PALACE HOLDS ‘KONSYERTO SA PALASYO’ TO HONOR FILIPINO HEALTHCARE WORKERS

THE Presidential Communications Office (PCO), in collaboration with the Radio Television Malacanang (RTVM), launched the fourth Konsyerto sa Palasyo (KSP) on Sunday night, honoring Filipino healthcare workers around the world.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos led the “KSP: Para sa ating mga Healthcare Workers” at the Kalayaan Grounds, Malacañan Palace.

Three UK-based Filipino nurses– Xyza Macutay-Malloch, Louie Horne and Charito Leonardo-Romano, who are recipients of the British Empire Medal (BEM), were among the attendees. They were acknowledged during the concert.

Macutay-Malloch of Ilagan, Isabela received the BEM in 2021 for her outstanding contributions to the British society during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was invited to witness His Royal Highness King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2024.

Horne received the BEM in 2023 for her contributions to nursing and advocacy for international staff within the National Health Service (NHS). She became the first Filipino Lamp Bearer at the 58th Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster.

Leonardo-Romano received her BEM in 2021 for her commendable and courageous work in the UK during the pandemic.

She was also recognized by President Marcos during her courtesy call on the Chief Executive on August 1, 2023 for her work at Arbrook House, a facility providing specialized medical care for those with serious illnesses and vulnerable to COVID-19 in Surrey, Southeast England.

Initiated by the Office of the President, the KSP is a one-night concert that showcased Filipino talents in singing, dancing, and various forms of art, providing them a stage to gain recognition in their chosen careers. The KSP is also held in recognition and support of Philippine culture.

Featured artists were Concert King Martin Nievera; the Douglas Nierras Powerdance dance group; ‘The Clash Philippines’ finalist Garrett Bolden; singer and former child actor Brenan Espartinez; singer and music coach Justin Taller; singer Christel Galacan; and singer and theater artist Lara Maigue.

Singer Alyn Magadia was also one of the performers for the occasion along with 6th Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) aerial dance winner Kristel de Catalina and former “The Voice Generation” contestants the Ayta Brothers.

Coming from humble beginnings, the Ayta Brothers Arjohn Gilbert and Jayson Narciso now use their singing talents to be an inspiration not only for the Ayta Magantsi tribe, but also for other members of indigenous tribes in the Philippines.

The first three KSPs were held last year.

The “KSP: Awit ng Magiting,” recognizing the contributions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was held on April 23; followed by the “KSP: Para sa Atletang Pilipino” on August 26, recognizing Filipino athletes; and the KSP: Para sa Mahal nating mga Guro on October 1, honoring Filipino teachers.