In Bro. Eli Soriano's benefit concert last April 8 with the Cascades, even those without tickets got a chance to hear the philanthropic music.

After all attendees with tickets have entered, the concert became open for anyone at the ADD Convention Center in Pampanga, Philippines to enjoy the show and the accompanying meal.

“We Are Blessed,” the international evangelist's charitable effort for his 48th year in service to God and humanity, was held a day after the Members Church of God International’s (MCGI) three-day Thanksgiving. Members who had no tickets to the concert but were there during the event were admitted for free.

Bro. Eli’s main guest performer was John Gummoe, lead vocalist of the Cascades, who sang songs from the singing group’s first album. He sang “The Last Leaf,” “Was I Dreaming?” and an acoustic version of the 9th Most Performed Song of the Century, “Rhythm of the Rain” among many others.

“I feel really honored to be here tonight,” Gummoe said, and congratulated Bro. Eli on his 48 years of service. The two sang together “Angel On My Shoulder,” with Bro. Eli abroad and Gummoe at the Convention Center. The concert was broadcast live via satellite at points across six continents.

Kuya Daniel Razon, a recording artist himself, crooned a medley of oldies and two tracks from his albums, “I Made It Through the Rain” and “Hanggang” (Until) for his uncle’s event. Other performers for the night were rock-artist-cum-balladeer Hammilan who sang “Faithfully” and two of Gummoe’s backup vocals with their duet of “The Prayer.”

As a treat for the birthday celebrant, Bro. Eli’s grandchildren also lit up the stage with musical numbers from modern dance beats to classical melodies. Kuya Daniel’s sons, Aaron and Joshua, together with the BMPI Dancers, energized the night with a dance routine sporting glow-in-the-dark overalls.

Bidel Dimalanta gave her rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” hitting its high notes while sitting down. Bembe Erese on the other hand calmed the atmosphere by playing classical pieces with her violin.

The concert-for-a-cause ended at about midnight with Bro. Eli singing the last lines of “To Love Somebody” by Michael Bolton as the crowds parted. Proceeds will support the various philanthropic activities by MCGI and its leaders like free sheltering, feeding, medical, and educational programs in the country and abroad.