PAL, Airbus to bring street kids to Paris performance

Members of a choral group of street children will fly to Paris to perform at the opening of a major exhibit of Philippine art and artifacts.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines and Airbus are bringing 25 members of the Street Children Choir of Virlanie Foundation Philippines, a non-governmental organization that helps abandoned and homeless kids.

PAL and the French aircraft manufacturer will sponsor the round-trip tickets of the 25 performers.

“We’re glad to be of help to these talented street kids,” said Ramon S. Ang, PAL president and COO. “We wish them success in their Paris performance.”

The Paris trip materialized when the group performed before France’s Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault and his wife Brigitte Terrien during the French premier’s visit to the Philippines late last year. It left the couple impressed, leading to the invitation for the children to perform at the opening of a major art exhibit in Paris.

The exhibit at Musee des Arts Premiers du Quai Branly features a grand exhibition titled “Philippines: Archipel des échanges (Philippines: An Archipelago of Exchange),” which will showcase Philippine artwork and artifacts dating back to the country’s pre-colonial period.

The contract signing between PAL, Airbus and Virlanie Foundation was held at San Miguel Corporation’s headquarters in Pasig City. Virlanie’s founder and current president Dominique Lemay signed on behalf of the organization.

Lemay calls the children’s three-week trip “Tournee en Europe de la Chorale des enfants de Virlanie.” He said he is proud to offer the child-performers “a unique opportunity to discover a new culture and a new country.”