The biggest rock concert for the youth, “Rockatropa” happens to be for free. The concert will take place on Sept. 26 at the Mall of Asia concert grounds.

Camille Villar, daughter of Senator Manny Villar, is producing the rock concert as an effective medium to reach out to the youth and have fun at the same time.

“My dad wants us to have fun. Gusto niya makapiling at makisaya with the kabataan kaya may ‘Rockatropa.’ He wants to have fun with the youth so we told him we needed rock bands,” explained Camille.

Sen. Villar immediately approved the concept because he listens to Camille and her other siblings – especially when it comes to matters about the youth today. For “Rockatropa,” Camille and her production executives and assistants chose the most popular rock bands for their young audiences to really have a grand time. The bands are Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sandwich, and Itchyworms. Moymoy Palaboy of “Bubblegang’s” Iyo Tube fame will also perform. Cristine Reyes and Valerie Concepcion will host “Rockatropa.”

“I’m excited about this concert because I grew up listening to these bands especially Parokya. I have been listening to Parokya’s music since I was in Grade 4. Idol ko sila and I’m waiting for them to sing their hit songs like ‘Halaga,’ ‘Buloy’ and ‘Harana,’” Camille revealed.

She added that “Rockatropa” will be a night to remember for the youth attending as each band will render four to 10 songs. She described it as a “sulit na sulit” concert especially since it’s free. It will also be a safe concert as they would also provide ample security during the said concert. To get free tickets, interested people have to visit www.akalamo.com.

Nacionalista Party (NP) stalwarts and spokespersons Rep. Justin “Timmy” Chipeco, former Rep. Gibert Remulla and Atty. Adel Tamano are also behind the “Rockatropa” concert and described the said occasion as “Filipino Youth Empowerment.” The three stalwarts are also going to perform in a special number!

“More importantly, ‘Rockatropa’ is also launching our BDABOSS (Be The Boss) campaign for talented and enterprising youth. It’s my dad’s program to help the youth na may mga business ideas. Bibigyan niya ng pondo through that program. The people who has the best ideas. It’s to empower the youth,” described Camille.

Through www.akalamo.com, 18 years old and above youths can join the program and test their entrepreneurial skills. Top 50 semi-finalists will be awarded R1,000 each. These entries will then be uploaded in a dedicated contest entries gallery for voting. Voting is from Sept. 5 (12 a.m.) to 18 (11:59 p.m.) and the Top 10 finalists will be posted online on Sept. 22. And each finalists will receive R25,000 to start a business!

“Rockatropa” and “BDABOSS” are part of the project of NP’s “Akala Mo” advocacy which aims to empower the Filipino youths in making informed decisions rather than relying on the unfamiliar and unknown or the “akala” mentality.

Aside from the “Rockatropa,” there will be more activities for the youth to enjoy in the near future said Camille.

“All of us naman we want to help our dad in the best way we can and dahil mga bata pa kaming magkakapatid kami ang pinapakinggan ng dad ko tungkol sa kabataan kung papaano sila kakausapin and kung papaano makaka-reach out sa kanila. We are here to support our dad and we really believe in him,” she explained.

Tickets will also be given on-site for the “Rockatropa” concert and registration starts at 4 p.m.

So, rock on!