The Philippine Star

A gift from Louie

- MICHELLE DAYRIT-SOLIVEN (Would love to hear from you at miladayjew­els@yahoo.com.) Photos by VINCENT D. SOLIVEN

The Healing Servants Foundation has every reason to smile. Its annual fundraisin­g concert titled The Music of Louie

Ocampo held last Oct. 13 in the Samsung Hall at SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City was a sensationa­l success. No wonder many look forward to the foundation’s enjoyable events year after year.

Over the past 15 years, its yearly show also serves as a chance for the foundation to update its loyal benefactor­s on its mission school, the Divine Healer Academy, which is located in the scenic province of Sorsogon.

Before the show, a thanksgivi­ng Mass was celebrated by Healing Servants Foundation and Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon founder Fr. Gerard Deveza. In his homily he mentioned aptly that “everything we have been given by our Lord, big or small, including the talents we have, are meant to be shared.”

After the Mass, we realized that, indeed, this was Louie Ocampo’s special way of giving back through his wholeheart­ed performanc­e, a generous gift to the students of the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon who will now be able to continue their education.

The concert featured the accomplish­ed composer, who enthusiast­ically played on stage with very gifted singers. Among those who shared their voices were talented students from the Divine Healer Academy who sang I Can. There were the magnificen­t Sorsogon Singing Ambassador­s Gina Larosa, Veron Divina, Peter Aidalla, Paul Dato, Ricky Paulino and Norman Lacra, who captivated the huge crowd with their renditions of

Ewan, Anna, Ikaw, Tell Me, You Are My Song and so much more. My loving hubby Benny Soliven sang Say

That You Love Me, a song that Louie wrote for his lovely wife Jojo, which melted my heart. And last but not the least was charmer event emcee Ding Mercado, who sang See You There.

Throughout the night, the audience enjoyed the songs made more meaningful with the stories behind them, as told by Louie himself in between renditions.

“I didn’t realize till last night that many of the songs I like to sing were made by Louie,” admitted Ronnie Latinazo, our handsome and faithful benefactor.

Tita Corito de Claro warmly congratula­ted the foundation members for a successful show. “The Samsung Hall was full,” she gushed. “My classmates and I enjoyed the show and are thankful to be able to share for a most worthy cause,” she said.

The memorable night of song culminated in the students distributi­ng artistic expression­s of appreciati­on to the benefactor­s in attendance who received them with tears of joy.

 ??  ?? The Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon choir.
The Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon choir.
 ??  ?? Healing Servants Foundation and Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon founder Fr. Gerard Deveza.
Healing Servants Foundation and Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon founder Fr. Gerard Deveza.
 ??  ?? (From left) Peter Aidalla, Ricky Paulino, Norman Lacra and Paul Dato.
(From left) Peter Aidalla, Ricky Paulino, Norman Lacra and Paul Dato.
 ??  ?? Renowned composer Louie Ocampo.
Renowned composer Louie Ocampo.
 ??  ?? Ding Mercado and Louie Ocampo on stage.
Ding Mercado and Louie Ocampo on stage.
 ??  ?? Benny Soliven sings Say That You Love Me.
Benny Soliven sings Say That You Love Me.
 ??  ?? Veron Divina and Gina Larosa.
Veron Divina and Gina Larosa.
 ??  ??

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