Visiting singers from Philippines lose belongings to thieves in California

DALY CITY, California—What should be an uplifting and exciting time for a young group of performers from Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila, turned to be a heartbreaking experience when the group’s mini-bus was broken into last Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 9, at the Serramonte Mall parking lot and their clothes, passports, gadgets and documents were stolen.

The theft happened just a few days after the group arrived in San Francisco for a series of performances in the Bay Area.

In a telephone interview with coordinator Joe Espinueva, he said that after Smokey Mountain singers’ performance at the City College of San Francisco, he took the group to Dollar Tree along Serramonte Blvd., then to Daiso so that the members could shop for souvenirs and “pasalubongs” for their friends and families.

“One of the members went out to get something from the bus, and that’s when he saw na bukas ang doors ng bus,” he said.  When they all went out to check, they found out that all their bags were missing—all containing clothing, shoes, gadgets, as well as important documents such as their passports.

Antonio M. Macalalad Jr., one of the musicians in the group, shared that he lost everything—his passport, a pair of jeans, his organizer, a pair of Skecher sneakers and gadgets.

Rising from the dump

Smokey Mountain is known as the third-largest untreated garbage dump in the world.  Rev. Fr. Benigno P. Beltran, SVD, parish priest has spent more than 30 years working with the residents in Smokey Mountain and has helped organize, house, educate and empower a community that truly embodies living on “the margins of society.”

The members of the group are young adults who were born and raised in the area and have rose above the rubble and despair of their environment to find meaning in their lives.  Their songs, dances and stage dramas deliver the message of hope and love through their talents and creativity.

The group is composed of 10 performers (Armi Zamora, Maricar Dacuno, Jojilyn Rosima, Maria Angelica Solomon, Aluna Villacorta, Gener Estenor, Jonathan Domingo, Ronald Asuncion, Barry Boy Balaoro and Alexis Ferreras), three musicians (Antonio B. Macalalad Jr., Lee Smith Bitucon and Amante Villacorta); and two elders (Nerissa Beltran and Marciani Viri).

Appeals for support, help

Having all possessions stolen, the Smokey Mountain performers “are left with nothing except their faith in the Lord that He will provide them with their needs.”  Espinueva, who could hardly hold back his tears during the interview, is heartbroken, explaining that it is sad to realize that these young people have surpassed all hardships to be able to perform in the US—only to be robbed.

Because of this, the group is appealing for the public’s help. Aside from reporting any information regarding the case and any possessions that may be found, donations and/or support for the group will be greatly appreciated. The public may contact Joe Espinueva at (650) 892-7184.

The Smokey Mountain performers will also be performing at the Skyline College Main Theater in San Bruno this Saturday, Oct. 12.  There will be shows at 2 p.m. (matinee) and 7 p.m. (gala).