We Are One: A Night of Unified Strength Amidst the Storm

On Oct. 22, 2009, the We Are One Typhoon Ondoy Benefit Concert opened up in Glendale, Ca to a surprisingly large turn-out, given the surrounding circumstances. Basically put together in a matter of a few weeks, We Are One was a collaboration and mobilization like no other, with Pilipino celebrities from across the nation and world coming together to lend their time and support for a real world crisis which has sadly taken a backseat  to fake stories of boys trapped in out-of-control air balloons in the American news media.

It was a night of admirable solidarity amongst many Pilipinos of different generations and different nationalities (from Pil-Ams to mainland Pinoys). Instead of continuing to mourn and worry about the irreparable damages and forecoming disasters facing our countrymen, all in attendance came together under the unified mentality that it's taken something this horrific to finally bring out the best in every Pilipino near and far - to bring out the true kababyan in every one of us.

Some benefit performers include Lea Salonga, AJ Rafael, and RJ dela Fuente.

And what unifies Pilipinos more than a good ol', Pilipino Time Talent Show to, you know, remind other Pilipinos how amazing we are at singing, dancing, and entertaining (just in case they forgot...)? A wide variety of talent was on display that night with a storied list of mainland performers such as Kuh Luh Desma, Bambi, and Bernardo Bernardo, some mainstream Pilipino-American artists such as the great Lea Salonga, the Basco Brothers, and Mark Dacascos, and last but not least, some up-and-coming Pilipino-American stars that we've all come to know quite well like AJ Rafael and Quest Crew (who brought everyone to their feet towards the end of the night). From celebrity interviews, to hip hop dancing, to all varieties of music performances (jazz, pop, old-time classics, r&b, rap, gospel), to tinikling - this concert had it all. And the best and most crucial part of this event is that all the proceeds from the concert will be going straight to the typhoon victims in the Philippines who need it the most.

Quest Crew performs at "We Are One" Benefit Concert.

Furthermore, what made this concert especially special and unique was the collaboration and bonding of Pilipinos and Pilipino artists from all different generations, locations, and lifestyles - all in it with the right hearts for the same cause. You had Lea Salonga performing one moment, Kuh at another, and then AJ Rafael serenading the crowd at yet another time. All three performers come from such different places in the entertainment world and in the world in general, yet they were all, just like the rest of the colorful performers on display that night, able to complement each other so beautifully in showcasing their diverse gifts and talents, effectively breaking down any divisions amongst generation, nationality, and social status. In the end, it was definitely an endearing and uplifting sight to see older generation Pilipinos not only clap and shout for the Pilipino idols that they adored growing up, but also appreciate the talented, new faces of this YouTube generation that many of their children have come to love and cheer for as well. The same went for the younger generation of Pinoys who also had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with and pay respects to the one-of-a-kind talent that came out of their parents' time. Overall, a perfect image to once again reiterate the fact that "We Are One".

For more information on typhoon relief efforts, visit BakitWhy.com's Heal Philippines Resource page.

http://www.bakitwhy.com/heal-philippines