American and Filipino Celebrities came together to support Filipino typhoon flood victims

October 24, 1:32 PMLA Red Carpet ExaminerPeter Gonzaga

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      For Ted Benito, producer of "We Are One!" concert benefit, it was a short one week to bring together celebrities under one roof to help raise funds and awareness of the devastation the Philippines has encountered with the deadliest typhoons to hit the island country in recent years. According to Jush Andowitt, "It was great to see local Southern California politicians and celebrities come together within one week to support the typhoon victims of the Philippines. Even Bishop Solis of the Catholic Archdiose showed up for the concert."

      Filled to near capacity, the Alex Theatre in Glendale's wall resounded with songs performed by Lea Salonga, youtube sensation AJ Rafael and the dance moves of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" Season 3 and Season 4 winners Quest Crew and We Are Heroes respectively among other performers.

      Going past any red carpet, this reporter along affiliate Chris Trondsen of Pacific Rim Video was given exclusive backstage access to talk to the various celebrities who appeared on stage for the event. Nia Peeples told us that she was glad that she was able to come to an event like this to show her support. Granted being of Filipino extraction, she didn't grow up around the Filipino culture but felt the need to connect with her Filipino roots and contribute a moment as a guest to the We Are One! event.

Nia Peeples with Chris Trondsen of Pacific Rim Video

      Mark Dacascos of "Dancing With The Stars" was not direclty affected by the typhoons but also felt the heartstrings pull at him being of Filipino extraction. His long standing friend with Ted Benito also brought him forth to give back to the community.

Mark Dacascos with Chris Trondsen of Pacific Rim Video

      For KTLA news journalist Cher Calvin, this event wasn't just about being Filipino and supporting the victims of the Philippines, it was about humanity and letting non-Filipinos know that any calamity affects them indirectly. Calvin explains, "Glendale is not a predominantly Filipino community but being here at the Alex Theatre and looking at the marquee people are reminded as they walk by seeing that this is a relief foundation or effort for the Filipino typhoon victims.  That may help and they may go to the red cross (to donate)."

Cher Calvin being interviewed with Chris Trondsen of Pacific Rim Video

      Putting a smile on people's faces was one thing that Hiro of We Are Heroes wanted to contribute to this event. Through the power of dance, the historic first all female crew to win "America's Best Dance Crew," just believes in giving back. Nichelle Thrower mentioned in an interview with Pacific Rim Video is that "Giving back is amazing. You've got to give back. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our fans and a lot of our fans are here today." "Season 3 winners Quest Crew had the same sentiments as We Are Heroes. Dtrix Sandoval said, "We are here to support the Philippines."

We Are Heroes with Chris Trondsen of Pacific Rim Video

      As for the performances, Prime Note Ensemble received a resounding applause for their rendition of "Circle of Life." It also brought some tears to audience members' eyes. For Prime Note Ensemble, the typhoons hit much more than the other performers as all the members of the group comprise of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in which the majority of family members still reside in the Philippines. Pop, rock,r&b band Introvoys also gave a great performance. A few members of Introvoys had friends and families who were hit personally by the typhoons. Not to forget, Tony Award winner, Lea Salonga also received a warm welcome for her performance.

Prime Note Ensemble's version of "Circle of Life"

Introvoys being interviewed by Chris Trondsen of Pacific Rim Video

For the youtube generation, AJ Rafael treated the crowd with an original number and also sang a duet with up and coming vocalist RJ De La Fuente.

      Expect more benefit concerts and events to come and this reporter to cover any red carpet event or going backstage to report first hand on the efforts to help the typhoon victims of the Philippines.

      For more information about how you can help in the relief effort visit Google's landing page at http://www.google.com/landing/typhoon-ondoy.html or email Jush Andowitt at joshandowitt@yahoo.com or Ted Benito TED@TDRZ.NET

All photos by Sthanlee B. Mirador of Pacific Rim Photo Press / Videos by Pacific Rim Video