How Music and Advocacy Unite for a Noble Cause

In a beautiful testament to the sacrifices made by Filipino seafarers and their families, the much-anticipated ALON Concert is set to make waves on June 28. Headlined by beloved indie folk-pop-rock band Ben&Ben, this fundraising concert will take place at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, coinciding with Filipino Seafarers Month. More than just a concert, ALON—meaning “wave” in Filipino—aims to shed light on the untold stories of these maritime heroes.

During a recent media briefing, concert director Gelo Ruiz passionately conveyed the essence of ALON, stating, “Ang ALON ay may tatlong mukha: kwento, musika at ang pinaka-maganda sa lahat, adbokasiya.” This translates to “ALON has three faces: story, music, and advocacy.” The concert seeks to honor the often-overlooked narratives of seafarers and their families while using the power of music to bridge the distance created by the sea.

In a unique twist, the concert will not solely feature music from Ben&Ben but also include live storytelling from actual seafarers. “This is an audiovisual experience, combining on-stage storytelling with the soulful music of Ben&Ben,” Ruiz shared. This unprecedented blend aims to draw deeper connections between the audience and the seafaring community.

The choice of Ben&Ben as the headline act is no accident. The band’s songs resonate with Filipino sentiments of love, aspiration, and hope, embodying the essence of a seafarer’s journey. Hits like “Sa Susunod na Habangbuhay” and “Araw Araw” will undoubtedly strike a chord, especially as they address the emotional struggles faced by families of seafarers. Ruiz emphasized, “In an online survey, Ben&Ben ranked at the top as the preferred artists for this event—proof that their music truly connects with our theme.”

The event will also feature performances from notable artists, including John Mark Saga—a poignant choice as he is a son of a seafarer—and the dynamic girl group Calista. These artists not only bring talent but also share personal connections to the theme of the concert. Kelvin Miranda, known for his role in the Netflix film Dead Kids, will also grace the stage, further enriching the lineup.

As Ruiz concluded, “ALON is more than an event; it’s a movement of gratitude, recognition, and action.” With the spotlight on seafarers and the power of music, the ALON Concert promises to be a night to remember, celebrating love and hope for families long separated by the ocean. Don’t miss out on this chance to support a worthy cause while enjoying a captivating night of music and storytelling.

For tickets, log on to https://ticket2me.net/ALONConcert.