On October 10th, close to 900 Pilipinos from the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) converged onto George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia for "Makinig II." "Makinig," meaning "to listen," was a show put on by GMU's Pilipino Cultural Association and the Asian Pacific American Council with donations and proceeds going to Gawad Kalinga's Operation GK: Walang Iwanan, which is aimed at providing relief efforts for those victimized by Typhoon Ondoy.
According to the current Pilipino Cultural Association President Patrick Pansoy, "Makinig" was started by GMU as a celebration of Pilipino Heritage month by gathering artists of Pilipino descent and proceeds last year went to Gawad Kalinga's efforts. President of the Asian Pacific American Coalition Vincent Lacsamana said Gawad Kalinga was chosen last year for their work with the Philippine community with their mission to "uplift 5 million Pilipinos from extreme poverty by the year 2024." This year, Gawad Kalinga was selected as the beneficiary once again and was fortunate to learn of their relief efforts.
Photos courtesy of Jeff Pham - jpham.group@gmail.com
The full line-up of performers includes Urbanknowlogy 101, Vincent Lacsamana, Alan Deperio, Deep Foundation, Tito BoyScouts, Jay Legaspi, Karla Garcia of "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 5, JR Aquino, Kat Badar, Siopao, K-Prime, AJ Rafael, Melissa Polinar, Jeremy "Passion" Manongdo, and the Boogie Bots from ABDC Season 2. Fans were also able to watch the show thanks to BTVfam broadcasting the event live on BlogTV. Those who came out to support the benefit show were not disappointed. There was a lot of dance, a lot of singing, and even some spoken word poetry to entertain the crowd.
Some other vendors such as SNRG Apparell, Busog, and the Squirez were present, and addition to the proceeds from donations and admission to the event, performers and vendors donated portions of the proceeds from their sales to the relief effort.
Overall, the night and the event was a success. Thanks to all the performers for helping support George Mason University in their fundraising efforts for Gawad Kalinga, and thanks especially to all the fans who came out to support the show and donated to the cause.
Vincent Lacsamana, President
George Mason University Asian Pacific American Coalition
Some performances from the evening below. To see other performances and interviews from Makinig, check out YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/bakitwhycom.
Deep Foundation performing "Never Forget" feat. Ashley Robles & "Children of the Sun"
Kat Badar & JR Aquino performing covers of "Down" by Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne & "Slow Jam" by Babyface
The Boogie Bots
