a dream come true for her. 

"Been dreaming of this show for a whileeeee. My first time in the Philippines and also my biggest venue ever!!!!!" she said. 

"Thank you to everyone Manila for welcoming me so generously and making me feel so loved and thank you to @americanexpress for making this show happen," she added.

David Foster, Brian McKnight, Katharine McPhee, All 4 One serenade Filipino fans

 From left: Brian McKnight, David Foster, and Katharine McPhee

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

June 19, 2024 | 8:19am

MANILA, Philippines — American hitmaker David Foster serenaded his Filipino fans with his timeless hits at Araneta Coliseum concert last night.

SB19 member Stell opened the concert, singing Adele's "All I Ask," "Defying Gravity" and his new solo single "Room."

David opened his concert with the instrumental "Winter Games" and "Love Theme From St. Elmo's Fire" with Kenny G on the background. 

"It is so good to be back. Why? Because there is no country, I've been to many countries, that loves music more than the Philippines. This is true," David said. 

He then called Filipino singer JV Decena, who then sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Another Filipino singer, Joaquin Garcia, performed with David, singing "Broken Vow."

1990s boyband All 4 One then performed "I Can Love You Like That" and their hit song "I Swear," bringing in nostalgic vibes. 

David's wife Katharine McPhee then performed Celine Dion's "Power of Love," Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing," "I Will Always Love You" and her own hit song, "Terrified." 

To showcase more of his composed songs, David played Chicago's "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" and "You're The Inspiration," with the audience singing along. 

Stell then came back onstage to perform "All By Myself," and the entire arena was stunned with his performance. 

Brian McKnight then sang his classic songs "One Last Cry" and "Back At One."

UP soprano to represent Philippines at World Youth Choir 2024 Alumni Session

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

Pauline Arejola is the sole participant from the Philippines at the World Youth Choir 2024 Alumni Session.

Pauline Arejola via Facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A soprano from the University of the Philippines (UP) is set to represent the Philippines at the World Youth Choir 2024 Alumni Session.

Pauline Arejola is the sole participant from the Philippines who qualified from over 57 applications from 24 countries. 

Arejola is part of the chosen 32 singers by the international jury composed by a jury representative from each of the three World Youth Choir patron organizations: Victoria Liedbergius on behalf of the European Choral Association, Burak Onur Erdem on behalf of the International Federation for Choral Music and Sasho Tatarchevski on behalf of Jeunesses Musicales International. 

Arejola shared her excitement about this opportunity. 

"Finally, after what seemed almost impossible in this lifetime, I am glad to share with you that I will be representing the Philippines in the World Youth Choir Alumni Session 2024," she said. 

She expressed her gratitude for the chance to participate after facing setbacks, including the cancelation of the 2020 session due to the pandemic.

The World Youth Choir 2024 Alumni Session is set to take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as part of the inaugural Harbour Voices International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions. 

Renowned Swedish conductor Cecilia Rydinger will lead the ensemble with Arejola the only participant from the Philippines. 

The program will feature a diverse range of musical works, including classical choral pieces and traditions from Scandinavian and Canadian Indigenous cultures. 

Arejola's musical journey is deeply rooted in her education and experiences at the UP College of Music, where she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music with a major in Voice in 2018. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors like Prof. Ma. Cecila O. Valeña, she honed her craft and cultivated her passion for music.

Her versatility as a performer spans classical and contemporary operas, as well as musical theater. Beyond her solo endeavors, Pauline  has performed with prestigious groups, such as the UP Los Baños Choral Ensemble and Collegium Vocale Manila, with the latter known for recently performing at the 49th International Bamboo Organ Festival.

As she prepares to represent her country on the global stage, she held a special send off-cum-fundraising concert in the Philippines. 

Titled "Handog," the concert serves as both a celebration of her musical journey and a thanksgiving.

"This concert is very special to my heart as it represented the culmination of years of my musical journey," Arejola said. "This evening was my 'handog' to everyone who’s been there in that journey!"

The concert featured performances by Arejola herself, accompanied by pianist Darren Vega, and special appearances by Canticum Amoris Music Ministry, DSSTCJ Children's Choir, Mikee Baskiñas and UPLB Choral Ensemble. The event took place last May 18 in the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in UP Los Baños, Laguna.

'Love Is All That Matters' singer Eric Carmen passes away

 

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

March 13, 2024 | 1:06pm

MANILA, Philippines — American singer-songwriter Eric Carmen has passed away. He was 74. 

On his official website, his wife Amy Carmen announced the singer's passing. 

"It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen.

"Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend.

"It brought him great joy to know, that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy."

Amy asked for privacy as they mourn the passing of the hit maker. 

"Please respect the family’s privacy as we mourn our enormous loss.

“Love Is All That Matters...Faithful and Forever,” she ended the statement. 

Eric was the lead vocalist of pop rock band The Raspberries in the 1970s. 

After the disbandment, Eric became a solo artist with hits "All By Myself" and "Love Is All That Matters."