“When we started, we were but a few... In the spirit of bayanihan, with a humble and noble goal, others helped along the way, and the journey was beautiful. It made us believe that change is indeed possible, and that people are open to believe in change. We may not be able to fly to the other side of the world to build a house there, but we have built a concert here.

Through this concert we also express our sincerest appreciation to all those that make Gawad Kalinga possible. Those who do it day in and out, working in the villages, doing the small and great things with little reward. Here is our token of appreciation to you.

More and more will go home and join you. Please do not ever stop believing that we can end poverty.”

- Amir Billones, Co-producer of the event

There were many firsts for different people on that day. For some, it was the first time hearing about and seeing the destruction and conditions in the Philippines left in the wake of Typhoon Pablo. For others, it was the first time hearing about the organization, Gawad Kalinga and its goal. Still for a few, it was the first benefit concert that they have organized in the name of Gawad Kalinga Canada. "A Night Rebuilding Hope" is what was shared that day by the organizers, performers and those in attendance.

Although people may have heard about the typhoon last year, they might not have known about the impact it still has today. This concert has helped raise awareness about the assistance needed both by the Philippines and of the NGO Gawad Kalinga. The concert brought together local talents from Montreal (Canada) and its suburbs, performing traditional Filipino song and dance as well as modern acts. The organizers would like to express their thanks those who took the time out of their evenings and the donors who could not make it, and to show their compassion and empathy to the survivors and victims of Typhoon Pablo. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the performers, whose talents in song and dance made the concert not only a possibility, but a success.

The culmination of the efforts put forth by the organizers, the performers and those in attendance truly shows that when people come together to work towards a common goal, miracles can be achieved. This night, those fortunate ones came together to sing and dance to put forth our souls and extend our love and compassion to the other side of the world to those who are hurting. People can really make a difference in the lives of others if we just take a few hours out of our lives and give out of our hearts.

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When disasters like Typhoon Pablo occur, Gawad Kalinga volunteers and partners respond heroically by sharing resources and taking part in reconstruction efforts. Through this effort, GK Canada is targeting to raise enough money for 1 village (30 homes) in Laak, Compostela Valley.

OPERATION WALANG IWANAN is ongoing, and we need YOUR help. Let us transform this disaster into an opportunity to bring hope to the families affected by Typhoon Pablo. Walang Iwanan! For more details about how you can help, click here.