Awit at Laro with Gary V in Bacolod

Just before Christmas, Bacolodnons were treated to a mini concert by Gary V when he brought Awit at Laro at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

About Awit at Laro

Awit at Laro is a movement that celebrates the spirit of play, urging everyone to go back to the Filipino outdoor games that the older generation have enjoyed in the past. With Gary Valenciano and Bambi Mañosa at the helm, this project aims to raise funds for UNICEF as well as the Tukod Foundation and the Shining Light Foundation.

Both Gary V and Ms. Mañosa have the vision of reintroducing traditional games to the younger generation through the use of music and the arts. They have involved many artists for this endeavor. Kids and teens nowadays are so engrossed in their gadgets playing games and getting involved in social media that they have forgotten how it is to go outside and really play.

Here in Bacolod City, children in the audience got to play in some of the games set up at the event center before the show started. They were led by the dancers from Steps Dance Studio. The participants were given Awit at Laro shirts as souvenirs. Kids’ toys and play have really changed over the years and it’s nice to look back at how we had fun back then.

For more information on Awit at Laro, visit their website, www.awitatlaro.com. You may buy the book and the album from the website.

Gary V Mini Concert in Bacolod

I have watched a few of the Gary V concerts at the University of St. La Salle in the past and I would often hear him say how much he loved Bacolod City. He has also mentioned it several times that given the chance, he would like to retire in the City of Smiles. He said it again this time.

Perhaps his show at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central was the last stop in the Awit at Laro tour, or perhaps he just loved the people and the city so much, that he performed so many songs and went up and down the stage many times in order to interact with his fans.

That mini concert delighted everyone present, especially the die-hard Gary V fans. Even my husband had a different kind of laugh after the concert. We who grew up with his songs were very happy to see Mr. Pure Energy perform onstage once again. After battling health problems this year, you would not think of anything except God’s miracle upon Gary V’s life as you see him execute his signature moves and jumps. He was on fire!

Out of the 22 shows for Awit at Laro, Gary V performed in 17 of them. Their last stop was Bacolod and Gary V didn’t miss the chance to be reunited with hi fans here. He was joined by Katrina Velarde, who wowed the audience with her impeccable performance, and the young dancers of the Steps Dance Studio.

The show ended with a book signing and photo op with Gary V. It was hosted by Bacolod-based actor and host, John Arceo.

About Shining Light Foundation, Inc.

Shining Light Foundation was born from the desire of Gary V and his wife Angeli to spread the gospel by serving those that need financial and spiritual assistance. The foundation is anchored on the principles that spell L.I.G.H.T. — Love and Service, Integrity, Godliness, Help and Hope, Thanksgiving, Tithes, and Testimony.

They work hand-in-hand with strategic partners to bring financial, emotional, and spiritual blessings for pastors, missionaries and church workers, women, the elderly, children, the homeless, the poor, as well as the sick.

As the National Ambassador for UNICEF, Gary Valenciano also channels aid from the foundation to UNICEF’s programs that help promote and protect the rights of children around the Philippines.

About Tukod Foundation

Meanwhile, Tukod Foundation was established by Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa in the year 2000 in order to empower and develop youth leaders. The strive to create spaces and events that immerse the youth in the beauty and diversity of Philippine culture.

From publishing books and setting up exhibits that extol Philippine architecture, the foundation continues to champion causes that inspire love for our country. It is also worth to note that Architect Mañosa is behind the renovation of Museo Pambata as the Filipino museum for children.

Meeting Gary V for the First Time

It was our young daughter’s first time to meet Gary V in person and she was smitten. If you slide the Instagram post of Ms. Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, you will see Shane on the second picture. haha

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrtY09gl_ec/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Related story:

• Bacolod City Guide