MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) held its first-ever free concert tour at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on May 22, 2009, as part of its campaign to end human trafficking and exploitation worldwide.
In partnership with USAID and VFFI (Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc.), the kick-off party at MOA featured famous local bands and artists who rocked the night away with their incredible performances.
Wearing pink bands as a sign of protest against human trafficking, performers and representatives from MTV EXIT and VFFI, including the honorable U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, shared helpful tips and insights about the dangers of human trafficking. Short clips and animation were shown during the event to further extend MTV EXIT’s message to the concertgoers.
Just after 6:00 PM, performances by Pochoy Labog and Christian Bautista raised the curtain with their equally impressive and wonderful collaboration. After a few words from MTV VJs Kat Alano and Epi Quizon, who also served as the event’s emcees, the next artists were introduced, pumping up the crowd even more. No bones about it, Parokya ni Edgar and Kamikazee are guaranteed crowd favorites and major draws.
Other performers that night included Rico Blanco, Calla Lily, Pupil, Sponge Cola, Gary Valenciano with a special number from his son Gab Valenciano, Duster, Kitchie Nadal, Bamboo, and Moymoy Palaboy.
MTV Philippines’ rock-for-a-cause event was attended by thousands of music fans, NGO groups, supporters, and media people, all extending their support to uphold the right of every human being to choose where to live, work, who to befriend, and whom to love.
Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano also expressed how happy he was to be selected as one of the artists to perform for MTV EXIT. Gary V also gave a few reminders on how exploitation and human trafficking can be avoided.
“When I found out about the magnitude of the problem, I thought it would be good to at least say something to encourage people to talk about it. If you know someone who is involved or a victim of exploitation, talk about it, research it, go online and find everything you need to know about it… You need to get all the information in case you want to travel abroad and work. There’s nothing wrong with it, but please make sure you get all the legal information you need—you never know what will happen,” Gary V said.
“I believe that Filipinos have big dreams and are excellent hard workers, and you deserve the best. But in order to get to where you want to be, you have to make sure you take the proper path. Don’t just rush into it. Learn about trafficking, learn about slavery,” Valenciano added.
After the kick-off concert in Manila, MTV EXIT will have a nationwide tour to spread their message to more people. The MTV EXIT Philippine Tour will visit Angeles, Pampanga on July 4, 2009, Davao on September 12, 2009, and Cebu on November 14, 2009.
