The Pakistan Women’s Association of the Philippines (PWAP) recently hosted a concert of Zamad Baig, the first Pakistan Idol winner, on March 11 at the Makati Shangri-La.
The program started with a short welcome ceremony of Pakistani Ambassador to in the Philippines Safdar Hayat, as well as representatives of the concert’s sponsors.
An officer of the PWAP, who emceed the show, opened the evening’s program with a poetic intro: “We are so busy in our lives that these forms of light entertainment take us away from our daily monotonous routines. As Pakistan’s greatest poet, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, said, translated in English:
“How fortunate were these people,
For whom love was the work,
Or work was their love.
We spend all our lives occupied
Did some love, did some work.
But our work hindered our love,
And love tangled with our work.
And one day, with annoyance,
We left both of them unfinished.”
The program started with an introduction of a young musical talent, Zaid Aslam, who started singing when he was 8 years old. Now in his fourth year as a college student, he still sings beautifully.
“Every artist, no matter how big or small [his or her name is], how famous or talented he or she may be, deserves our undivided appreciation,” the officer said.
Following Aslam, two Pakistani musicians—Nawaz, a guitarist, and Aadil, a percussionist playing the tabbla—took the stage to play a few acoustic tunes. Baig joined them after rendering about three songs.
A Sufi singer from Mundi Bahauddin, a small town in Pakistan, Baig actually had almost no background in music. He started pursuing his talent by participating in music competitions at his high school and college. In 2014 he auditioned for the inaugural season of Pakistan Idol and eventually won the title.
After being mesmerized by the rhythm and beats of the trio, the 200-plus members of the audience were treated to some sumptuous heavy cocktails, which showcased some Asian food favorites.
Baig’s concert lasted until midnight. According to the concert organizers, the PWAP has already laid out activities for the entire year—all for the Pakistani community in the Philippines to enjoy.
The musical night was sponsored by Sahar Pharmaceuticals, Assad Mini Mart, Surgicom Trading Corp., Kabab & Curry, Ezifily Travel International and Pepsi.
Karinna Mauricio