Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

As early as 5:30pm last Sunday, Oct 4, the parking lot of St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church in Panorama City was filled by Filipinos who came from different parts of LA County, bound together by love for their homeland and kababayans, and a willingness to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. They came to watch the special benefit concert put together hurriedly, but excellently, by Filipino singers and musicians, led by the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO). They also came to help the hundreds of thousands of needy Filipinos whose lives have been shattered and devastated by Typhoon Ondoy.

Open to the public, the special show was sponsored by Asian Journal Publications, Inc. and ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc in cooperation with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) and St. Genevieve Parish in Panorama. Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Aragon and Bishop Solis attended the concert. The artists gave a fantastic show and the audience, which packed the church, gave around $6,000 or close to P300,000 to help the victims rebuild their lives. All donations collected during the show were handed over to ABS-CBN Foundation-Sagip.

"We saw the announcement in the Asian Journal," said Josie Arcena, a resident of Panorama City for the past 29 years. "Pumunta kami dito para makapag-donate sa mga victims," added Josie who admitted that her cousin in Cainta was one of the flood victims but is now safe and sound.

Aside from the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the special concert featured the Harana Men’s Chorus, Philippine Chamber Singers- LA, Sole Voce, University of Santo Tomas-Alumni Singers and Bridges Chorale. Singers who gave outstanding performances include Christopher Avendano, Edward Granadosin, Gelo Francisco, Erwin Andaya, Homer Mendoza, Joseph Cruz, Bonifacio "Bones" Deoso , Joan Cano, Annie Nepomuceno, Mike Zuniga, Nilo Alcala, and Tims Nocido.

"It’s a beautiful show," exclaimed Henry, one of the Filipino ushers in St Genevieve’s and a member of the Knights of Columbus. "I have been going to this church for the past 25 years. We have a very strong Filipino community here."

Bochok Molina of FASO shared how the show came about. "Wala masyadong plano-plano ito. Bob Shroder (FASO’s Musical Director) called me up Wednesday morning with the idea. He called up Pete Avendano and Gelo Francisco, and everything was set in place. By Wednesday night, FASO was already practicing for the show," said Bochok who revealed that his wife and 4 children were also affected in their house in Sampaloc. "Nasira ang mga appliances namin sa lalim ng baha," he added.