Sharing the Love

T he Samsung Hall of SM Aura was filled to the rafters with generous hearts who came in full force to show their support for the students of the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon. Father Gerard Deveza, a compassionate healing priest and founder of the mission school, now on its 14th year, expressed his loving gratitude to all who came to this thanksgiving concert.

“The love you shared has allowed these children to complete their education year after year,” Fr. Gerard said.

Several talented students of the Divine Healer Academy came all the way from Sorsogon to personally pay tribute to the benefactors who have supported them since Kindergarten. They came well prepared to open the show with a doxology, their unique rendition of The Lord’s

Prayer, a beautiful prayer dance that moved the audience to prayerful tears of joy and wonder.

Orven Ebrada, an exceptional student who serenaded guests with a love song, drew much appreciation. The students’ hand-mime performance drew raves from an enthralled audience.

Mitch Valdes brought the house down with ribtickling wit and candor. The gifted Minstrels Divos, composed of Ding Mercado, Eugene Villaluz and Chad Borja, joined Mitch on stage to take us all happily back in time through the disco tunes of the ‘ 70s. The trio then kept us swaying to romantic ballads and swooning over Broadway hits. Little did people know that Ding was nursing a severe case of painful laryngitis while Chad was mourning the loss of his lovable mother who just passed five days before the show. So grateful were the students for their loving sacrifice, of being there despite their pain.

The joyful finale brought the students back on stage holding hands with radiant smiles as they sang the OPM song Magkakapatid. They delighted their guests by going down to personally deliver roses and handwritten letters of gratitude to each one.

The students’ parting words: “You are so much a part of what we are right now. Your love and support has made it possible for us to continue our education and make our dreams come true. Thank you for being our inspiration. We will always remember you in our prayers, our beloved benefactors.”

Photo by BÜM TENORIO JR. Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon students give roses and handwritten letters of gratitude to guests. A hand-mime performance by the students of the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon.

Photos by VINCENT SOLIVEN Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon students. (First row, from left) Eddie Rodriguez, James Grulla, Marco Labayandoy, Jim Diaz, Janver Veloso and Kendra Pagurigan; (second row, from left) Zyra Felicia, Regine Deyto, Anthonete Detera, Joanna Mhel Tobes, Dannielyn Brecia, Rizza Mae Nicomedes, Ma. Isabel Lasay, Joan Garay, Aprilyn Lasay, Janet Doma, Ela Diaz, Nikki Lou Nicomedes, Crisitine Joy Tobes, Hanna Doctor and Charlz Ian Alvarina with Carinna and Orven Gregor Ebrada.

(Front row, from left) Freddie and Trining Panicucci, Ambassador Mercy Tuason, the author, Lucy Lee and Joy Sy; (back row, from left) Maelene Belo, Cynthia Gonzalez, Matilde Belo and Lito Gonzalez.

Mitch Valdes (third from left) with the Minstrels Divos (from left) Ding Mercado, Eugene Villaluz and Chad Borja sing disco tunes of the ‘70s.

Photo by MAU AGUASIN courtesy of PEOPLEASIA Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon founder Fr. Gerard Deveza.