Via Prosy Delacruz
I have always theorized that folks who give to others are generally happy and content folks. Why? Their minds and hearts are preoccupied with how else might they give to others and strategically benefit our Filipino American and Asian American communities.
I am fortunate to have a long-term friendship with Ted Benito, an only son raised by his parents with so much nurturing love and a big heart that keeps giving to others in the community. I have watched him evolve from his days of being involved in script writing and performing at UCLA’s Pilipino Cultural Nights to directing fundraising events for the Filipino American Library under then board chair Fritz Friedman to producing events like Jazzipino, Jazzmopolitan at Aratani and Ford Amphitheater to plays at the Ford Amphitheater to a 13,000 strong audience attending at the Hollywood Bowl, to watch Apl.de.ap and various singers here and in the Philippines. We still remember that wonderful picnic of twelve of us, that included music aficionados and our spiritual mentor Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas and our good friends then, plus John C. Davis, now in heaven watching over us.
Excerpt of Ted’s story is posted here, the entire 10 pages-story can be obtained at Even The Rainbow Has A Body available at Philippine Expressions Bookshop and East West Bookshop.
We are fortunate that Ted Benito’s leadership to produce events have strategically uplifted our artists as more than deserving to perform in mainstream venues, from UCLA, to Aratani, to Ford, to Hollywood Bowl and now Disney Hall.
The next beneficiary of Ted’s cultural vision is Martin Nievera, a 40 years’ world-class performing artist, born in Hawaii, and currently resides in the Philippines, who will be performing at the world-acclaimed Walt Disney Hall’s Music Center.
Martin has performed in many mainstream stages around the world, but he will be the first male Filipino artist who will be performing in Disney Hall on August 28. Imagine that history is about to be made. The first female artist to perform at Walt Disney Hall, sponsored by Search to Involve Pilipino Americans was our world class singer Lea Salonga, decades ago.
Best part is 10% of the proceeds will be donated to SIPA, PEDRO, Apl.de.ap International and Incarnation Church in Glendale headed by Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas.
We are meant to sing and with excellence, we will be heard widely and broadly. #loveandkindnesshasmultipliereffect