By Regina Elaine Vendivil

The Ateneo Senior High School ABM strand, in collaboration with Boboto ACO, brought the school year to a close with the online charity concert entitled “Gunita” which featured various artists and acts from the strand last 10th of May, 2021. 

The country’s top bands and well-known artists like The Itchyworms, Mayonnaise, Kalinaw, Novae, Chicharon, Mikey Pile, along with performances from the ABM strand, took part in this 90 minute-online event.

In an interview with the outgoing ABM Chairwoman Monica Gallardo, she expressed how the idea of the charity concert came from the realization that students were drained from the online setting and this event would give the Ateneans time to look back to face-to-face interactions and physical events in the ASHS. 

“This was when we decided to commemorate how each ASHS student has gone through this school year despite the hardships posed, while also helping those affected by this pandemic,” Gallardo said. 

Alongside the objectives of serving as the bridge of unity and bringing entertainment to the ASHS community, Gunita’s main purpose is to help their chosen beneficiaries. Gallardo mentioned that they have acknowledged the grave effects the pandemic has brought to the Filipino nation. 

“It has affected each and every one of us in different ways—millions have lost their jobs, loved ones, etc.—but through this concert, we aim to provide a channel where performers and people around the world will be able to join hands in not only helping those affected, but everyone both mentally and emotionally,” she stated. 

The online concert aimed to raise funds for their beneficiaries: Ateneo Center for Educational Development, Fortune Elementary School, Nangka Elementary School, and Project Liwanag, an organization empowering the indigenous Filipino community.  

Despite the difficulties they’ve encountered in the planning process, Gallardo acknowledged that the success of the event wouldn’t have been possible without ABM.

“With the help of the entire ABM strand, we were able to pull off such an amazing event,” she stated. 

Additionally, ASHS scholars were given a chance to avail free tickets to Gunita by signing up through a form, announced a week prior to the event.