As the Philippine Embassy continues to promote the positive contributions and recognized musical talents of the Filipino community in New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and the Philippine Embassy personnel attended the “After 7 Concert” of the Upper Hut Filipino Choir held at the Genesis Theatre, Expressions, Lower Hutt, Greater Wellington on 24 August 2013.

Upper Hutt Filipino Choir Musical director Mimi Laurilla together with Coordinator Rowena Echano, Musicians Pat and Belen Salandanan, Gerry Espiritu, Meng Calanguian, Julia Bueno and members Adelle Cagampang, Jarvis Laurilla, Patricia Espiritu, Rina Calangian, Precy and Joey Pagaura, Mayette Gierran, Florida Bently, Clarita Estuita, Vangie Ford, Lean and Dick Alterado, Luz and Arnel Evangelista and Rachel Pointon took center stage as they rendered a variety of Filipino, English, modern and rock music for an enjoyable musical evening.

Special guests, namely, Joe Moorman, Jambln JuaNZ Band with lead guitarist Joey Pagaura, vocalist Arnel Evangelista, drummer Lev Kavinta, keyboardist Meng Calangian and bassist Neil Martinez, Taulanga Family composed of Gus, Isaiah, Nima, Theresa, Paea and Liz, Kathy Lopez, FOURSIES Band of Zack Cagampang, Sheldon Pagaura, Andre Domdom, Nadia Marinez and JR Evangelista shared the spotlight as they sang songs and performed musical numbers to the delight of the audience.

They vibrantly demonstrated the natural talents, recognized ability and exemplary cooperation of Filipinos and friends from other countries to share their talents in the performing arts with the Filipino community and people from Greater Wellington and to mount a musical evening for a charitable and humanitarian cause.

Ambassador Benavidez, the Philippine Embassy officers and staff and their families and hundreds of Filipino community members and their friends from New Zealand and other countries filled up the hall for a distinctively Filipino musical offering. “We congratulate the Upper Hutt Filipino Choir and the people who contributed their time, talents and resources for a meaningful event in Greater Wellington’s musical scene. Indeed, music is the window to the Filipino’s heart and soul and serve 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.