Some of the brightest names in the rock music scene are headed to a music festival primarily promoting youth empowerment as the nation aims for positive change in the coming decade. The spectacle is set to be held at Mall of Asia’s San Miguel By The Bay on Oct. 23. Around 40,000 people are expected to see some rock royalties and current sensations play their brand of music in the name of youth involvement and awareness towards Philippine society.

Described as non-political and non-partisan, this initiative is a project of an NGO called PLCDP which stands for Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. The non-stock organization dedicated to improving the quality of Filipinos was established in September 1989 and is celebrating its 20th year this month. The upcoming big concert to start at 5 p.m. after a four-hour pre-program featuring booths, exhibits, and games is touted as a mega event.

Over 30 bands have enlisted themselves as performers. Some of the biggest names include The Dawn, The Jerks, Sandwich, Radioactive Sago, 6Cyclemind, Imago, Moonstar 88, Color It Red, Paraluman, Kenyo and Pedicab. Iconic folk singer Heber Bartolome is also among the night’s entertainers bound to deliver their causes for the good of youth.

“Bilang artist personal kong ini-endorso ang event na ito kung saan dapat sama-samang pagkilos ang itaguyod ang kabataan para sa kabutihan ng buhay nating mga Pilipino,” expressed Tado Jimenez, one of the celebrity supporters of the endeavor scheduled to be documented via a two-hour television special.

A youth manifesto to also serve as installation art will be available for those attending the grand occasion. Theme song for the event is being written by the band Duster as songs of empowerment, upliftment and positive values are sure to fill the arena that day.

The TV special to be aired over TV5 on Nov. 7 (from 9-11 p.m.) is, according to the organizers, a narrative documentary told through the power of music. Hosts will tackle about environment, poverty, health, education or something that deals with the Millennium Development Goals which are eight international goals globally agreed upon by member states as targets by 2015. Messages and informative videos from the performers will likewise be breakers for the feed.

Celebrities who are likely to be shown over the clips are Lea Salonga, Apl.de.Ap, Patricia Evangelista, and Ninoy Aquino’s nephew Bam Aquino.

“Considering these artists have expressed their willingness to participate, it only shows they believe in the cause that is youth empowerment,” Tado added.

Emphasizing that the spectacle is a non-political thing, PLCPD Executive Director stated, “Politicians will be invited. But they won’t be allowed to go up on stage to campaign. We’re proud that we’re doing this sincerely for the benefit of our youth and not anybody running for a post.”

“Voice For A Better Life” recently kicked off with a media launch wherein the band Join The Club took the stage as performer.