The “Loboc Children’s Choir Concert Tour Melbourne. Rebuild Bohol, in harmony. Rebuild Bohol, connect our communities” is coming to Melbourne on Saturday, 27 June for one performance at Federation Square’s Deakin Edge at 7.30pm. (Details of full tour itinerary below)
The visit is part of the New Zealand and Australia tour that aims to raise both awareness and funds to assist in Rebuilding Bohol.
In October 2013, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 rocked the island of Bohol in central Philippines and damaged many of its historic churches and houses. Two weeks later, Typhoon Haiyan that hit the neighbouring islands of Leyte and Cebu also lashed through Bohol. The magnitude of the disasters generated an overwhelming response of generosity from around the world.
After these two back-to-back disasters, the residents of Bohol are slowly rebuilding their homes and their means of livelihood. The typhoons that constantly batter the Philippines have hampered the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Many have found comfort and healing through music.
In late 2014, the Bohol provincial government and the Diocese of Bohol in conjunction with the Loboc Cultural Cooperative embarked on a fund-raising effort to help rebuild the communities, restore the century-old churches, and regain Bohol’s status as an ecological tourist destination. As the fund-raising arm of the Loboc Cultural Cooperative, the Loboc Children’s Choir is going on a concert tour of Australia and New Zealand.
“On behalf of the Philippine Consulate of Victoria and the Melbourne Organising Committee, we would like to invite you to help promote the visit and the concert to your networks. A significant portion of the ticket sales and sponsorships will go directly to the rebuilding fund that will be received by the Diocese of Tagbilaran,” Honorary Consul Felix Pintado said.
What is the rationale behind the themes of the Loboc Children’s Choir Concert Tour?
The first part of the theme, “Rebuild Bohol, in harmony” highlights how the concert musical will be employed to help in the rebuilding of Bohol efforts, with the cooperation, or in harmony, with various members of the community.
The theme “Rebuild Bohol, Connect our Communities” reflects the purpose of the visit by the Loboc Children’s Choir Concert Tour. In addition to helping raise funds toward the Rebuild Bohol project, the visit also aims to connect schools and local communities and raise awareness about how natural disasters have affected communities not just in the Philippines. However, efforts in rebuilding lives and communities have been possible through the coming together of both local and international efforts. This tour is our own Melbourne community’s contribution to these efforts to raise funds, but also to raise youthful voices in harmony.
How did this tour come about?
The tour is the result of two study visits conducted by postgraduate students from RMIT University who witnessed the members of the Loboc Children’s Choir in rehearsal. In August 2014, Master of International Development students conducted a research study visit to examine the role that culture can play in re‐‐‐building communities in Bohol after the 2013 earthquake. A second study visit in February 2015 was focused on contributing to local community development through the development of media and communications products, some of which will be used in the promotion of the tour.
The tour therefore is part of an ongoing partnership that is being developed by the International Development Program and the School of Media and Communication to rebuilding the capacity of the local groups and communities in Bohol, not just to repair the damage caused by the earthquake but to help build resilience for the future.
Why will the Choir visit schools? Which schools will they visit?
Since the Choir comprises primary school children aged 9‐‐‐13, it will be a good opportunity for them to meet and interact with Australian primary school children. It will also be valuable for Australian school children to meet with a group of school children from the Philippines, with the added bonus of listening to a short program.
The Melbourne Organising Committee is approaching schools who may be interested to host the choir during the 26th June, the last day of the 2nd school term.
Which local community will be the Choir visit? And why?
The Choir will take part in a short program with the Chocolate Lillies at the Strathewen Primary School on Friday 26 June. Like with the people of Bohol who have used music as part of the psycho‐social healing process, the Chocolate Lillies choir participated in the recovery programs to support the communities affected by the Victorian bushfires of 2009.
During their stay in Melbourne, the Choir will be hosted in homes of the Filipino communities through the assistance of the Filipino Chaplaincy in Melbourne.
What other activities will the Choir have during their visit to Melbourne?
While the highlight of the visit is the concert musical on Saturday 27 January, the members of the Choir will also have the opportunity for educational visits while in Melbourne. The Melbourne Organising Committee is approaching education and tourism venues in Melbourne for possible sponsorship to provide this children with this rare learning opportunity.
What is their itinerary in Melbourne?
- Wednesday 24 June Arrival in Melbourne; welcome in Caroline Springs/Deer Park
- Thursday 25 June Tour of Melbourne Museum; recording at RMIT University
- Friday 26 June Visit to Strathewen Primary School
- Saturday 27 June Concert at Deakin Edge (2.00pm and 6.00pm)
- Sunday 28 June 10am Mass at St Peter Chanel, Deer Park (TBC)
- Monday 29 June Free day; depart for Canberra
Who do we contact if we wish to contribute to Re‐building Bohol Tour?
For sponsorships and donations, please contact
- Raul Hernandez ‐‐‐ RaulH@acfe.net.au
- Marianne Sison – marianne.sison@rmit.edu.au
To contribute or assist with the planned visits in Melbourne, please contact:
- Robbie Guevara – roberto.guevara@rmit.edu.au
