Appreciating the wonders of love in STEM’s benefit concert “AMARE: One with Love”

By Laurein Marielle Mateo

“There is nothing better than a heart that loves and gives.”

SPCP Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students invited all to celebrate love in all its forms this Valentine’s Day by hosting a benefit concert titled “Amare: One with Love.” Held on February 13, 2021, the event featured a talented roster of performers who serenaded viewers with their alluring tunes filled with messages of love and warmth.

Amare — an Italian word that means “to be in love” — encapsulates the strand’s goal to encourage individuals to feel and spread the love during Valentine’s despite the challenges brought by the pandemic. STEM Senior Thea Aquino says that “We believe that love is what brings people together and urges each individual to grow out of their comfort zone and keep living.”

In line with their advocacy for human life and dignity, STEM’s chosen beneficiary for the concert is St. Arnold Jansen’s Kalinga Center, a foundation dedicated to providing care and creating change in the lives of Manila’s homeless and poor. “Kalinga” is an acronym for the programs offered by the center, which are Kain, Aral, Ligo, Nang Umayos. Donations were opened on February 6, and contributions of more than P100 granted eligibility to participate in the raffle draw, which gave out prizes from Ben Aqui Cookies and GP Coffee.

STEM students from the SPCP Chorale opened the event with an enchanting cover of I See the Light from the movie Tangled, followed by soloist Bianca Lipana who sang her renditions of Hinahanap-Hanap Kita by River Maya and Wine by Clara Benin. The Ministry charmed the audience with their covers of New Light by John Mayer and If I Could Fly by One Direction. Singer-songwriter Issa Rodriguez then took the spotlight with original songs Habang Buhay and Ready. Better Days stunned viewers with their captivating performance of originals Nararamdaman and Ayoko Na. Closing the concert, The Search Party serenaded viewers with their original songs Everyday and Ellie.

Starting as a project proposed for Grade 12’s iAdvocacy Program to a memorable event that paved the way for collaboration and inspired others to realize the wonders of love, Amare: One with Love warmed the hearts of audiences and successfully encouraged them to share love and appreciation with others.