It’s no secret that the entertainment industry has borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic as closed live spaces from cinemas, concert venues, and theaters, meant that thousands of live event workers went out of work. And despite the gradual easing of restrictions, the industry has yet to recover from one of the longest lockdowns in the world.
Ortigas Malls, understanding the plight of entertainment workers, launched a holiday campaign and a fundraising concert to help get the industry back on its feet. Titled Christmas with the Stars, the online fundraising concert will see performances from the country’s brightest stars featuring the Kilabotitos–Ogie Alcasid and Ian Veneracion—Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, and many more on December 11, 7 p.m.
“Filipinos love going to performances and to concerts and this is an industry that employs thousands of Filipinos, many of whom found themselves out of work because of the pandemic. Until now, data has shown that unlike other sectors, the entertainment industry is still suffering from 90% loss in revenues since the lockdowns started,” said Arch. Renee C. Bacani, Vice President of Ortigas Malls. “This is why Ortigas Malls, in its aim to leave no one behind in recovery, created Christmas with the Stars to encourage Filipinos to help the entertainment industry, while enjoying the heartfelt and beautiful performances from our biggest stars.”
Funds raised for the concert and accompanying programs will be in support of the Independent Production Workers Group (IPWG), an organization that seeks to professionalize the production industry in the country and represents thousands of live events workers nationwide.
The concert is in partnership with Alcasid Total Entertainment and Artist Management (ATEAM).
“These workers have been the backbone of every single live production and seeing the industry has been so badly affected makes us feel we need to help. We are thankful for Ortigas Malls for this opportunity,” said Ogie Alcasid, Founder/President of ATEAM and OPM President.
Those who want to attend the concert can donate a set amount on the Christmas with the Stars ktx.ph page to gain a ticket to the concert. Select mall-goers can also score a free ticket for a P1,000 minimum purchase (single or accumulated) at Ortigas Malls from Nov. 4-Dec. 10. They just need to log on to www.ortigasmalls.com and upload their receipts.
“Thousands of live event workers are still grappling with the effects of the lockdowns on their incomes which remain a fraction of what it used to be. Fundraising concerts like these help workers not only through monetary benefits but also impart hope that everything will get better soon,” said Aio Hernandez, President of IPWG.
Beyond the fundraising concert, Ortigas Malls will also be holding a series of online mini concerts titled KUMUnity Nights on Nov. 20, 27, and Dec. 24 as a lead up to the main concert where viewers can watch performances with an option to support the cause online. The concerts will be streamed live on the KUMU app with recorded replays on the Ortigas Malls’ Facebook pages (Greenhills, Tiendesitas, Estancia, and Industria).
“Christmas is the season of giving and we hope that our patrons and fans can join us for several nights of good music and company all while supporting a good cause,” Arch. Bacani added.
Mall visitors can also shop freely and safely while enjoying great holiday tunes with the Community Live Sessions starting Dec. 6 in Greenhills, Tiendesitas, and Estancia. They can also support the cause onsite via donation boxes located at the live session locations and at the Greenhills Night Market
