FUNDRACHER: A benefit gig for Rachelle Villamor - Pun-tastic! (09.19.2020)

Prods and Orgs have been hard at work with adjusting to things in this pandemic and we’re seeing the results - online gigs. Normally, I’d be writing about events happening outside but this will have to do for now. The second online gig to be featured on the site was a fundraiser produced by The UP Music Circle for the benefit of their orgmate.

The event was streamed live over at the UP Music Circle page and had two really funny and entertaining hosts. They battled each other in a game of wits - it was pun-tastic! Their back and forth was very entertaining and casual. Internet connection seemed to be an issue since they sometimes talked over each other but still fun nonetheless.

As for the performances, they were all pre-recorded but some stood out more than others. First up was That Something that featured powerful vocals but I would have preferred to hear more originals. (Formerly Maryknoll) was next and - for me - was the most entertaining and memorable. It was a full art experience - each performance played out like a lofi music video. During the videos, I could feel the mosh pit forming around me. I hope to see them perform live someday. Indayo played next and was billed as a folk group but performed a stripped down set with only two people on camera. I wonder what they look/sound like when they’re complete. Water The Odds is a synthpop group that played a cover first but picked the performance up while playing their original song. From The Quirks set, there was a great cover of “I Won't Say (I'm In Love)” from Hercules. It featured great vocal harmonies and a smooth vibe. Sunny Blues played some more blues and their Valerie cover was more chill than the cover of That Something. The band had a great ebb and flow in their original song. Any Name’s Okay’s set turned into a solo performance. I would have liked to see the full band perform. The Ridleys’ set was a great closer - acoustic folk and a relaxing way to end the event. They even faked an ending and performed an encore.

All in all, it was a fun event to watch. The stream averaged about 90+ viewers until the end and seeing the comment section made me miss watching gigs at Mow’s. Even though I only knew about three people in the comment section, the reactions were all very relatable and funny. The only thing that can be improved on is coordination between bands. Two bands covered the same song albeit in different styles. For more details about the fundraiser and ways to help, check out the details below.

Rachelle Villamor, one of the artists of UPMC, recently had to undergo a surgical operation due to an infection that has spread through her upper respiratory tract. Her brother was also rushed to the hospital the night before, and had to undergo an operation as well due to appendicitis.

While she is currently recovering, her family is now facing two surgical operations.

Their recent hospitalization has put their family's financial situation in strain, on top of difficulties brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. With this fundraiser, we are encouraging everyone who are capable to help by donating any amount directly to her Gcash account:

Rachelle Villamor

0936 781 6612