• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Part of the proceeds from the concert of Ben&Ben today, Aug. 16, at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, will be donated to the Kalipay Negrense Foundation, Passion8 Events and Services line producer Jida Hautea told the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod.
Hautea wrote to the SP and requested for an amusement tax exemption or reduction with regard “The Traveller Across Dimensions” concert tour to allow the producer to recoup investment in producing the concert.
The conduct of events, like concerts, meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions and the like are great economic drivers, with income being generated by the performers and attendees for the different businesses, especially the MSMEs in the locality that include food vendors, transportation like jeeps, e-buses, tricycles, hotels or accommodations since some of the concert goers are coming from outside Bacolod City, Hautea said.
“This is also a strong show of support for original Filipino Music (OPM). In line with Ben&Ben’s advocacy, part of the proceeds from the Bacolod concert will be donated to the Kalipay Negrense Foundation,” the letter added.
The SP decided to grant a five percent amusement tax reduction, from the original 10 percent.
Ben&Ben is a nine-piece band from Manila, composed of twin brothers Miguel Benjamin and Paolo Benjamin on acoustic guitars and vocals, Poch Barretto on electric guitar, Keifer Cabugao on violin, Andrew De Pano and Toni Muñoz on percussion, Pat Lasaten on keyboards, Agnes Reoma on bass, Jam Villanueva on drums, per the group’s website.
The twins, formerly known as The Benjamins, decided to add new members and changed their band name to Ben&Ben in 2016, and has endeared themselves to many with their heartfelt lyrics, unique musicality, and their electric vibe onstage, it added.
This indie folk pop band are the ones behind “Upuan”, “Kathang Isip”, “Ride Home”, “Leaves”, “Pagtingin”, and “Lifetime”, among others. | CGC
