With Christmas just around the corner, the Rotary Club of Makati elevated the festive spirit with a heartwarming Classical Christmas Concert of glorious carols and hymns on 10 December at The Fifth at Rockwell, Makati City.  

The benefit concert, produced by Rotary past president Eduardo "Eddie" Yap, featured an array of celebrated classical artists, including Rachelle Gerodias, Byeong In Park, Gerphil Flores, Nomher Nival, Krissan Manikan Tan, and Sherwin Sozon, with Mark Agpasa from Coro Tomasino and Hermenegildo Ranera of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra as conductors.  

According to Yap, “Classical Christmas Concert brings the tradition in other parts of the Christian world where carols and hymns ring out and pass on joyously and reverently through the ages.” 

The event delivered a blend of timeless classics and Filipinos’ Christmas favorites, with renditions of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, What Child is This, and Hallelujah Chorus.  

Local color was added with joyful orchestrated and vocal performances of Filipino Christmas treasures like Ang Pasko ay Sumapit and Pasko Na, Sinta Ko. Adding to the festive atmosphere was the charming performance by the Sisters of Mary Bell Ringers.  

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Sisters of Mary Boys and Girls Schools, extending educational opportunities to underprivileged students.

“Every note played and every song sung will contribute to a brighter future for the students we aim to support,” Rotary Community District 3830 Governor Prescita V. Yulo stated.  

The evening was a celebration of music and generosity, embodying the true spirit of the season.