Two years since former President Noynoy Aquino’s passing, so many things that he loved and liked continue to inspire—such is the impact of his legacy.
With that in mind, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) is producing a concert featuring the songs he loved. The concert is for the benefit of the Benigno Simeon Aquino III Scholarship Endowment.
PNoy’s Playlist: The Concert will be held free on August 11, 2023 (Friday), 8 p.m, at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Gates open at 7 pm.
Performing songs from PNoy’s meticulously curated playlist are the APO Hiking Society, Noel Cabangon, Ogie Alcasid, Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdes, Pinky Marquez, Lara Maigue, Mike Shimamoto, andleading theater artists Jay Barrameda, Cara Barredo, Ricci Chan, Gerard Dy, Naths Everett, Carlon Josol, Ivan Panganiban, Kyla Rivera, and Ronah Rostata. Bond Samson is musical director, and Leo Rialp is the show’s overall director.
PNoy’s audition sheet, in his own handwriting: PNoy would mark the songs that he liked in an album with an ‘estrella.’ The late President used the word ‘estrella’ whenever he discussed with his staff the songs that he liked most in an album. (From Aquino Archives)
The concert is part of the NCAF’s activities in August to celebrate the legacies of Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy Aquino. On August 1, on her 14th death anniversary, President Cory was remembered in a Mass attended by her family, relatives, friends, and supporters. On August 21, the NCAF is organizing a Mass for Senator Ninoy, who challenged the Marcos dictatorship and was assassinated 40 years ago.
The August 11 concert is free. Ticket holders are welcome to donate any amount inspired by PNoy’s presidential call sign “7-5”.
The Benigno Simeon Aquino III Scholarship Endowment has two scholars at the Ateneo: Oona Ysabelle Barnes, a fourth year BS Biology major who wants to become a medical doctor, focusing on women’s health and underserved communities; and Rasheed Albel, a second year BS Applied Mathematics- Master in Data Science major. Rasheed envisions to help elevate the quality of Mathematics education in Mindanao and the integration of the field of study in public service.
PNoy always believed in the Filipino youth’s talents and abilities. By growing the fund, more students could avail themselves of the scholarship under his name.
For some personal PNoy touch, one of the chairs he used when he listened to his music in his home in Times Street will be on display in Areté’s Ubuntu Space along with some of his CDs and reproductions of his song audition notes.
On PNoy’s birthday on February 8 last year, his family donated the listening chair and his audio collection to Ateneo’s Rizal Library. His CD collection will eventually be accessible to students and faculty through the Rizal Library’s Multimedia Resources.
