Hear the people sing for Upskills+ Foundation

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, many communities needed massive support and a flicker of hope to rise again. It was during this critical time that Newport World Resorts presented Do You Hear the People Sing? as a two-day fundraising concert, in collaboration with lyricist Alain Boublil and composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, the Tony-award-winning creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon.

There was an outpouring of love from international and Philippine theatre artists who offered their talents for a worthy cause. The show successfully raised funds for the rebuilding efforts of typhoon-hit communities in Ormoc, Leyte. From the proceeds, the Sun and Moon Village was built, providing over 200 housing units and a two-classroom building for the survivors.

Do You Hear The People Sing? returns

A decade later, Newport World Resorts hopes to replicate the show’s success for another good cause. On August 2 and 3, the country’s premier entertainment and lifestyle destination sets the stage for Do You Hear The People Sing? concert at the award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater, to deliver support for the beneficiary communities of Upskills+ Foundation.

The organization has developed highly successful poverty reduction programs for disenfranchised communities in some of the worst slums in the Philippines. Their mission to equip underprivileged families and individuals with the skills and tools for a better life aligns perfectly with Newport World Resorts' commitment to empowering Filipinos and nation-building.

Building a new hope for Upskills+ Foundation

Jane Walker, Upskills+ Foundation founder, cherishes the long-standing collaboration with Newport World Resorts that began in 2009. “It has spanned over time, and has brought forth so many fruits.”

The British philanthropist fondly remembers the time when Newport World Resorts funded one of their educational programs. Twenty-five students from families in need received ballet training under the tutelage of prima ballerina and Ballet Manila founder Lisa Macuja. Several of these young students later on became professional ballerinas. "We've been delighted to be in partnership again and just seeing what a difference we can make together," she shared.

Walker has a clear plan for the funds that will be raised through the upcoming concert. The goal is to construct a multi-purpose building to serve the needs of Upskills+ Foundation’s community in Naic, Cavite. This facility will provide essential services, including a clinic, a kitchen and a bakery for feeding programs, and livelihood training rooms.

“There's a massive need to build up the nutrition of the families and simultaneously upskill the whole community so that they can start to become more vibrant and start to earn more of an income,” she explained. “We really see this building as a beacon of hope.”

Hope is what fuels the unwavering dedication of Walker, who has spent 27 years helping these communities she now considers family. Her Philippine charity Upskills+ Foundation, and its sister charity Purple Community Fund in the United Kingdom, have built over 1,700 homes, educated 11,000 children, sent 493 students to universities, and cooked 4.5 million hot meals. All told, she has helped a total of over 2 million individuals.

“It just means the world to me that we can deliver to these families. And without Newport World Resorts’ help, we wouldn't be able to do it. I think that is the greatest gift that anybody could ever give us.”

A musical gift for Filipinos from the world

Do You Hear The People Sing? is the definitive celebration of the work of Boublil & Schönberg and includes not only hits from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon but also Martin Guerre, The Pirate Queen and their very first musical together, La Révolution Française.

The world-class production is top-billed by international theatre stars Abigail Adriano and Nigel Huckle, fresh from playing lead roles in the international tour of 2024 Miss Saigon; West End star Bradley Jaden, best known as Javert in Les Misérables; and Australian-American soprano Amy Manford, known for her performance of Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera.

Joining them are Philippine’s own stage stars Joreen Bautista, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, Arman Ferrer, Jep Go, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Esang De Torres, and Michael Williams.

Under the baton of conductor Gerard Salonga, the internationally acclaimed concert features the Filharmonika Orchestra and the Ateneo Chamber Singers. Together with the star soloists,  they will showcase some of the most beloved songs from the famous French duo, including music never before heard from their best-known musicals.

This August, hear these talented theatre stars sing, and their voices, united in song and purpose, will change the lives of many Filipinos and resonate hope long after the final bow.

Celebrate the works of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and contribute to a greater cause through the benefit concert “Do You Hear The People Sing” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now at all TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets: PHP 27,750 (PLATINUM), PHP 25,530 (SVIP), PHP 22,200 (VIP), PHP 14,430 (GOLD), PHP 11,100 (SILVER), and PHP 5,550 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact James Edward Rodriguez at 0917 829 2173, Paulo San Jose at 0917 810 5031, Raf Sangco at  0917 807 9387, JhayR dela Cruz at 0917 818 9847, and Vincent Miles Jiwatramani at 0917 150 3511.

Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to. For more information on “Do You Hear The People Sing?” concert, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook,  Instagram, and TikTok. Make the most of your visit and sign up for an Epic Membership or download the Epic Rewards mobile app for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

About Newport World Resorts (NWR):

Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts.

First established as the pioneer integrated resort in the Philippines in 2009, Newport World Resorts encompasses a newer and bigger world of extraordinary thrills within the bustling Newport City community. It is a one-stop, non-stop casino, hotels, and entertainment complex comprising two main wings, Newport Grand Wing and Newport Garden Wing that feature a wide array of gaming thrills and an innovative EPIC REWARDS program for members.

Centrally located within a prime tourism spot, right across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, Newport World Resorts boasts of the highest hotel room key count in a single property with five international hotel brands, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, SHERATON Manila Hotel, HOTEL OKURA Manila, HILTON Hotel Manila, and HOLIDAY INN Express Manila-Newport City. The sprawling property also features a wide range of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) venues, including a three-story convention center that houses the country’s largest hotel ballroom, the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

At Newport World Resorts, entertainment and lifestyle options abound. The award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater seats over 1,700 audiences for live entertainment from plays and musicals to concerts and amazing performances. Likewise, the Newport Grand Wing’s The Grand Bar and Lounge and the Newport Garden Wing’s Bar 360 and El Calle Food and Music Hall provide nightly live entertainment for guests and patrons. The Newport Mall features international luxury brands and the state-of-the-art Newport Cinemas. Also within Newport City, are over 50 restaurants and dining outlets offering a diverse selection of local and international cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and international chefs.