A 72-year-old man from Sampaloc, Manila, who lost his job as a mall pianist due to the pandemic, turned to performing online to raise funds for his daily needs and medicines.
Vidalito Infante or Lolo Bong played the piano for nearly two hours in a performance streamed on his personal Facebook account last Sunday, March 14.
He happily entertained his virtual audience with OPM, Kundiman and inspirational pieces, as well as other song requests.
It was Lolo Bong’s family friend and student, Raymund Javier, who set up the free live show at his teacher’s home in Balic-Balic.
What a lovely music, Lolo Bong!
This 72-year-old pianist from Manila held an online concert last Sunday to raise funds for his maintenance medicine.
Posted by Philippine Star on Thursday, March 18, 2021
The virtual piano concert has now garnered more than 500,000 views, 30,000 reactions and 7,000 comments as of writing.
“Bravo! Wala kang kupas Bong! Since Holy Trinity Academy days 40 years ago, until now, you’re still an amazing pianist!” said a commenter.
Another netizen said, “He is such a talented pianist and a fantastic entertainer.”
“Love it when he’s being playful with the keyboard, it shows his enjoyment, playing for his wife,” read another comment.
According to a video feature by The Philippine Star, Lolo Bong was a music teacher who used to perform in malls for a living.
Netizens remembered him playing at Robinsons Magnolia, Rockwell and Glorietta pre-pandemic.
However, he was left jobless when the coronavirus pandemic broke out as senior citizens were prohibited from leaving their homes.
“Sa pamamagitan ng FB live na ginagawa ni Raymund para sa akin, nakakatanggap ako ng donations mula sa mga mabubuting tao na mahilig sa music,” Lolo Bong told The STAR.
Lolo Bong is set to hold another virtual piano concert on Easter Sunday, April 4.
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