Star-studded Yolanda benefit concert in Washington ‘huge success’

A star-studded benefit concert in Washington D.C. held last weekend for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was labeled a "huge success," drumming up attention to the plight of those affected by the killer cyclone last November.

The Philippine embassy in Washington DC said Filipinos, Americans, and US government officials attended the concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Broadway artist Lea Salonga and Fil-Am Hollywood star Lou Diamond Phillips led the celebrities who graced the concert, the embassy said.

“Despite the seriousness of the occasion, let's all have a good time,” the embassy quoted Salonga, a Tony Awardee, as saying before she sang a medley of “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own” from the musical Les Miserables.

Salonga also sang a duet of “A Whole New World” from Disney's Aladdin with Filipino-American singer and songwriter Darren Criss, best known for his role in the television musical Glee.

Members of the audience danced to “We Can Be Anything” sung by Allan Pineda Lindo a.k.a. apl.de.ap of the Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas, as well as his rendition of “Where is the Love” with Criss.

On the other hand, performers sent their well wishes and reminded the audience of the resiliency of the Filipino people.

Those who sent their messages include Gloria and Emilio Estefan, James Caan and Suze Orman.

The Philippine Embassy said the concert was a tribute to those who lost their lives in the wake of Yolanda, and to those who helped in rescue, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts.

It said the concert was also a celebration honoring Filipinos and their resiliency as the country rebuilds after Yolanda.

Other artists who performed included:

Filipina fashion designer Josie Natori was among the presenters.

Video messages

Philippine and US leaders led by President Benigno Aquino III gave messages of thanks via video messages.

Aquino III thanked the US government and the American people for their assistance to typhoon victims in the Philippines.

He also congratulated the US-Philippines Society and the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition for organizing the concert.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told attendees at the concert that while “I visited the Philippines after the typhoon ... there was a little something that kept the people going.”

Meanwhile, Vice President Joseph Biden, in a message read for him by his daughter-in-law Kathleen, reiterated the commitment made by President Barack Obama when he visited the Philippines in April.

"(Biden) said the US will continue to stand by the Philippines not only during troubled times but also as the country gets back on its feet and rebuilds after Typhoon Haiyan," the Philippine embassy said.

Ambassador John Negroponte, Co-Chair of the US-Philippines Society, said he was delighted to see how Americans and Filipinos joined in making the benefit concert a success.

“Performers and presenters, sponsors and patrons all pulled together to send a 'message of hope,' assuring people in the central Philippines that they can succeed and are not alone in rebuilding their lives after Typhoon Haiyan,” he said.

“I am truly heartened by the compassion and kindness shown by the American people and other friends throughout the world, who rallied to come to the aid of those in need. I hope this spirit of solidarity will persist long after we overcome this adversity. I look forward to continue working with you all and contribute to rebuilding the lives of our brothers and sisters in Central Philippines,” Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News