Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Concert Queen Pops Fernandez are two of the stars who will perform in honor of Filipino teachers for all their hard work and sacrifices through PLDT Smart Foundation’s annual "GabayGuro" Grand Gathering on Oct. 3.
But Regine and Pops admitted that performing on a virtual show is very challenging, during a virtual press launch of the annual tribute for the Filipino teachers this morning, Oct. 1.
"Very affected talaga ang live performances and thank God for social media. Somehow nairaraos namin ang pag perform virtually. It's not the same. I don't have the proper equipment. I always believe there's always a way. If there's a will, there's a way. We are sad for the musicians who are not equipped. Hopefully if this lasts for another year, hopefully we find ways with the support from PLDT Smart for more virtual concerts not just for singers. Sana may banda na. Hopefully we can do that para sa ibang tao naman," said Pops.
Regine said that preparing for a virtual show is like being a one-man band.
"As far as I am concerned, I am getting used to it. It's hard work when you mount a concert. There's a lot of people involved. Nowadays, when we work, kami na rin ang behind the scenes, taga-cue, kami na rin lahat. It's hard but I am just grateful that I just got to work. Thank God for this blessing. I have a supportive husband. It's really hard;
"Bata pa lang ako concerts na talaga. I missed performing for the live audience. I hope, someday, I would still be able to do it," Regine added.
Set to happen for the first time in a virtual landscape, this year’s teachers’ tribute “Digitalization: Transitioning to a Better Normal” will be streamed LIVE on Oct. 3, Saturday via GabayGuro’s Facebook page and Youtube Channel starting at 3 p.m.
The grand gathering will be hosted by Edu Manzano, Iza Calzado and Xian Lim.
Aside from Pops and Regine, other stars who will perform are Sharon Cuneta and her daughters Frankie and Miel Pangilinan, Gabby Concepcion, Gary Valenciano, OgieAlcasid and daughter Leila, ZsaZsa Padilla, Karylle, Martin Nievera, Piolo Pascual and son Inigo, Bea Alonzo, Ian Veneracion, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Jaya, Jona, Derek Ramsay, Dingdong Avanzado and daughter Jayda, MaymayEntrata, Edward Barbers, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Sam Concepcion, Juris, Julie Anne San Jose, Mark Bautista, Joey G., Luke Mijares, Jinky Vidal, Klarisse, Ebe Dancel, Paolo Santos, ZephanieDimaranan, TNT Boys, Nyoy Volante, Raimund Marasigan, Teddy Corpuz, Randy Santiago, Christian Bautista, Jugs Jugueta, and brothers Rayver and Rodjun and Ella Cruz.
"Our teachers are the pillars of education. Amid the new normal, they pave the way for our children to have the best learning opportunities. It is through our Grand Gathering that we pay homage to the important role they play in transforming the lives of the next generation,” said GabayGuro Chairperson Chaye Cabal-Revilla.
With the event happening on the digital landscape, GabayGuro reaches out to more teachers across the country. It is expected to draw in over 50,000 teachers nationwide.
Teachers may join the Grand Gathering by downloading the GabayGuro App. By registering, teachers will have a chance to win some of the exciting prizes.
Since 2007, GabayGuro has been empowering teachers across the country through its seven key pillars: Classroom Donations, Connectivity and Computerization, Scholarships; Teachers’ Trainings; Livelihood Programs; Digital Innovation; and the Teacher’s Tribute.
Since its founding, GabayGuro has built and donated over 55 classrooms nationwide and provided over 2,000 scholarship grants through its partner schools which have been equipped with new computers and broadband connectivity. Of its scholars, 1,047 have graduated, with 325 finishing with honors. GabayGuro has also proudly produced 840 Licensure Examination for Teachers passers as of 2019.
Over the years, more than 60,000 educators have also benefitted from GabayGuro's 12 regular training programs including: Teacher’s Treasure Chest; English Proficiency Program; Personality Development; Emotional Intelligence; Teachers’ Armor; Leadership Training; IT Sustainability and Literacy; and Unleashing Creativity in Teaching and more. GabayGuro also links schools to communities and industries through workshops and seminars. This helps promote an innovative mindset and unlocks opportunities for teachers, school leaders and staff.
For the past years, GabayGuro travels across the country to bring more smiles to educators with a series of regional Teacherfest events, a localized tribute program for teachers, including Ilocos Norte, Bulacan, Cebu, Butuan, Bataan, Navotas and a lot more.