CSS RSO rolls out Fun-demya: a virtual charity concert

CSS RSO rolls out Fun-demya: a virtual charity concert

Karrie Anne C. Langit

From January 4C-6 Mass Communication (Mas comm) students from 1st year to 3rd year came together to create Fun-demya, a virtual charity concert that aims to spread hope and joy amidst the pandemic, via Facebook Live.

In preparation for the event, several meetings were held at Zoom to make sure that everyone understood the ground rules and how the program would work. Most of the performers recorded their content through video and voice recordings which are sent to the editing team. Although various scenes were shot outdoors, the cast and crew made sure to follow the safety guidelines.

The program kicks off at 6:30 PM with a family played by Acer Kingdom, Alain Zarate, and Mea Terado with a choreographed dance routine provided by select members of Mass Comm students. This is then followed by a short video montage staring Gem Langit and Danilo Boquiren called “I just fall in love again”, a comedy skit show entitled “The Nell and Danilo Show, and fun games, funny jokes, wacky stories, and an inspirational interview with a special guest Ms. Sheina May Mislang, Mass Comm professor.

On the second day, the students were shown an animated film, created by Jan Benedickt Zarcilla and produced by Camille Batalliones, that chronicles the story of two brothers trying to survive in the streets due to poverty plus COVID-19. On a lighter note, they are greeted to an uplifting variety show called “The 10 Commandments” hosted by Kristine Joy Flores and Alec Luigi Rallustian. It showcases all the amazing talents of each Mass Comm student and highlights what they have been up to since the start of the pandemic such as making Tik- Tok videos, gardening in their backyards, online selling and shopping, playing online games, studying online, and vlogging.

On the last day, the students were greeted with a testimonial video of SN2 Salvador Eden Jr. where he recounted his experiences contracting the virus and how he is dealing with it even to this day. It all ended with the release of an original song called “Sky Felt”, written, and composed by Vince Rodriguez, which encapsulates the resilience that we all must keep moving forward despite the tragedy around us and never lose hope.

Up to this point, the Fun-demya charity concert was able to gain a total of P47,235 from ticket sales and sponsorships. The department’s Registered Student Organization (RSO) will use the money to help other Mass Comm students with financial difficulties. They even paid the final balance of a beneficiary and they were able to help a Mass Comm student with his scholarship. According to the program coordinator Irish Caoile, they are in the process of establishing a foundation exclusively for Mass Comm students, but it is yet to be formally announced.

Thanks to technology, this program was able to push through despite the growing concerns of the pandemic.