“Maraming salamat po!”. Kuya Daniel Razon invited the attendees of the Songs for Heroes 3 to stand and personally thank the Marawi heroes for their sacrifices for the country. The grateful voice of the crowd resounded throughout every corner of the Mall of Asia Arena. Courtesy: Photoville International | Mark Oliver Santillan

Kuya Daniel Razon led the spectators of the Songs for Heroes 3 staged last October 31 in offering a resounding “Maraming salamat po” (Thank you) to the gallant uniformed men who fought for peace during the recent Marawi siege.

As he gave an inspirational message, the BMPI President and CEO invited the Mall of Asia Arena crowd to stand and extend their gratitude to the slain and wounded soldiers and police officers who helped liberate the terror-stricken Mindanaoan city.

UNTV and MCGI give P8 M-cash assistance

In behalf of the Philippine National Police, Deputy Director Ericson Velasquez received the P2 million-check granted to the group as support to the affected police officers and their respective families. Courtesy: Photoville International | Rodel Lumiares

Songs for Heroes 3 donated a total of Php8 million financial aid to the country’s peacekeepers — Php6 million was awarded to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Php2 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The charitable event is a joint undertaking of UNTV, presided by the veteran broadcaster, and the Members Church of God International, led by Overall Servant Bro. Eli Soriano who conceptualized the first Songs for Heroes benefit concert in 2015.

During the event, Bro. Eli further stated that he wishes to extend more assistance to the Marawi heroes by giving P50,000 to each of their orphaned families.

As most of the killed soldiers and police officers were their families’ bread winners, the cash assistance aims to provide them with a source of livelihood.

“I don’t know how to thank [you]. In fact, I was telling Bro. Daniel Razon that we will show this to our troops in the field that the Filipino people in general, is actually supporting them so our soldiers can see that the people love them and they would be motivated even more,” said AFP Civil Relations Service Commander MGen. Ronnie Evangelista.

OPM Artists, AFP, PNP Perform for a Cause

The closing performance of the Songs for Heroes 3 featured Richard Reynoso and Chacha Cañete, together with the AFP-PNP performers and the MCGI’s (Members Church of God International) Kawan ng Cordero, with an inspiring rendition of “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika.” Courtesy: Photoville International | Russel Julio

The benefit concert featured various Filipino singers and talented members of the AFP and PNP who rendered uplifting song-and-dance numbers to entertain the MOA crowd including the bereaved families of the Marawi Heroes.

Some of the artists who performed include Jamie Rivera, Richard Reynoso, Jason Dy, Darren Espanto, Aia De Leon, Ney Dimaculangan, and Jett Pangan.

With songs like “Ako’y Isang Pinoy,” “Isang Bangka,” “Dakilang Lahi,” “I’ll Be There,” and “Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan” — each of the performances centered on the themes of nationalism and camaraderie.

Inspirational Diva Jamie Rivera shared her sentiments about being part of such an event: “While I am singing, I am hoping that somehow, we can make them happy for a bit, although for this one night, and hoped they could feel that we are honoring them and we will never forget them.”

Written by Elizabeth Borromeo