PAOLO MONTALBAN and BROADWAY BARKADA Offer A Special Typhoon Benefit Concert At The Philippine Center

Filipino American artist PAOLO MONTALBAN, best known for his performance as the Prince in ABC/Disney's "Cinderella", together with BROADWAY BARKADA, performed last night at the Philippine Center's Kalayaan Hall for a special benefit concert for the victims of typhoons "Ondoy and Pepeng" in the Philippines. "Broadway Barkada" is a collective of Filipino theater artists using their talents to affect change in the lives of those in need. Mr. Montalban was last seen on Broadway in the revivals of "Pacific Overtures" and "The King and I." Other performers included Alan Ariano, Marc Delacruz, Olivia Oguma, Enrico Rodriguez, Joanne Javien, Brian Jose, Lumi Bustamante, Romney Piamonte, Loresa Carreon Lanceta, JP Moraga, Jonelle Margallo, Leanne Cabrera, Liz Casasola, Jaygee Macapugay, Sacha Iskra, Mel Maghuyop and Billy Bustamante. Wearing barkada(ko) t-shirts, the theater artists performed pop music hits and classic Tagalog ballads. Some musical numbers were accompanied by screen projection of images from the flooding in the Philippines, as well as photos taken during the cocktail reception prior to the concert. The intimate concert was directed by Billy Bustamante, under the musical direction by Devin Ilaw, who also sang, played the piano and violin. Proceeds from the concert, coursed through the Ayala Foundation-USA, will provide relief and rehabilitation to various victims of the typhoon including families, students and small businesses. The Philippine Center is located at 556 Fifth Avenue (between 45th and 46th Streets).