Celebrating Adoption Consciousness Week through Good Music

An adoption advocacy has never been this fun.

As part of the adoption campaign “Love Sees beyond Differences” of DSWD, ICAB and McCann and as part of the celebration of Adoption Consciousness Week, a music event was held at Terra 28, in front of Active Fun building, on November 22, 2013.

I was able to listen to OPM artists and singers who I love like Jaime Rivera, the UP Concert Chorus Alumni, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Ney, Erik Santos and Moonstar88. I was so happy to hear and see them sing live, especially when I think that their performances are for a cause.

My friend Rencie and I were star struck by Moonstar88, and we sang “Torete” and “Migraine” like it’s our concert, too!

University of Santo Tomas students are enjoying Moonstar88's "Migraine"! 

The soothing voice of Erik Santos made the crowd relax.

Jaime Rivera sings her heart out 

UST students had a photo opportunity with Moonstar88!

Another good thing about the music event is that I was able to discover talented artists. They are Triple Fret, the trio who played classical guitar; the pretty Chadlyn Lacdo-o, the charming Luigi D’ Avola and contemporary singer Timmy Pavino. All of them serenaded us with music of various genres, something that the audience (and I) truly enjoyed.

It rained pretty hard that Thursday night, but it did not stop us from having fun and appreciating what the event is truly all about.

Heart wrenching stories were shared by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman and Jeffrey Hidalgo, who came in the concert with his adopted brother.

The adoptive families who are part of the campaign were also there. The heavy rain that Thursday night did not falter their happiness in being part of the program. They were recognized and were given caricatures of their families, too, which were made by students from University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts and Design.

As a closing number, the artists sang the official song of the “Love Sees beyond Differences” campaign, “I Love You Anak,” which was composed and sung by Mr. Ogie Alcasid.

For me, the greatest thing in this music event is that it brings adoptive families together. Seeing the adoptive parents holding their kids lovingly while smiling and singing with the artists is such a wonderful sight. The event bring closer ties in a way that they show people that adopting a child or being adopted is nothing to be ashamed of. They remove this negative stigma that the society imposes on adoption. 

Indeed, the event was fun-filled and gives people hope and love.

By: Venzerie Bernabe
Photo credits to: Patrick Uy and Nikki Rudi