In a heartwarming display of artistry and altruism, Bohol’s beloved songwriter and artist Joseph Gara recently took the stage at the National Museum in Bohol for the fourth segment of his charity concert, “Piso Pasko”.
The evening of music and giving back to the community was a resounding success, with Gara and his talented lineup of performers bringing joy to the crowd while raising vital funds for flood victims in Cebu.
Speaking during the Dec. 17, 2025 edition of OPEN FORUM over dyTR, Gara expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people who made the event possible, particularly his devoted followers, affectionately known as the GARAon.
“It’s been a whirlwind experience, but seeing the impact we’ve made is truly priceless,” Gara shared.
For the first time, Piso Pasko was held live, and the response was overwhelming, with Gara’s followers rallying behind the cause, donating generously to support those affected by typhoon Tino in Cebu, especially in areas like Talisay and Liloan.
The concert featured an impressive lineup of original songs, showcasing Gara’s impressive repertoire of over 30 compositions. He was joined on stage by emerging Boholano balladeer Ericson Membrano, who lent his soulful voice to several Christmas classics.
“It was an incredible feeling, seeing people connect with the music and appreciate the effort we put into creating something special,” Gara beamed.
With a massive following of 200,000, Gara’s vision for Piso Pasko is simple yet powerful: to inspire even the smallest of donations to snowball into a significant force for good.
And this year, that vision became a reality, with the concert raising at least P40,000 for Cebu flood victims.
Gara’s passion for music is palpable, and his creative process is fueled by a deep desire to craft meaningful pieces that resonate with others. “My heart is filled with desire to create, and when coupled with mission and goals, the music flows,” he shared.
His dedication to his craft is an inspiration to fellow artists, including event organizer Joey Patayon, who is also a composer and songwriter. “Joseph’s perseverance and talent are a beacon of hope for aspiring artists like myself,” Patayon said.
As the curtain falls on another successful Piso Pasko, Gara’s message is clear: creativity knows no bounds when driven by purpose and passion. And with his unwavering commitment to using his art for good, the possibilities are endless.
