Health workers in spotlight at 4th Palace KSP concert
Health workers in spotlight at 4th Palace KSP concert
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino health care workers were given the spotlight yesterday during the fourth installment of the Konsyerto sa Palasyo (KSP), a concert series that seeks to recognize the contributions of various sectors to nation-building.
The Kalayaan Grounds at Malacañang was filled with serenades and tributes for the health care sector during the “KSP: Para sa ating mga Healthcare Workers,” which was witnessed by President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and several government officials.
Marcos sang a few lines of Martin Nievera’s hit song “Be My Lady,” drawing cheers from the audience. He dedicated the song to Liza by changing the lyrics of the chorus to “Be My First Lady.”
Also present during the musical treat were three Filipino nurses based in the United Kingdom who received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for their service.
Nurses Xyza Macutay-Malloch, Louie Horne and Charito Leonardo-Romano were acknowledged during the program, which featured seasoned and emerging artists.
Malloch, who hails from Ilagan, Isabela, was given the BEM in 2021 for her outstanding contributions to the British society during the pandemic. She was invited to the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey last May.
Horne was awarded the medal last year for her contributions to nursing and advocacy for international staff within the UK’s National Health Service. She was the first Filipino Lamp Bearer at the 58th Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster.
Romano, meanwhile, was awarded the BEM in 2021 for her commendable and courageous work in the UK during the COVID-19 health crisis. She paid a courtesy call on Marcos on Aug. 1, 2023, where she was recognized for her service at the Arbrook House, a facility in Surrey, southeast England that extends specialized medical care for people suffering from serious illnesses and those vulnerable to COVID-19.
The concert featured performances from Nievera, the 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.
Other artists who entertained the medical frontliners were singer Alyn Magadia, 6th Pilipinas Got Talent aerial dance winner Kristel de Catalina and former “The Voice Generation” contestants the Ayta Brothers, who are showcasing their talent to inspire the Ayta Magantsi tribe and other members of Philippine indigenous tribes.