When pop music artists come together for a cause, we know that its success is guaranteed and that its outcome would be lasting. Such collaboration becomes not only of epic scale, but of epic stature.

Some of the biggest gatherings of artists include Band Aid, which gave us the Christmas anthem “Do They Know It’s Christmas;” USA for Africa that produced “We Are The World;” and a concert billed “Live Aid” hailed as a spectacular movement of musical artists bonded by a goal which is to feed and save the lives of people in Ethiopia.

Following these movements and inspirations, Ben & Ben, Kelvin Miranda, Calista, John Mark Saga and more take centerstage in Alon, a fund-raising concert for Filipino seafarers and their families, which happens on 28 June at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila.

Love, dream and hope

The concert Alon is anchored on the theme, “Pag-ibig, Pangarap and Pag-Asa.” Its concert director Gelo Ruiz said, “What we want people to see and hear in Alon are the stories of our seafarers and their families, their many trials and triumphs which most of us, we do not have an awareness about these people that can be best described as heroes of the seas. It is our gift sa mga marino, sa kanilang mga pamilya at mga pusong palagiang mga pusong palagi na lang naghihintay (it is our gift to the seafarers, to their families and to the hearts that are always waiting).”

“This concert will also harness the healing power of music. You know, sa barko (on the ship), listening to feel good music, is not only essential but necessary to the seafarers. It has become their lifeline. Music serves as the bridge of the seafarer to his family, who are at home, waiting always for their arrival.

“And most importantly, Alon is an advocacy, it is also a movement,” Ruiz said. “This is a movement of gratitude, recognition and of collective action. Tayo ay lumilikha para maka-inspire ng mga tao at tumulong dahil ito ay benefit concert (this is a movement of gratitude, recognition and of collective action. We are creating to inspire people and help because it is a benefit concert).”

What to expect

What audiences can expect are seafarers telling inspiring tales and empowering stories on stage,” said Ruiz. “We want their real stories to be king. Their narratives plus songs from our line-up of artists will light up on stage. As of the moment, we’re on the process of production and talking with real-life seafarers and families para iugnay ang bawat eksena at kwento (to connect each scene and story).”

As to why Ben& Ben are the frontliners of the concert, Ruiz said: “I told the management of Ben & Ben that we did an online survey, and that their songs are on repeated play sa mga (to those) gadget and streaming platform na tinatangkilik ng (which is enjoyed by) seafarers.”

Ruiz added: “Universal kasi ang themes ng Ben & Ben (the themes of Ben & Ben are universal.) Their musical compositions reflect the lives of every Filipino–their love, their aspiration, and their hope. Like the waves, the band’s songs carry both the sadness and even the fortitude of the seafarer’s journey, riding along the ocean’s vastness and their sacrifices. Yung hugot at soul stirring melodies nila, humahaplos talaga sa puso ng mga marino eh (their soul-stirring melodies really touch the hearts of sailors).”

Other comrades

The other featured artists in the concert are: Kelvin Miranda who made waves first as Mark Santa Maria in the first Filipino Netflix Original film, Dead Kids. Today, he stars as the prince slave as Diwan Adamus of Lireo, Alena’s second son and the only son of the late Chief Memfes of Gunikar tribe. He is part of the next generation of Sang’gres. As Adamus, he is the keeper of the water gem. Also, he’s a recording artist and released his single Slow Dance, which took the second spot on the iTunes PH chart on the day of its release.

Miranda said: “I am an ally of the seafarers. Huge respect to them, grabe ang sakripisyo nila (they make huge sacrifices), they are there for their families, helping them every step of the way para yung dreams ng mga mahal nila sa buhay ay maging totoo (so that the dreams of their loved ones can come true).”

John Mark Saga, the Tawag ng Tanghalan of It’s Showtime Season 3 second placer is the proud son of a seafarer.

Calista, the power pop girl quartet, composed of Anne, Denise, Elle and Dain.

In conclusion, director Gelo Ruiz said: “We hope people will give their love and support this tribute concert for our seafarers. Sama-sama po tayong panoorin, pakinggan at hangaan ang kanilang mga kwento at buhay (let’s watch, listen and admire their stories and lives together).”

ALON is produced by OrangeSkies Productions with the Associated Marine Officers’ Union of the Philippines as its co-presenter and its partner beneficiary, the GOLD Foundation Inc. Tickets for the concert are available via Ticket2Me,net.