ABS-CBN Foundation marks 20th year of service to nation

Author: (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)
Column: Manila, Entertainment

CELEBRITIES, socialites, politicians, and people with big hearts gathered recently at the Meralco Theater in celebration for the 20th year founding anniversary of ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated (AFI).

Since 1989, AFI has been dedicated to its vision of developing programs to build a better world for the Filipino children. ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Regina Paz Lopez is committed to bring back the cleanliness of the Pasig River through "Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig." (Jill Beltran)

Through the years, it has created projects such as E-Media, Bantay Bata, Bayan Microfinance, Bantay Kalikasan, Sagip Kapamilya, Bayanijuan, and Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig that have helped improve and save lives of thousands.

Last Friday, AFI in partnership with ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation commemorated the 20 years of unyielding service of the foundation in a by-invitation-only concert participated by renowned Kapamilya artists. Sun.Star was honored to be part of it.

The two-hour concert was opened by ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio. She commended AFI managing director Regina "Gina" Paz-Lopez by quoting Gina's father eminent Eugenio Lopez Jr. describing her saying: "She (Gina) is a great example of extending one's hand to the needy. I am glad I have a daughter who feels the pain because I think there should be more people who should do that. Gina congratulations for an excellent and inspiring job."

It was then followed by lively production numbers from world-acclaimed artists and Kapamilya stars, namely: Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, Rachelle Ann Go, and Erik Santos. Gary's daughter, Kiana, and Kuh's daughter, Isabella, sang with them.

The night was also energized by performances of Jet Pangan, Bituin Escalante, Ana Fegi, Isay Alvarez, Mitch Lauchengco, Odie Gemora, Michael Williams and Robert Sena and Pinoy Dream Academy scholars Sen, Liezel, Van, Chivas, and Chris.

Kapamilya kids - Kristel, Hopia, Alysa, Makisig Morales, Rap Salazar, and Amy Nobleza - also brightened the night with bubbly musical productions.

After every number, Kapamilya stars like Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, Willie Revillame, Piolo Pascual, Anne Curtis, Ai-Ai delas Alas, and Zaijan Jaranilla highlighted the accomplishments of the different projects of AFI.

And as a very special guest of the night, King of Comedy Dolphy was there to applaud the 20 years of humanitarian service of AFI and recalled how fortunate he is to be part of it.

The entire concert was presided by musical director Ryan Cayabyab, and was hosted by Edu Manzano, Karen Davila, and Atom Araullo.

Several politicians were also spotted at the event like Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn. ABS-CBN's executives Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III and Cory Vidanes were also there.

Gina shared that for 20 years, she never lost hope that the country could make a big difference in paving a better world for every family.

"We have done all of this because everybody work together. If every single individual commit to work together in serving, in compassion, in passion, whatever happens we still make difference in the country," she noted.

She said that among the seven projects of AFI, their recently-launched project Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig has taken most of her time.

"I'm very passionate with the Pasig River project. I want to clean the river," she said adding that they have just started cleaning the "esteros" surrounding the river.

Gina also commended the role of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Company in making her hopes possible through its unrelenting support to their project. "Media is the thread that binds it all..."

She meanwhile ended her speech with an encouragement words to every Filipinos to make a commitment for the country "to work together and be able to make a better home not just today but for the next 20 or more years."

Source: Sunstar Daily