Musikahan at Bayanihan -September 11, 2022

Musikahan - it means making music; Bayanihan- the Filipino spirit of helping one another, especially in times of need! That is exactly what FAAR did when it presented the benefit concert Musikahan at Bayanihan on September 11, 2022 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Victor, NY. The concert was held for the benefit of Rey Sunglao, a double Master's Degree in Music Education and Double Bass Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester. While attending Eastman last semester, a tuition grant program from an organization in the Philippines was cancelled as well as a private foundation that had promised to help pay for his living accommodations while studying in Rochester. Both sources of assistance were cancelled because the Covid-19 pandemic had impacted the economy in Manila. Without these grants, Rey was in danger of not having enough finances to continue his studies. That is when a group of FAAR members proposed the idea of a fundraising concert. Fr. Edison Tayag, the pastor of St. Patrick gladly offered the venue and the event was set in motion. It was a huge success despite the limited attendance, raising $3485 for Rey's living expenses. Filipinos in the area continue to help Rey with groceries and other needs - that is the Filipino spirit!

FAAR President Aileen Tamayo delivered the Welcome Address and Fr. Tayag gave the Invocation. The program ended with the community enthusiastically singing the patriotic song Bayan Ko by Constancio De Guzman, led by Kim Bautista with Consuelo De Los Santos on piano. Larissa Cafer emceed the program. A small reception with some Filipino desserts was held after the program.

Submitted by Mao Bautista