MANILA (SE): Popular indie folk-pop band, Ben&Ben, were named new ambassadors of Alay Kapwa [serve others], a flagship programme of Caritas Philippines, in a move aimed at bringing the decades-old initiative to a new generation of Filipinos, CBCP News reported on June 4.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, made the announcement at a media launche at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila.
“Ben&Ben’s music speaks to the soul, and their values of love, hope and community are deeply aligned with our mission,” Bishop Bagaforo said. “Their presence in this campaign will help us reach new generations and inspire many more to live out the true spirit of Alay Kapwa.”
As part of their advocacy, the band will headline the “This is what I can share. This is my Alay Kapwa” campaign—a call to action encouraging one million Filipinos to commit to monthly donations.
Contributions, whether 50 pesos or 500 pesos, will support Caritas’ critical programmes on poverty reduction, disaster response, and social development.
“We ask you to give not from mere abundance, but from a heart full of compassion for others,” Bagaforo urged.
Ben&Ben’s music speaks to the soul, and their values of love, hope and community are deeply aligned with our mission,. Their presence in this campaign will help us reach new generations and inspire many more to live out the true spirit of Alay Kapwa
Bishop Bagaforo
Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin Guico, twin brothers and the band’s lead vocalists, described Alay Kapwa as a “major part of our life.”
Miguel recounted that they had a long history with the programme, even before forming the band, as their mother worked as a social action worker for Caritas Manila.
“Practically, we grew up already hearing about Alay Kapwa,” Miguel said.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
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“Years later, when the opportunity came up to be of service and to partner with Caritas, of course we said yes—not only because we knew what it was about, but also because we had seen its impact on the communities it had served over the years,” he added.
Paolo said the project is already in their “DNA,” and becoming part of it feels like coming “full circle.”
He said, “It was the right time when everything aligned for us to really play an active role in promoting Alay Kapwa. We didn’t expect it to happen now, but in God’s perfect timing, everything just falls into place.” he said.
He added, “We’re really just grateful and happy to be of service.”
The collaboration will be featured in the “AK @ 50 Benefit Concert,” set for July 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The event will celebrate five decades of Alay Kapwa and feature performances by Ben&Ben and other prominent Filipino artists.
Organisers said the concert will not only be a musical celebration, but also a rallying cry for unity and shared responsibility. Proceeds will go directly to funding the Church’s community-based initiatives.
