The Philippines Embassy to China held a concert called "Songs for Sichuan" on Thursday evening for survivors of the country's devastating earthquake.

The concert, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, was given by the Philippine Madrigal Singers at the 21st Century Theater in eastern Beijing.

According to Philippine Ambassador to China Sonia Cataumber Brady, the embassy decided to cancel a reception for the 110th anniversary of its national independence on June 12 and instead donate all the money for the function to China's quake-hit areas.

Before the performance, the audience stood in silent tribute to the quake victims. Those in attendance could also make a donation during the concert.

Filipinos in China also planned to hold a get-together on June 15 to make a donation for quake survivors, after which the embassy would donate all funds to the quake-hit zones for "specific projects," an embassy staff member said.

Over 400 guests attended the concert, including Sichuan Province officials.

(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2008)