Filipino children’s choir holds benefit concert in Jeddah

JEDDAH – Serenata, a choir of children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia, held a benefit concert at the American International School of Jeddah on Thursday. “Tears of joy, this is what I felt, very beautiful. There’s a lot improvement in the sense of maturity sa mga bata at sa mga organizers" Danny Abenes of Skyfrieght said in an interview. The three hour concert presented a variety of modern and traditional English and Filipino songs. American International School superintendent Dr. Mark English said Serenata, now on its sixth season, gets better every year. “Absolutely, they’re gonna be here next year, they will be here every year," he said of Serenata. The new American Consul General Tom Duffy commended the children’s performances. According to him it was a wonderful festivity and he enjoyed every minute of the show. Philippine Consulate Officer in Charge Consul Leo Tito Ausan Jr. said “I’ve seen that the children have already matured in terms of performances, in terms of the quality of voice and that should give them more concerts in the years to come." Sylvia De Silva-Delos Santos, the musical director, said God gave the children a great gift. “For me the children perform well, they are all very good, excellent," she said. Charo Hipos, chairman of the group, thanked all the members of the international community including diplomats who came and support Serenata’s concert. Serenata is a non-stock, non-profit, cause-oriented organization founded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2005. The organization has a working committee, an artist committee, a string chamber orchestra and a choral group composed of 45 children of OFWs. Hipos said proceeds of the concert will be used to finance the college education of four deserving students from the Philippines. The beneficiaries are: