WITH only a few days left before the celebration of Labor Day, the Philippine government honored the contributions and sacrifices made by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their families, community, and the country.

The Office of the President and Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) held the sixth installment of the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” at Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañang Palace on Sunday, honoring the OFWs.

Some of these “modern-day heroes” who worked abroad for years graced the event and expressed their gratitude for a special tribute for their hard work. 

OFWs Catherine Calang, Antonieta Gaza, and Eugenia Barcial shared with republicasia their excitement as among the attendees of this year’s KSP.

“Syempre po happy po ako kasi po bibihira lang pong magkaroon tayo ng ganitong event, at nandito pa po ang lahat ng kasamahan natin na mga OFW, kapwa ko OFW,” said Calang, who worked in the electronics industry in Taiwan for five years.

Meanwhile, Gaza, who worked as a caregiver in Kuwait for four years, said, “Isa pong karangalan bilang isang OFW na nakarating kami rito sa Palasyo, na isa kami sa mga invited sa Palasyo. Kaya ‘yun po, nagpapasalamat po ako nang maraming-marami po.”

Barcial, who served as a housekeeping supervisor in Saudi Arabia for 12 years, shared that it was her first time stepping foot in Malacañang.

“Dati po kasi ‘pag umuuwi ako, wala namang pong mga ganitong mga konsyerto, kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa Presidente,” she said.

The KSP was launched in 2023, honoring men and women in uniform. It paid tribute to teachers, athletes, and healthcare workers for their dedication and hard work.

The concert series is also a platform for Filipino artists to showcase their world-class talents.

KSP 2025 highlights

The 2025 edition of the KSP featured performances from Filipino talents Chito Ricafrente, Rap Cañedo, Marielle Montellano, PrimeDance Manila, Winchester Lopez, and Reuben Laurente.

Ricafrente, Cañedo, and Montellano were welcomed by cheers and applause from the crowd as soon as they entered the stage for their opening performance, featuring the songs “Manila,” “Bebot,” at “Sikat ang Pinoy.”

This was followed by the trio’s heartfelt rendition of “Beyond the Sea,” “So Far Away,” “Right Here Waiting,” “Get Here,” and “Home.”

Ricafrente, the nine-time defending champion and grand finalist of “Tanghalan ng Kampeon” of the variety show “TiktoClock,” proved that he is “The Original Human Saxophone of the Philippines” when he mimicked a saxophone with his vocals during his “Kahit Kailan” performance.

Cañedo, a grand finalist of the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” season three, served the audience with another tear-jerking performance when he sang “MAPA” by P-pop superstar SB19.

Joining Cañedo on the stage were jazz and contemporary dance artist Winchester Lopez and dance group PrimeDance Manila, who narrated the OFWs’ sacrifices through a soulful dance number.

Laurente, an AWIT Awards-winner, also made an appearance in the concert, dedicating his performances of “Ang Galing Mo Bayaning Pilipino” and “Pag-uwi” to the OFWs.

For the multi-faceted artist, the theme of the KSP 2025 was close to his heart as someone who also works overseas.

“I work as a performer for various cruise lines, showing the world what the Filipino artist is all about and raising the flag passionately and proudly on the global stage,” he shared.

The concert ended with Laurente being joined by other Filipino talents onstage to perform “Babalik Ka Rin,” a song that reminds the OFWs of their love for their home country.

President’s message

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also left a video message at the KSP, vowing the government’s support for OFWs’ safety and welfare.

“Kayo ang patunay na ang mga Pilipino ay kayang-kayang makipagsabayan sa ibang lahi saan mang sulok ng mundo, dahil sa inyong disiplina, tapang, at malasakit sa bayan,” he said.

“Makakaasa kayo na laging nandidito ang pamahalaan upang protektahan, alagaan, at itaguyod ang kapakanan ninyo at ng mga pamilya ninyo,” he added.

According to Marcos, the KSP 2025 was a way for the government to thank and salute all OFWs for their “unparalleled” sacrifices and dedication.

“Isa kayo sa mga dahilan sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Patuloy ninyong ipinapamalas sa mundo ang likas na galing, tatag, at sipag ng lahing Pilipino,” Marcos stressed.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were not at the concert as they were in Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral. The First Couple returned to the Philippines on Monday.