Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. – Victor Hugo
Thousands of Filipinos were overcome by grief last September 26 as typhoon Ondoy lashed at Metro Manila and nearby areas devastating lives and properties like never before. Understandably, Filipinos in foreign lands became apprehensive of the safety of their loved ones back home and the Pinoys in Singapore were no exception.
It is difficult to put into words the range of emotions that swirled in the minds of every Filipino then. Yet, it is even more difficult to keep those emotions bottled inside. During this time, music provides the balm to soothe present difficulties and help assuage the uncertainty that the future holds.
Again, the Filipino Voice Symphony were summoned to do what it does best, only this time, the group responded with a renewed sense of purpose.
Last October 2, Filipinos in Singapore got together in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish in Siglap Road to raise awareness and funds for the victims of typhoon Ondoy. FVS accepted the last minute invitation and performed the songs “Heal the World” and “Paraiso” to a warmly appreciative group of Filipinos and a few Singaporean locals.
There were the usual accolades and praises after the presentation but looking at the FVS members that evening, one can sense a feeling of fulfilment that had little, if any, to do with what the audience thought about the performance. It came from the knowledge that each one gave a part of themselves to make a difference in the lives of some Filipino families back home. On that rare occasion, FVS performed, not to promote itself or its craft, but to support the collective effort of Filipinos to give love where it was needed most.
FVS gave it their all, as usual, only this time, the members certainly came out richer because of the experience.
Words by Lorenzo Antonio C. Angel
Thousands of Filipinos were overcome by grief last September 26 as typhoon Ondoy lashed at Metro Manila and nearby areas devastating lives and properties like never before. Understandably, Filipinos in foreign lands became apprehensive of the safety of their loved ones back home and the Pinoys in Singapore were no exception.
It is difficult to put into words the range of emotions that swirled in the minds of every Filipino then. Yet, it is even more difficult to keep those emotions bottled inside. During this time, music provides the balm to soothe present difficulties and help assuage the uncertainty that the future holds.
Again, the Filipino Voice Symphony were summoned to do what it does best, only this time, the group responded with a renewed sense of purpose.
Last October 2, Filipinos in Singapore got together in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish in Siglap Road to raise awareness and funds for the victims of typhoon Ondoy. FVS accepted the last minute invitation and performed the songs “Heal the World” and “Paraiso” to a warmly appreciative group of Filipinos and a few Singaporean locals.
There were the usual accolades and praises after the presentation but looking at the FVS members that evening, one can sense a feeling of fulfilment that had little, if any, to do with what the audience thought about the performance. It came from the knowledge that each one gave a part of themselves to make a difference in the lives of some Filipino families back home. On that rare occasion, FVS performed, not to promote itself or its craft, but to support the collective effort of Filipinos to give love where it was needed most.
FVS gave it their all, as usual, only this time, the members certainly came out richer because of the experience.
Words by Lorenzo Antonio C. Angel