■ Ofelia C. Empian
A n estimated crowd of 12,000 spectators from different towns of Benguet and Baguio City gathered at the Benguet State University oval in La Trinidadfor the concert dubbed “Pagkakaisa” on April 21 headlined by singer Bamboo Mañalac.
Bamboo, considered as one of the legends of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene, entertained the full-packed oval of music fans during the concert as part of the two-day Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair on April 21 to 22.
Opening the concert was Cordillera’s nightingale Ingrid Payaket who serenaded the community with her rendition of the musical ballad “Never Enough” followed by the ILT (I Love Tacloban) Band with their own version of OPM hits.
Comedian Wacky Kiray performed his funny bits during the concert with the special participation of people from the audience.
Young and old residents of the province listened and sang along to the performances of more musical guests including Darren Espanto and Rocksteddy.
The concert was hosted by BSU’s own educators and emcees Maria Jaja Obidos and Jhordan Cuilan.
There were also raffle prizes including brand new motorcycles that were given away during the one-night concert to those who availed the services of the BPSF and attended the concert
The celebrity-packed concert is the first to be mounted in a large-scale level to which Benguet Rep. Eric Yap said will be replicated in upcoming special events in the province, which drew positive reaction from the audience during the event. – Ofelia C. Empian
