Last October 2, 2009, typhoon Peping (international code named Parma) pummeled Northern Luzon triggering massive flooding, landslides and considerable loss of lives.  This was just eight days after typhoon Ondoy [code named Ketsana] dumped torrential rainfalls that inundated Metro Manila and nearby provinces. 
 

The response of local and international organizations/institutions  to appeals for aid/assistance  towards search, rescue and rehabilitation efforts for typhoon casualties in the most severely hit provinces in Northern Luzon - Benguet and Mountain Province - was just stupendous, to say the least.  For one tracing his/her roots to the BIBAK provinces of Northern Luzon, the fund-raising efforts of organizations such as  BIBAK-NE, I-Golfers, BIMAK-DC,  the Igorot Global Organization [IGO] and St. John’s Episcopal Church Congregation and their friends, can only be a source of pride, joy and inspiration.
 

In response to the continuing appeal for help for typhoon victims in the disaster areas in Benguet and Mt. Province, a concert dubbed “Sounds of Hope: A Cantata for Recovery” is currently being organized, under the auspices of St. John's Episcopal Church, Flushing, Queens, New York and St. Luke's and All Saints Church, Union, New Jersey. 

Scheduled for December 5 at All Saints and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and on December 12 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, the net proceeds of the two events  will be channeled through  the Philippine Episcopal Church Dioceses involved in rehabilitation efforts in Benguet and Mt. Province.
 

Raul Taganas and his band volunteered to entertain concert attendees in the December 12 schedule with guitar and song renditions during the snacks time following the choir performance. Tony and Ching Trinidad, likewise, volunteered to teach/lead  line dancing and/or ballroom dancing after the concert. Due to previous engagements, however, Tony and Ching can only volunteer their talents for the December 12 concert. 
 

LBS