Sun Life Foundation supports Pinoy musical tribute for frontliners

Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. has teamed up with Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. to co-present a one-of-a-kind online musical that pays tribute to the men and women at the forefront of the Philippines’ fight against the pandemic.

Entitled “M-FLIX: Da Pinoy Pandemic Palabas,” the musical was expertly curated by National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Moy Ortiz, and Noel Ferrer and directed by Stephen Vinas. It will feature performances by some of the country’s top talents, including Ogie Alcasid, Joanna Ampil, Nicole Asensio, Joey Ayala, Mark Bautista, Bukas Palad Choir, Bituin Escalante, Rony Fortich, Itchyworms, Davey Langit, Jed Madela, Morisette, Tim Pavino, Pinopela, The Company, Basil Valdez and Raki Vega. The performances are interspersed with short animations by Aidon Panlaqui, taking the viewers through the Filipinos’ emotional journey throughout the pandemic.


“We at Sun Life Foundation are always on the lookout for ways that we can help make these trying times lighter for our fellow Filipinos. This musical will not only allow us to salute our modern-day heroes but also bring hope to the viewers, as they are reminded that a brighter future is still on the horizon, no matter how difficult times may be,” said Sun Life CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison, who is also chairman of the Sun Life Foundation. “We are likewise happy to support the Filipino creative industry, which we have always believed to be world-class.”


“We are very grateful that Sun Life Foundation naturally understood and supported our belief that music was, is, and always will be part of being Filipino, wherever and whatever our struggles are. ‘M-FLIX 2021: Da Pinoy Pandemic Palabas’ is an original form of online musical that we conceived with an all-Filipino assemblage of talents so we can resound with our pain, gratitude, and, most of all, love and hope in song amidst these darkest of times,” said National Artist for Music and M-FLIX Curator Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.


Meanwhile, Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. Managing Director and Curator Maria Isabel Garcia shares, “The BGC Arts Center champions Filipino musical artistry as it sits at the core of who we are as Filipinos. Music has an essential role in healing and moving us forward as individuals and as a collective. Sun Life Foundation understood that as strongly as we did, having co-presented our flagship program, The Pinoy Playlist Music Festival, in previous years. We are deeply grateful that Sun Life Foundation connected with M-FLIX 2021: Da Pinoy Pandemic Palabas right away and made it possible.”


M-FLIX: Da Pinoy Pandemic Palabas will be released in two acts, with Act 1 premiering on November 6 and Act 2 on November 13, both at 7pm, on the MIND S-COOL YouTube Channel.


Those interested to know more may follow @sunlifeph and @BGCArtsCenter on Facebook and Instagram.