Christmas comes early courtesy of Libera

Libera and the Children's Hour beneficiaries unveil the plaque

The Christmas season here in the Philippines unofficially starts once September arrives (blame it on the -ber). Some people complain that it’s too early to start celebrating. But there’s absolutely no reason to complain as Filipinos receive early Christmas presents this year as world renowned boys choir Libera visits the country once again for a two city concert tour in conjunction with the release of their Christmas Album. The album released by EMI Classics through Polyeast Records is also keeping with the early theme since it was first released here in the Philippines compared to the rest of the world.

For their Christmas Concert tour, Libera performed last October 25, 2011 at the PICC Plenary Hall and they have already flown to Cebu for their October 28, 2011 concert to be held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Prior to these concert dates, Libera also had some autograph signing sessions at SM City North EDSA and SM City Cebu.

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, part of the proceeds from these concerts will go to the Children’s Hour, a fundraising, friends-raising and fund-giving organization that aims to provide disadvantaged Filipino children better access to quality education, quality health and nutrition and a quality way of life. Children’s Hour Executive Director Evangeline Mayuga and several kids who are beneficiaries of the organization were present during the press conference held at the AIM Conference Center as the Libera Playground was formally launched. Also present during the event were Robert de Ocampo, chairman of the British Alumni Association and British Ambassador Stephen Lillie who were on hand to donate a check to the Children’s Hour worth P150,000. A special plaque to be placed in the playground to be built in a village in Calauan Laguna was also unveiled on that day to the delight of both the boys from Libera and the kids from the Children’s Hour.

Evangeline Mayuga, Bienvenido Tan, Roberto de Ocampo,
Steffan Leadbeater and Ambassador Stephen Lillie

Then I was reminded once again as to how Libera managed to capture the hearts of Filipinos as a clip of their 2009 concert featuring their encore, a truly memorable rendition of Bayan Ko was shown. I’ve watched a clip of this online yet I still got goosebumps when I saw it again. I probably felt that way because I was seated right beside and behind some members of Libera and it was interesting to see their reaction watching them watch themselves on the projector screen.

Once the formalities were over and the photo ops were done, the rest of the boys went to rehearsals while Kavana Crossley, Ralph Skan, Liam Connery, Cassius O’Connell-White and Michael Ustynovych-Repa stayed to answer questions from the press. They said that being able to travel and perform was among the best part of being a member of Libera as well as being able to make a difference in other people’s lives. And they were all in unison (expect for Michael who was stumped by the question but still came off as extremely cute and charming) saying that Filipinos are a happy people who are always happy to see them when asked what they will first tell people back in London about their experience here in the country.

Libera with the Children's Hour beneficiaries

While the opportunity to ask the members of Libera some questions came towards the end of the event, during the beginning it was the other way around. I found myself seated right beside Ralph Skan, one of the soloists at the choir, and it was he who asked me some questions. He asked me if they were popular in here and I answered that their Bayan Ko made them more popular in here. And he also told me that he had a great time during their meet and greet session over at the SM North EDSA.

I’ve also had the chance to listen to The Christmas Album and my favorite tracks are Corpus Christi Carol and Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) which are two songs that I’m very familiar with due to earlier recordings by Jeff Buckley and Billy Joel. But having Libera sing them had a more chilling and haunting effect and I do get misty eyed whenever I listen to their Lullabye which didn’t happen at all when I listened to those recorded by Billy Joel and Natasha Pearce.

It was indeed an early Christmas not just for fans of Libera but also for the kids of the Children’s Hour. I’ve always believed that music has the power to uplift, inspire and change lives for the better and Libera is a testament to that.

The Christmas Album

Tracks
1. Joy to the World

2. Still, Still, Still

3. Carol of the Bells

4. Veni, Veni Emmanuel

5. Once in Royal David’s City

6. O Holy Night

7. White Christmas

8. Corpus Christi Carol

9. In Dulci Jubilo

10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

11. Sing the Story

12. Coventry Carol

13. The First Nowell

14. Jubilate Deo

15. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

16. Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)