PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hosted a concert Sunday night at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang Palace, Manila to honor the sacrifices and dedication of Filipino healthcare workers.
Dubbed “Konsyerto sa Palasyo: Para sa ating mga Healthcare Workers” (Concert at the Palace: For our Healthcare Workers), it showcased Filipino talents in singing, dancing, and various forms of art.
Filipino nurses in the United Kingdom (UK) — Xyza Macutay-Malloch, Louie Horne and Charito Leonardo-Romano, recipients of the British Empire Medal (BEM), were among the attendees. They were acknowledged during the concert.
Malloch of Ilagan, Isabela received the BEM in 2021 for her outstanding contributions to British society during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She was invited to witness His Royal Highness King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in May.
Horne received the BEM last year for her contributions to nursing and advocacy for international staff within the National Health Service, becoming the first Filipino Lamp Bearer at the 58th Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster.
Meanwhile, Romano received her BEM in 2021 for her commendable work in the UK during the pandemic.
Filipino music icon Martin Nievera led the lineup of local artists who ascended the Palace stage.
At one point during his performance, the singer handed President Marcos the microphone to sing parts of his classic hit “Be My Lady,” to which the President gamely obliged, much to the delight of the First Lady and the crowd.
Douglas Nierras’ Powerdance dance group; “The Clash Philippines” finalist Garrett Bolden; singer and former child actor Brenan Espartinez; singer and music coach Justin Taller; singer Christel Galacan; and singer and theater artist Lara Maigue also performed.
Joining them were singer Alyn Magadia, along with “6th Pilipinas Got Talent” aerial dance winner Kristel de Catalina and former “The Voice Generation” contestants the Ayta Brothers.
83 ‘Lab for All’ medical trucks
During the concert, a video presentation showed the 83 “Lab for All” medical trucks that will be distributed to all the provinces across the country.
Lab for All is the health and social services program of the First Lady.
Malacañang held the first “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” for soldiers in April last year, then for athletes (August 2023) and teachers (October 2023). (PNA)
