[News] Guillermo Luz & Philippine Artists fund-raising concert for Japan raises over $400,000

[News] Guillermo Luz & Philippine Artists fund-raising concert for Japan raises over $400,000
Cr. - http://www.philippinetimes.com/

MANILA — A benefit concert by Philippine artists for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan raised over $400,000, one of the organizers said Saturday.

‘‘We raised 17.5 million pesos (about $403,900) and will send it to the Japan Red Cross next week,’’ Guillermo Luz, director of the Ayala Museum where the ‘‘Jam for Japan’’ concert was held Friday night, said.

More than 30 individual and group artists shared their talents for free to help raise funds for the victims of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami.

‘‘We are extremely happy with the response. It wasn’t only the cash contributed but the amount of volunteer support by the musicians and artists, director and technical crew,’’ Luz said.

The support, he said, shows that Filipinos are grateful for the help they received in the past when disasters hit the country.

‘‘This was a way of returning the favor and extending help to people who needed help,’’ Luz said.