Nicky Romero points to the crowd during his performance at 'United Republiq 2013' on November 21. (Photo courtesy of Kappo Rivera)
Originally billed as “an electronic music assembly” when it was first announced last September, the music party festival “United Republiq 2013″ became “an electronic music festival for a cause” following the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda that ravaged many parts of Samar, Leyte and nearby provinces in the country early this month.
“We decided to push through with it instead of cancelling so we can make it more proactive for rebuilding,” said Stephen Ku of Republiq, one of the organizers of the event that took place last November 21 at the Mall of Asia concert grounds.
A production of Republiq together with Worldwide Womb, Driven, and Woosah Studios, “United Republiq” owes its transformation from a mere music fest into a fundraiser to Viber. The popular instant messaging app was credited as a presenter.
Through Viber, the other sponsors and, of course, the headlining talents agreed to donate their fees estimated at a total of P7 million to relief efforts for typhoon-stricken areas.
Two of those headliners were no less than world-class DJs Nicky Romero and Axwell, who both admitted to being particularly affected by the devastation brought by the killer typhoon.
Romero, the 24-year-old Netherlands-based DJ currently ranked No. 7 in the world by DJ Magazine waxed emotional when he was spoke to media during the event.
“You know it’s so sad that these things happen and the thing is, it’s always at the places where people are the poorest. So I just feel horrible for everything that happened in your country and all the families and the people that suffered from the typhoon,” he exclaimed.
“On the other hand, I’m really positive about the fact that the whole world is helping and it’s really heartwarming to see that the world is helping you country out. I think it’s good to see people collaborate in these efforts,” he added.
With regards to donating all his talent fees for the same cause, Romero said it was the least he could do for the typhoon victims.
“If I can only help by donating my fees, then I’m happy to do it. If something like this happens to me and my country, then I would really be happy if people also help us out,” he pointed out.
Axwell during his set. (Photo courtesy of Kappo Rivera)
Axwell agreed. Currently ranked No. 19 among DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs in the world, the 35-year-old Swedish DJ, who was in Manila earlier this year as part of the farewell tour of the now defunct Swedish House Mafia, said he has grown fond of the Philippines since that last visit.
“I love you guys, I love it here so much the last time and I really wanted to come back. The devastation is nothing like I’ve ever seen before. I only saw it on TV but you guys lived it. I’m just happy that we could still do this show here, so happy that we can change the whole vibe into sort of a charity show and give all the money to victims and hope that it helps some people,” he said.
A shot of the 'United Republiq' crowd at the MOA Concert Grounds. (Photo courtesy of Kappo Rivera)
Other DJs that took to the stage during the “United Republiq” concert are Dutch duo NO_ID and local favorites Ace Ramos, Mars Miranda, Martin Pulgar and Marc Naval.
In describing the party atmosphere that transpired during the event, Romero observed that “people still have the energy, have the chills and the good vibes”. He was amazed by the display of resilience in the aftermath of such a calamity.
“I’m just happy to be here and contribute in my own small way to help lift up the spirits of your people,” he concluded.
World-renowned DJs Nicky Romero, Axwell happy to donate fees, raise funds for typhoon survivors
Source: InterAksyon.com (November 30, 2013 at 02:08PM)
Continue...
No comments:
Post a Comment