AS the longest-running music event for the environment, Earth Day Jam returned to Quezon City on April 28 as thousands of jammers took their part in singing and dancing to their favorite OPM tunes while being educated by different speakers on taking care of Mother Earth.
Held at the Quezon City Circle, the 18th edition of Earth Day Jam was once again a success as Earth Day Jam Foundation Inc. founder Lou Bonnevie became vocal about her feelings.
“It felt good to be back in Quezon City after seven years. It was amusing because when we did this before, we partnered with [former mayor] Sonny Belmonte and now, with her daughter Joy (Vice Mayor Josefina Belmonte-Alimurung),” Bonnevie said.
She added, “I’m very happy with our partnership with [the local government of Quezon City]. It was a very successful return there. Congratulations to all of us!”
Barrage of bands
THE concert was opened by Sandwich, followed by Rouge, Sud, then Mayonaise—perfect “appetizers” that set the audience’s mood for a long night of rock and roll. Barbie Almalbis was in her usual element and sang her classic songs, while Brownman Revival and Gracenote made the audiences dance through their hits. Bonnevie did her share of entertaining the Earth Day jammers with her own rendition of Mad World, Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Kapayapaan, Come Together and a rock and roll version of What a Wonderful World.
Joey Ayala turned back the hands of time as he sang his classic originals, while Wally Gonzales performed Juan dela Cruz band songs.
Los Angeles, USA “grass root” rapper Aw Day P and Abra injected some rap vibe in the show while Tanya Markova, The Chongkeys, Chicosci and Slapshock supplied firepower in their separate performances that made the jammers jump and slam.
“In the coming years, expect more music, more jamming, more messages to project, and GAIA [awards to be given]. Hopefully, we will bring the Earth Day Jam in other parts of the Philippines. This music fest will never fade away,” Bonnevie proclaimed.
Joey Ayala an awardee
RECOGNIZING contributions to various environmental campaigns and artists’ musical legacies, Earth Day Jam 2018 also extended a special citation to Ayala, a known environmentalist.
The Earth Day Jam Foundation was the event presenter, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Quezon City government. Supporters included First Gen Corp., Maynilad, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Tagbalay Foundation, Peace and Equity Foundation and Lifebank Foundation.
The BusinessMirror was one of the media partners, while corporate sponsors included MiniStop, Dickies, 888 Electric Vehicles, Coconut House, Cravings, Philippine Concerts, Manila Concert Scene and Rakista, among others. For more information, log-on to www.earthdayjamfoundation.com and visit the Earth Day Jam Foundation’s Facebook page.