NEW YORK CITY?It all started with a phone conversation with one of my best friends, Victor Lirio, head of the Diverse City Theater Company here in NY.

When Tropical Storm ?Ondoy? hit the Philippines, I told my representatives that I wanted and needed to do something, but at the time we couldn?t really figure out what and how.

One fine afternoon, Victor was having a meeting with my attorney on a separate matter, when he was told of my desire to help the flood victims in some way. Victor left a voicemail message for me (I was on a plane heading to Los Angeles from a tour stop and couldn?t answer the phone). I called him back and we threw a few ideas together, all resulting in a benefit performance here, which took place only a few hours ago (it?s now early Tuesday morning here; the show was held Monday night).

I was, in truth, not even supposed to be in NY today. But to make time for this performance for a cause, I changed my travel plans. It all worked out beautifully.

Once Victor and I had agreed on the performance date, he went to work. He spoke with representatives of the Ayala Foundation USA, who would coordinate where the proceeds will go. The Consulate General of the Philippines generously allowed the use of the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center as our performance venue (thank you, Consul General Cecile Rebong and your staff for your hospitality and kindness).

Victor also called a sound designer friend (because of the intimate setting, we opted for a piano and voice performance). And finally, he also called a lot of friends to help usher the guests into the hall and man the reception table.

Columbus Day

On the day of the benefit, I headed to the Philippine Center early in the afternoon. It was Columbus Day, and 5th Avenue was closed because of the annual Columbus Day Parade. The cab driver dropped me off a few blocks away from the venue; I walked the rest of the way.

At the Philippine Center, I was able to hang out and relax for a bit. Once my musical director, Larry Yurman, arrived, we did a short sound check at around 4:30 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m. we did our photo line for the VIPs at the event. I saw some wonderful friends there: my attorney Robert Perlstein and his wife Marianita Garucho-Perlstein; and Dr. Thelma Reyes who took such great care of Nicole while we lived in NY. I also met Ambassador and Ms Hilario Davide; former Ambassador and Ms Romeo Arguelles; and many other distinguished guests. Then I headed back to my dressing area to prepare for the show.

At 7:30 p.m., when all the guests had been seated, Victor stood on stage to speak, followed by Ronna Sieh (an Ayala Foundation volunteer) and Con-Gen Rebong. Victor then returned to bring me up to stage.

P1 million raised

My set lasted about an hour, and contained songs that I just enjoy singing, much of which were culled from my current tour set. The audience was really wonderful, too ? many friends, a few total strangers, all coming together for a good cause. Together, from this one performance alone, we raised about P1 million. It was unbelievable, and I felt very proud.

Many more benefits have been and are being organized to help victims of the recent calamities. Please keep answering the call to help our countrymen.

To paraphrase John F. Kennedy: ?Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.? These words are no more appropriate and timely than they are right now.

For more information on the Ayala Foundation USA, visit http://af-usa.org. You may also make a donation through its website.