Just as soon as the countdown for the holiday season starts, fundraising for various charitable institutions also begins. Last October 21, 2023, the House of Hope for Kids with Cancer, Inc. headed by Arleen S. Aportadera (Fundraising Manager), Frederick C. Rubinos (President), Dr. Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo with the able participation of former Ambassador Minda Cruz who is a member of the Board of the House of Hope Foundation held a concert for a cause, “A Night of Music for the Kids of Hope.” The concert featured the Fivera, Thailand’s Pop-Opera group, with the participation of the USEP Chorale at the Ballroom of the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.
The House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Inc. (HoHF) is a non-stock, non-profit charitable organization for children and adolescents with cancer. The Foundation aims to bring hope, promote better survival rates, and achieve excellent, holistic care through advocacy, equality, improvement and better resources.
“We provide medical and non-medical support for children and adolescents with cancer in Mindanao. This includes their stay at transient homes for free, care packages, transportation support , chemotherapy and supportive care medicines when these are not available at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. Our major beneficiary as well as our share care facilities include Northern Mindanao Medical Center (Cagayan de Oro City), La Vina General Hospital (Valencia City), Davao Regional Medical Center (Tagum City) and St. Elizabeth Hospital (Gen. Santos City). HoHF provides assistance for diagnostics, radiotherapy and surgery needs. We also undertake hospital-based education programs so kids with cancer do not miss days at school when undergoing treatment,” narrated former Ambassador Minda Cruz in her message during the concert.
The kindly woman also reiterated that the Foundation also gives support in the training of pediatric oncologists through their rotation in shared care facilities, team building and scientific conferences. Valuable information to help improve cancer cures and treatments are also done through the Foundation’s “Childhood Cancer Awareness and Early Childhood Cancer Detection Campaigns.” Every December 8, the Foundation celebrates “Survivors Day”; while on the last week of October of every year the members observe the White Rose Day to help grieving parents move on with their lives.
What a concert it was, indeed. Dubbed as “Thailand’s first and only classical crossover group,” Fivera really wowed the Davao audience for their sensational fusion of pop and light opera pieces. They didn’t only command the audience’s attention with their cultured voices but they had very strong stage presence as well with matching well-designed couture outfits to boot. The talented Fivera singers are reported to have taken the pop-opera market in Thailand by a storm with their inspirational and impassioned recital of traditional light opera and contemporary pop music and rock songs. They have enjoyed successful performances all over Asia, South Africa and South America.
The five vocalists namely Nattida Gumchai (soprano), Mashima Meebamroong (soprano), Thanapat Yartcharoen (tenor) Tulanan Narasetapisarn (baritone) and Bodin Piyatansirikul (baritone) made their triumphant debut in Bangkok in December, 2010, performed in 18 countries, and have been featured in popular Thai television specials. During their concert at the SMX Convention Center, the Fivera performed a variety of pop and rock classics that included Oceano, 21 Guns, Toreador, Prayer in the Night, Queen Medley, You Raise Me Up, Unchained Melody, Beatles Medley, just to mention some. The Fivera Repertoire won the audience’s heart especially with the more popular romantic and up-tempo songs. I became their instant fan that night.
Thank you, Arleen S. Aportadera, for inviting me. Thank you, Fivera, for the big help in the fundraising for the HoHF.
The USEP chorale
