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NEW YORK—What was initially planned as a small, intimate show ballooned into something big and great, as Lea Salonga performed before a crowd of about 200 people at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
Through ticket sales alone, the event generated more than a million pesos in funds that would be donated to the flood victims in the Philippines. Donations to Ayala Foundation USA surged from October 2 to 12 because of the awareness the event brought and generated an additional $77,800 (roughly P3.7 million pesos).
"Every single one of us knows someone that was directly affected by Typhoon Ondoy, be it a family member or a friend. We have to help to take care of our loved ones at home, and the money donated will be an absolute godsend to someone that has lost everything," Lea said, as she began the show, "Even a little bit helps... a few dollars for drinking water, for example, will mean the world to someone at home."
Lea also echoed John F. Kennedy’s famous quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
"These words are no more appropriate and timely than they are now," producer Victor Lirio said.
In hindsight, Lirio said that the only challenge they were confronted by was meeting the demand for the seats.
"The Kalayaan Hall can only seat 190. The general admission seats were sold in just slightly over 24 hours. We had to be creative. We opened up the Annex of the Kalayaan Hall in order for us to add more seats," he shared.
Lirio and his team of volunteers led by Ronna Reyes Sieh worked almost round-the-clock with the Philippine Consulate General’s office to make sure that everything would turn out fine.
"The process was one of the best and most cherished experiences. There was not a hindrance nor obstacle. Everyone was willing to lend a hand. The generosity of everyone’s spirit was inspiring. Everything was donated and everyone was a volunteer," Lirio added.
From food and beverage for the VIP reception, to sound gear (the group had to bring in additional sound equipment for the event donated by Five Ohm Productions), to chair rental – everything was donated. They also had about 22 volunteers.
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