Ben&Ben hopes to inspire youth as new ambassadors of Caritas PH’s Alay Kapwa

Ben&Ben band is named as new ambassadors of Caritas Philippines’ Alay Kapwa. Contributed photo

Folk-pop band Ben&Ben has been named the new ambassadors of Caritas Philippines’ Alay Kapwa program, a role with which the band members hope to inspire Filipino youth to embrace unity, compassion and active social involvement. 

The group’s lead vocalists Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico expressed their commitment to promoting the Catholic Church’s mission of serving the poor and marginalized during the “Sa Kapwa Ko Ay Alay: 50 Taon ng Pag-asa” event held Wednesday, June 4, at the University of Santo Tomas.

“When you realize that there’s a point in time that you want to do it. And you’re going to do it not because someone told you. But because you saw the purpose of the advocacy and decided that you wanted to be a part of it. And I feel like that’s the way we want to encourage people, young people especially,” said Miguel.

“I think young people know a lot more than even as recently as 10 years ago when we were in our teens. There’s a lot of young people who are smart. And I believe that when they see the significance of this advocacy, they will tune to it. That’s how we just want to keep encouraging but we’re also not in a position of forcing people to join us,” he continued.

Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico of Ben&Ben.

Paolo emphasized that participating in the campaign is not about the money or donations, but the willingness to help without expecting anything in return.

“It doesn’t have to be about money. But it’s the spirit of giving your life, your heart, even your time. I think being involved in this project so far, depends on your understanding of that. If you’re in that spirit of giving without expecting anything in return. I know that sounds very altruistic, but if we all begin to practice that, it’s so weird how it actually also gives joy back to you even if you don’t know how that happens. It’s like about giving not just from abundance, but giving from the heart,” he explained.

As it celebrates its 50th year of service to Filipinos, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick, and supporting students in pursuit of their dreams, Alay Kapwa launched its new initiative: the BE 1N A MILLION campaign, which aims to rally one million donor-partners nationwide. 

“For five decades, this Lenten program has grown from a simple call for charity into a nationwide movement for faith in action, mercy, and compassion,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines. “Alay Kapwa gave us hope, ignited our love and concern for one another, and strengthened our faith in God and in each other.” 

To further raise awareness and support, Alay Kapwa will hold a special anniversary fundraising concert featuring Ben&Ben on July 8 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.  /ra