PADAYON is a Visayan word that means “to continue,” “carry on” or keep going. It is a powerful reminder to persevere through challenges in the face of adversity. It has become a popular word that should be regarded as a Filipino word already. The enumeration of the adversities — natural and man-made calamities — that beset our country and our people are exasperating already.
But life goes on, as usual.
The grounds that shake
From the floods exposés that revealed the flooding resulting from the greed of unscrupulous contractors and government officials, Filipinos panicked and were shocked by a series of earthquakes and aftershocks in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Gruesome stories about the loss of lives and property, emotional and mental trauma, and fear filled the headlines and social media. It captured the attention of the world, and it awakened the compassion of Filipinos to the usual bayanihan that finds a way to unite and help.
Artists for a cause, in retrospect
In February 2020, in response to the eruption of the Taal Volcano, Carl Balita, the couple Isay Alvarez and Robert Seña, and songwriter Vehnee Saturno staged the “Tulong Taal: A Musical Collaboration Concert” at the Cuneta Astrodome, which featured 24 artists. “Tulong Taal” is a song dedicated to the communities in Taal composed by Vehnee Saturno. The music video produced by Dr. Carl Balita Productions went viral and is still active in social media, YouTube and Spotify.
“Tulong Taal” generated donations, which was used to fund the rice distribution to thousands of families in evacuation centers, even during the pandemic.
Rebirth of artists for a cause
Recently, various parts of the country — Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao — were hit by earthquakes of various magnitudes — exhibiting high-magnitude, causing destruction, devastation, physical injuries, trauma and loss of lives.
To aid the affected communities, the group led by Carl Balita, together with Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña and Vehnee Saturno, has gathered like-minded artists to hold a fundraising concert titled “Padayon Pilipinas” on Oct. 28, 2025, 6 p.m., at the Fr. Peter Yang SVD Hall, Saint Jude Catholic School. The project is managed by Dr. Carl E. Balita Foundation Inc.
In a night of music and solidarity, 23 artists willingly volunteered their time to help the earthquake survivors.
Vehnee Saturno composed the song “Padayon Pilipinas” in time for the good cause. It is performed by selected artists and is now available on YouTube and Spotify.
All proceeds will go to the families affected by the tragedy, with the help of Cebuano artists like Dulce, Chad Borja and Vina Morales, in collaboration with the SVD Task Force Linog of the University of San Carlos, Cebu. This event coincides with the 150th founding anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word.
Hail to the artists
The concert features these artists for a cause (in alphabetical order):
Alakim is a celebrity magician and a professional illusionist who gained national recognition as a finalist in “Pilipinas Got Talent.” Alynna Velasquez is known for her naughty and sexy hit songs such as “Kahit Gaano Kalaki” and “Pasumpa-sumpa.”
Bayang Barrios is a multi-awarded singer and songwriter known for infusing her Indigenous lumad roots to her sound and movement. She is reintroducing herself as the “Katutubong D.I.V.A.” Beverly Salviejo is an Aliw Awards Hall of Fame awardee. She is known as a comedienne on television and movies who started from theater and musical performances.
Chad Borja is a highly regarded balladeer from Cebu, who is known for the song “Ikaw Lang.” Dulce is “Asia’s Timeless Diva,” who is dubbed as one of the Philippines’ national treasurers. Hailing from Cebu, her hit songs have stood the test of time — “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi,” ”Paano” and “Matud Nila.”
Frenchie Dy is a “Star in a Million” grand winner in 2004, who is celebrating 20 years in the business. Isay Alvarez is a seasoned theater actress known for originating the role of Gigi in the original production of “Miss Saigon” and the last staging of “Katy the Musical.”
Jade Aban is a teacher from Mindanao, who is the grand winner of “Gimme a Break: Teachers Edition,” produced by Cathy Garcia-Sampana. Jamie Rivera is the “Inspirational Diva” known for her signature songs “Heal Our Land” and “Jubilee Song.” Prior to singing inspirational songs, she made several hit songs such as “I’ve Fallen for You,” “Hey It’s Me” and “Mahal Naman Kita.”
Jenine Desiderio is an accomplished actress, especially in theater. She was part of the original cast of “Miss Saigon” and is known for the hit song “Hindi Ako si Darna.” Juustin Taller is a vocal coach, social media influencer, singer and songwriter. With 3.3 million followers on TikTok, he makes covers, tutorial videos, voice commentaries and multi-voice song arrangements.
MB40 was formed by and at the Music Box, and is in its 40th year in business. Rdee, Rafael, Gelo and Kurt form a vocal group whose vocals individually are already unique as they are. Ladine Roxas won the Voice of Asia 2001 in Kazakhstan.
Ornella Brianna is a Swiss-Filipino theatrical performer who played Ariel in Repertory Philippines’ “The Little Mermaid.” She is now focused on singing, dancing and acting on stage and television. Rannie Raymundo is the man behind the famous sentimental ballad “Why Can’t It Be,” a singer-songwriter and producer whose work has been recognized by critics.
Renz Verano has the distinction of having a unique and hoarse voice, singing weepy songs such as “Remember Me.” An Awit Award winner, people now remember him as a judge in a singing contest on television. Richard Reynoso is “The Philippines Original Prince of Ballad” whose songs “Hindi Ko Kaya,” “Paminsan-minsan” and “Maaalala Mo Pa Rin” became the theme songs of senti Pinoy music lovers. He continues to work as a member of the MTRCB board.
Robert Seña is best known for his work in theater and musicals, both in the Philippines and internationally. The Flippers 3rd Gen is the former boy band which sang the hit songs “I’ll Face Tomorrow,” “Pangako” and “Hindi Ako Iiyak.” They are making a comeback, performing with Carmela Betonio.
The FORTEnors is an award-winning all-male tenor singing group, blending different genres of music — ranging from pop, Broadway, classical, crossover, jazz, gospel — performing in operatic vocal technique. They will be performing with Jedidah, Dulce’s daughter.
Vina Morales is known as the “Utlimate Performer.” Coming from Cebu, her award-winning career highlights a 35-year success which expands from music, movies, television and Broadway. David Pomeranz is an international hit maker who is a Filipino favorite. With hits like “Got to Believe in Magic,” and “King and Queen of Hearts,” he made it all the way to Pinoy sentimental hearts and will stay there for all eternity.
Padayon, Pilipinas
Every support will make a meaningful difference to the project, especially since the country continues to experience earthquakes in different regions. Padayon Pilipinas invites sponsors to donate or purchase tickets at P1,500 or P1,000 each to help bring hope and relief to those in need.
Interested parties may contact (0917)1037-683 for inquiries.
Special gratitude goes to the growing list of sponsors. The Manila Times is a media partner.
As a constant reminder to us Filipinos, “Walang hindi magagawa kung tayo’y sama-sama sa puso, sa diwa at sa pananampalataya.” Padayon Pilipinas!
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SOURCE: The Manila Times