Haribon Philippines’ Biodiversity Rocks! Amping Up Environmental Conservation Through Rock n’ Roll

Mother Nature can provide for man’s need, not man’s greed.

Our only home in the known universe is riddled by pollution, deforestation, animal extinction, calamities and other force majeurs inflicted upon us by nature. It should only be natural for each one of us to do our part and make an effort to restore and renew our resources When in Manila.

What started out as a bird-watching organization quickly grew into one of the country’s most active environmental organizations – Haribon Philippines. Last Wednesday, October 2, Haribon Philippines invited everyone to a night of environmental awareness, great food, and rock n’ roll in their Biodiversity Rocks gig at the famed Hard Rock Cafe in Makati.

Where all the rock n’ roll magic happens.

For this event, Haribon Philippines gave patrons a chance to adopt a patch in their forest and up their commitment on environmental sustainability. For Php 1,000, you can shoulder 5 seedlings which would make for a “lot”; Php 3,000 for a block of 15 seedlings; Php 6,000 for a plot of 30 seedlings; an, Php 10,000 for a patch of 50 seedlings.

41 patches would make a forest, and this significant number is the number of years that Haribon Philippines has been advocating for biodiversity conservation. These adopted seedlings would be sprouted and grown in the name of the donor. Also, this would have been one of the few chances one could say, “See that? That’s my forest.”

This event by Haribon Philippines was hosted by the dynamic duo of world-renowned violinist John Lesaca and RX 93.1’s resident Dr. Love, Tom Alvarez. After shedding light on the cause that Haribon Philippines‘ championed and getting audience members hyped up on the great line-up of musicians and artists for the night, they welcomed to the stage young crooner, Rita De Guzman.

Rita De Guzman

Busting out hits ranging from mellow to pop, she certainly swayed everyone with her powerful yet soothing vocals. After her amazing set, Tom Alvarez presented her with a certificate of the patch that Haribon Philippines cultivated in her name. Being quite the animal lover, she really supported and admired the efforts of the Haribon Philippines team to cultivate a greener environment for all.

After some jazzed up tunes from Rita De Guzman, the Itchyworms cranked it up a notch with their songs we can all relate to. Being a fan of the boys since I first heard “Akin Ka Nalang” through the airwaves, I jumped at the chance to meet them in the VIP area and take a photo op. Fun, infectious, loud and cute; their set was certainly entertaining with a few witty and comical remarks and jokes here and there.

A set of teddy bear rock n’ roll was followed by yet another balladeer, a member of the 90’s pop group Smokey Mountain: Jeffery Hidalgo. He was certainly one for the ladies with his charming looks and suave performances of love songs then and now.

Jeffery asked one member of the audience to sing with him on stage!

Jeffery Hidalgo

As it turns out, Jeffery was actually a member of the Haribon Philippines Organization during his college days in the University of the Philippines. Being an active member of Haribon Philippines then, he will be game to support their upcoming activities in the future.

Ebe Dancel

Another alumna of UP Haribon Philippines and a steady favorite in the OPM scene is Ebe Dancel. Singing his heart felt post-adolescent themed tunes that we all know too well, everyone could not help but sing along with him. From “Tulog Na” to “Mariposa”, his songs will certainly stay with his adoring fans from puberty and beyond.

Capping off Haribon Philippines‘ performances is the true-blue Ateneo bred band, Tonight We Sleep. With songs that are a combination of poetry and melody, this alterna-rock band hit some seriously amp-busting performances of their original songs. Having generated a following since their early days, these guys will certainly go far with their truthful lyrics and compelling melodies.

This certainly was a fun and lively night courtesy of Haribon Philippines with special guest appearances from online sensation, Bogart the Explorer and, the lovely actress, Ms. Iza Calzado.

Francis with Bogart the Explorer

Iza Calzado and her significant other, Ben Wintle

Iza Calzado is interviewed by ABS CBN.

Another interesting bit was the drink that the Hard Rock Cafe mixed up exclusively for Haribon Philippines and was offering for that one night only: The Haribon Cocktail. Pour in some rum, blue curacow, Bacardi, melon liquor, sweet & sour mix, all topped with sprite and you’ve got this refreshing concoction in honor of Haribon Philippines, and the Philippines’ haring ibon.

Seedlings to be adapted by generous donors.

Thank you for our Jumbo Combo appetizers, Hard Rock!

Personally, I would absolutely love to be an eco-volunteer for Haribon Philippines and join them in their efforts of environmental sustainability. Plus, with such great events like these, the organization’s members seems to have a great time with the org.

When artists and our musical heroes get together to support worthy causes like that of Haribon Philippines, awareness is raised and ripples are created to reach out to a lot more people.

Keep up the great work, Haribon Philippines! Continue to pave the Road to Reforestation When in Manila!

This event was sponsored by Victoria Court