“This is our way of showing support and solidarity with the Filipino people – to be able to contribute in the rebuilding process. Music is one of the things that threads through every person, regardless of age, religion, culture, and socio-economic bracket. We are committed to help the communities that we serve, especially in times like these that we have to come together to rebuild not just the physical structures, but most importantly, the lives of the people.” ~Stephan Czypionka, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Philippines
With my co-bloggers:
Joseph Aguilus of http://www.jcadventure.info/
Ann Ville Purificacion of http://www.annvassadress.tumblr.com
and Mairo Dungo of http://www.connectmanila.blogspot.com
I am one of the people who joined last December 9, 2017, for the Coke Studio Live Benefit Concert at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. And enjoyed some of my favorite Coke Studio artists live on stage.
The youth donate their empty bottles to help fund the construction of a Little Red Schoolhouse for Marawi children
Plus I showed support by bringing empty Coca-Cola PET bottles for a recycling drive that would help contribute to the construction of a Little Red Schoolhouse for Marawi kids.
“We are committed in helping rebuild Marawi and the communities impacted by this conflict. In partnership with relevant government agencies, we in the private sector will be bringing our sustainability initiatives to the area. Our 5by20 entrepreneurship programs will be provided for the spouses of soldiers deployed in Marawi, while water systems will also be installed in the communities. We’ll also build a Little Red Schoolhouse.” ~Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, Public Affairs and Communications Director of Coca-Cola Philippines
Coca-Cola Philippines brought thousands of teens together to help rebuild Marawi through a unique benefit concert that celebrated the Filipinos’ love for music as it empowered the youth to move as one creative force for a great endeavor. Coca-Cola Philippines committed to building a Little Red Schoolhouse as part of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation’s (PDRF) United4Marawi campaign.
Bringing music back to Marawi
It was a night filled with music and hope shared their voices and talents for Marawi. Their amazing performances included renditions of Christmas favorites as well as their groundbreaking collaborations with Coke Studio artists including:
Noel Cabangon &
Curtismith
Noel Cabangon and Curtismith dedicate the empowering lyrics of their Coke Studio collaboration “Payong Kaibigan” to the victims of Marawi
Abra
Hip-hop superstar, Abra, raps crowd favorite “Diwata” at the Coke Studio Benefit Concert for Marawi
Franco Reyes
Franco Reyes, vocalist of Franco, rocking out at the Coke Studio Benefit Concert for Marawi at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds
Ebe Dancel and Raimund Marasigan
Ebe Dancel and Raimund Marasigan happily share the stage as they sing and unexpected duet to the E-heads classic “Magasin”
Reese Lansangan
Reese Lansangan sings a smash hit Coke Studio collaboration, “Off of Center”, with rock band Franco
UP’s STLO
The vocalist of UP’s STLO belts out the lines of the university bands’ special composition for the people of Marawi
Gracenote
Gab and John of Urbandub
Moonstar88
The Ransom Collective
Autotelic
BP Valenzuela
Sandwich
To further involve the youth in the advocacy, Coca-Cola also selected artists from the top UAAP schools: SLTO of the University of the Philippines Diliman, PAPA PETA of University of Santo Tomas, The Cohens of Ateneo de Manila University, and Matt Junasio of De La Salle University to perform an original collaboration piece. Other artists from different universities were also present to entertain the crowd in the pocket stage at the Tunebayan area.
All the Coke Studio artists unite to sing a moving rendition of “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” for the people of Marawi
Aside from the upbeat performances, there were also several emotional moments. Coke Studio artists Noel Cabangon and Curtismith led the audience in observing a few minutes of silence as they offered a prayer for the victims of Marawi. Afterwards, they both sang the empowering lyrics of their collaboration “Payong Kaibigan”. There was also a special group performance where the Coke Studio artists all sang “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” to inspire unity in supporting the Maranaos especially this Christmas season.
Thousands of people come to show their support for the worthy cause at the Coke Studio benefit concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds
During the event, attendees enjoyed exciting activities like singing along to their favorite tunes at the Coke Studio Karaoke and receiving personalized Coke bottles with their names on the labels at the Coke Jukebox. There was even a Christmas food fair and bazaar where guests feasted on good food, best paired with a refreshing drink.
Overall, it was a great night worthy of its even greater advocacy which showed just how music truly unites and inspires Filipinos to come together.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and nearly 3,900 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company's portfolio features 21 billion-dollar brands, 19 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. These brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.
