President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. treated members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and their families to an evening of memorable performances from the country's best and upcoming artists as he hosted his first 'Konsyerto sa Palasyo' at the Malacañang Palace Grounds on Saturday, April 22.

Artists from different parts of the country serenade members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and their families in Malacañang on April 22, 2023. The 'Konsyerte sa Palasyo' is a concert series hosted by President Marcos in Malacañang to honor and pay tribute to AFP's sacrifice and heroism in maintaining the nation’s sovereignty, peace, and security. (Noel Pabalate)

The event, dubbed "Konsyerto sa Palasyo: Awit ng Magiting", aimed to acknowledge the sacrifices of the members of the AFP to maintain the nation's sovereignty, peace, and security.

Singers, instrumentalists, dancers and movement artists, rappers, rock vocalists, spoken word artists, theater artists, and beatbox artists from different parts of the country took centerstage to perform for the Chief Executive and the AFP community.

"Coming from all over the Philippines, the artists showcased the nation's rich culture and world-class talent in the performing arts that serenaded the special audience, even prompting them to sing upon hearing their all-time favorite music," the Palace said.

The concert featured the Samiweng Singers from Ilocos Norte, Musical Director Jeddi Cris Celeste from Iloilo City, and Harpists Benedicto Costaños Sr. and Benedicto Costaños Jr. from Cebu.

The AFP personnel were also treated to performances by Poppert Bernadas from Davao; Princess Vire from Quezon City; Limuel Llanes from Quezon Province; rappers Marco Paolo Revidiso from Parañaque City, A.K. Fella, Glnn, and MC Julyo from Cavite; and Spoken Word Artist Kenli Marc Sibayan from Ilocos Norte.

The event on Saturday evening was the first in a series of Palace concerts that will be held throughout the year.

AFP members from its three main service branches, together with their families, were invited to grace the Palace's first concert under the Marcos Administration.

Accompanying the President were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Among those present were Cabinet secretaries and Senators Cynthia Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, and Francis Tolentino.

The event is spearheaded by the Office of the President (OP), Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Social Secretary’s Office (SOSEC), and Presidential Broadcast Staff – Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM).