WHAT A NIGHT!

Different voices, different characters?unique talents performing as a team.

Nov. 7 in Melbourne, Australia, Filipino-Australians were glued to their seats in Monash University?s Robert Blackwood Concert Hall as the Ryan Cayabyab Singers rendered songs composed and arranged by maestro Ryan Cayabyab, who accompanied the group on the piano.

It was plain to see that the group?Anezka Alvarez (UST Conservatory of Music), Irra Ceniza, (DLSU Chorale), Kaich Tiuseco (UP Concert Chorus), Vincent Evangelista (UST Singers), Poppert Bernales (captain of the UP Badminton team), Kyla Rivera and Jaime Barcelon (Repertory Philippines)?had totally mesmerized the audience. Sometimes mellow, sometimes fast, the songs?kundiman, balitaw and showstoppers from the 1960s, ?70s and ?80s?left the audience wanting for more ... surprises.

Among the most applauded numbers were the all-time favorites ?Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka,? ?Limandipang Tao,? ?Iduyan Mo,? ?Da Coconut Nut,? ?Paraiso,? ?Kumukutikutitap? and ?Mamang Kutsero.?

This was a Gawad Kalinga show, which also featured local talents Joey Santos and Summer Notes, Raul Roxas, Karen Esco and the Gawad Kalinga Chorale.

Joyous thanks
Heart-warming was the video presentation of the Melbourne GK Village in Villarica, Samal Island, with Consul General Raul Hernandez assuring the audience that all their support for GK have started bearing fruit.

Hernandez cited countless members of the audience who had given not only money but also time and effort to help support GK projects.

The concert was a joyous way, he said, to give back to generous and untiring Fil-Aussie friends.