A BENEFIT concert to raise funds for women and children battling cancer was organized by a breast cancer patients and survivors support group on Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Patio Enrico in Tuguegarao.
The “Strings of Life” dinner-concert was an initiative of the newly formed group, “Mga Babaeng May ‘K,’” (MBK) with “K” meaning “kanser” (cancer) and “Kababaihang may Katatagan, Katapangan at Kagandahan laban sa Kanser.”
The event was the culmination of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, with proceeds directed to MBK and Childhaus Manila, the first and only temporary home for children with cancer.
Violinist Ian Levi Mora headlined the concert, performing classics such as Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” Sharon Cuneta’s “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” and Martin Nievera’s “Kahit Isang Saglit.”
Mora, who trained at the UST Conservatory of Music, had performed with renowned ensembles like the Asian Youth Orchestra and the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra.
The project was spearheaded by Tuguegarao City Councilor Claire Callangan, a breast cancer survivor herself, alongside lawyers Erica Hernandez and Aleth Cubacub, and Dr. Hemmady Mora, who also shared testimonials during the event.
Groups and personalities present at the dinner-concert included Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara, Philippine Councilors League President Charo Soriano, and the Rotary Club of Tugueagarao.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women in the Philippines, with 33,079 cases recorded in 2022. The disease is often detected in advanced stages due to limited access to early screening and treatment.
It is also the second most prevalent cancer among men, with 11,857 cases in 2024, trailing lung cancer.
The World Health Organization estimates that 4,700 children aged 0 to 19 in the Philippines are diagnosed with cancer annually. Logan Zapanta
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