Short but sweet and a resounding success.

That's how music lovers described the Rush Hour Concert with the Manila Symphony Orchestra held online for the very first time last October 30. 

OPM music fans were treated to an hour of pop songs such as Limang-Dipang Tao" (1981), composed and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab; "Si Aida, O si Lorna, O si Fe" (1989), composed by Louie Ocampo; "Anak" (1978);composed by Freddie Aguilar); "Handog" (1970), composed by Florante; "Sana’y Wala nang Wakas" (1986), composed by Willy Cruz; "Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko" (1981); composed by Rey Valera; and  "Ang Huling El Bimbo" (1996), composed by Ely Buendia.

"We chose these pieces because they are familiar to people. They have quality arrangements and have meaningful messages for the present situation,” said Jeffrey Solares, executive director of MSO.

For its 30th anniversary, Avida once again joined forces with Ayala Museum to bring The Rush Hour Concerts online for the very first time.

The virtual concert is a way for the museum and the Manila Symphony Orchestra to make classical music more accessible to the public. 

The initiative is part of Ayala Museum’s Get Access, Give Access fundraising campaign that gives internet access to underprivileged students from all over the Philippines for their online education. 

 The beneficiaries of Ayala Foundation’s Student Online Access Program include their scholars aged 5 to 21 who come from the most disadvantaged families in Tondo, Batangas, and MIMAROPA.

Majority of them have limited access to digital tools and the internet, with 80 percent resorting to prepaid connectivity for their online schooling.

Through the virtual Rush Hour Concert, Avida and Ayala Museum will be able to provide a child with internet access for one year with every ticket sold, with their target set at 500 children by the end of the fundraising initiative.