UNICEF Ambassador Gary Valenciano
Pure talent and pure love – Gary Valenciano shares the stage with disabled musicians at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on April 3, 2009 for a charitable concert to benefit Filipino street children. The “Beautiful Children Concert” by Beautiful Mind Charity, a Korean philanthropic organization, hopes to inspire audiences and showcase talents who rose above their disabilities to become talented classical musicians.
Mr. Pure Energy will grace the event in support for UNICEF Philippines, which he has supported for 10 years as a National Ambassador. Gary V. believes in the power of music and uses it to bring his message of hope and strength to young people. He uses his talents to encourage them to find their voice, pursue their dreams, as well as help other Filipino children.
“My vision as an ambassador for UNICEF for the next ten years is hopefully to encourage efforts to know more about UNICEF and unite our efforts for the rights of all children. We have seen great progress and I’m sure together we can achieve a lot for children here in the Philippines. I feel that is what I will be carrying out in the years to come,” he said.
Well-attuned to Gary V.’s advocacy, the “Beautiful Children Concert” aims to inspire its audience by showcasing how pure talent and belief in oneself can break barriers. The concert will feature artists San Jae Lee, a visually impaired clarinetist; Hee Ah Lee, an extraordinary pianist who has 1st grade congenital limb deformity, and; Philippine soprano Alexis Edralin who was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.
The one-night only performance will also showcase talents of elite musicians like the Beautiful Mind Trio composed of cellist Il Hwan Bai, guitarist Jung Shil Suh and violinist Geenie Jung, the Clarion Chamber Ensemble, pianist Hye Young Park, and crossover artist Kyul.
BMC has been organizing concerts and exhibitions since 2006 to raise funds for local communities and charity organizations. Through these concerts, BMC aims to demonstrate that the human race can be united in cultural and artistic activities. The organization works with artists around the world, regardless of race, nationality and physical condition. Aside from Korea, BMC has held similar fundraising concerts in the U.S., Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam.
All proceeds of the Beautiful Children Concert will be given to UNICEF to make children’s rights a reality for children in the Philippines. UNICEF is set to use these funds to help reduce the disparities in the situation of children and women among communities.
The Beautiful Children Concert is hosted by the Korean Embassy and sponsored by the United Korean Community Association of the Philippines. For more inquiries and ticket purchases, please contact the UNICEF office from Monday thru Friday at 758-1000 or the CCP at 832-1125.
