LOOK: '80s cast of 'Sound of Music' reunites for World Day of the Poor

The onslaught of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses amid the pandemic has made an already difficult year for many more taxing for the country. But together, we can rise above any difficult circumstance.

Such was the message of the 1980s cast of Repertory Philippines’ Sound of Music when they reunited on Sunday, November 15.

Premiered on Senator Risa Hontiveros’ Facebook page, the virtual reunion was held in commemoration of the group’s 40th anniversary and the World Day of the Poor.

It was organized by Hontiveros, who portrayed the role of Louis Von Trapp in the play. With her on-screen are her 'Von Trapp' siblings  Lea Salonga (Brigitta), Monique Wilson (Marta), Menchu Lauchengco Yulo (Liesl), Raymond Lauchengco (Friedrich), Javier Arriaga (Kurt), Gianina Revilla-Dayrit (Gretl), and Angela Adams (Gretl).

The cast performed the song Paraiso written and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab and recorded by OPM group Smokey Mountain in 1991.

“Nais naming muling ipaalala… ang mensahe ng pagbibigayan at pagtutulungan, lalo na sa mga panahong humaharap ang bansa sa isang matinding pagsubok. Sama-sama, walang maiiwan o mag-iisa. Together, we can make a difference,” Hontiveros wrote on her post. 

Watch their full performance here:

Hontiveros, a health and woman’s rights advocate who has been active in her relief efforts, also urged Filipinos to give aid to marginalized Filipinos, “Sa kabila ng mabibigat na unos na tumama sa ating bansa—COVID-19 pandemic, pagputok ng Bulkang Taal, magkakasunod na bagyong Rolly, Siony, Tonyo at Ulysses—ang pagmamalasakit, pagtutulungan at pag-aalaga sa isa’t isa ang dapat mangibabaw.”

She added, “Sa darating na ika-15 ng Nobyembre ay gugunitain ang WORLD DAY OF THE POOR na may temang ‘Stretch Forth Your Hand to the Poor.’  This is a reminder to each and everyone of us to not forget the sufferings of our fellow Filipinos and help them in whatever ways possible.”