As the Philippine Embassy continues to promote and support the positive contributions and laudable initiatives of the Filipino community in sharing their musical talents in church and faith based activities in New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez together with Honorary Consul General Paulo Garcia, Ms. Malou Garcia, Anica and Cia Garcia and Honorary Vice-Consul Virginia Russell attended the “BELIEVE!” concert held at the Baradene Auditorium, Remura, Auckland on 28 September 2013. The “BELIEVE!” Concert was initiated by St. Michael’s Parish to celebrate the Year of Faith and supported by the Baradene community. Monsignor Brian Arahill warmly welcomed the guests, thanked the Baradene community for allowing the use of their auditorium and their assistance and support and conveyed his deep appreciation to the performers, organizers and musical director and all those who contributed and shared their time, talents and resources for this special event.

Taking centre stage were the much applauded and greatly appreciated musical performances of the Parish’s Alleluia Choir Men, Women and Children, Filipino priests in the Auckland Diocese, namely, Fr. Carlo Cruz, Fr. Larry Rustia, Fr. Elric Jorquia and Fr. Alfredo Garcia and guest musical artists Dame Lyndsay Freer, the Living Water Chorale and Sinag and the conductor of the Alleluia Choir, Cassy Wooler, the chief organizer Marjorie Villarama and musical director Michael Cruz. Together, they rendered a variety of Filipino, English, popular numbers and praise songs for an enjoyable musical evening and to the delight of the audience.

Through “BELIEVE!”, they vibrantly demonstrated the GOD-given talents, recognized ability and exemplary cooperation of Filipinos and friends from New Zealand to come together to celebrate the Year of the Faith with the Filipino community, New Zealanders and people from Auckland and to mount a spectacular musical evening for the benefit of St. Michael’s Parish.

“Indeed, music is the window to the Filipino’s heart and soul and serves as an effective bridge to connect with and promote greater goodwill, understanding a friendship among Filipinos, New Zealanders and friends from other countries,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.”