Two world-famous Filipino pop divas will be starring in a special concert in Bermuda next month to raise money for poverty-stricken people in the Philippines.

The 'Rock of Love' concert, organised by local charity Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP), will feature Philippines 'dance pop diva' Geneva Cruz and Ramiel Malubay, an American Idol finalist.

The concert will also include a performance by Bermuda's own, The Crossroads Band.

Funds raised from the show will go toward a special ANCOP project to build 'Bermuda Village' a community for destitute people in the Philippines.

One Bermudian college student, Ernestyne Macapagal, said a recent visit to Bermuda Village was a life-changing experience.

The 21-year-old visited the Philippines last winter with her mother, Evelou Mosley, who is president of ANCOP Bermuda, and other Bermuda volunteers. They were there to oversee the construction of more than 30 new homes for the poor.

"During this trip, my family and I visited one of the villages located in Zambales, Philippines," she said. "It was heartbreaking while also eye-opening."

She said the first thing she saw were children happily playing in the dirt with sticks.

"They still seemed to be having fun," said Miss Macapagal. "I also spoke with one of the families, even though they didn't have much you could tell the appreciation they had in their eyes just to be alive and have a home to live in.

"There was one particular little boy who caught my eye. He was about three or four years old and was covered in dirt. It was obvious he was looking for attention."

She took the money in her pocket and bought him a little toy. Although he didn't say much, he seemed thankful. She decided to buy ice-cream for all the neighbourhood kids.

"For something so little they were so happy. All the parents were thankful," she said. "Even though this was small it meant a lot to me. It touched my heart in such a way that I was then convinced that it is my goal to become a teacher.

"This was always a decision for me but this experience just confirmed it, while also adding the idea of opening a school in the Philippines for the needy. It is a big dream but anything is possible with motivation and the guidance of God."

Miss Macapagal is currently a student at Florida International University in Miami.

During their visit, the Bermuda group was able to help with the actual process of building some of the homes. They were also able to feed some of the children in the village.

"The children's reactions were beyond ecstatic," said Mrs. Mosley. "Their faces were full of gratefulness, appreciation and happiness. Even though we were strangers to them, in that moment those children felt loved and cared for. For allowing those in need to have hope and by giving them the chance in having a place that they could finally call home, gratitude was greatly extended by the beneficiaries."

One of the occupants of a newly built concrete house told Mrs. Mosley and her group that they had been given an opportunity to better their lives and also get closer to God.

Mrs. Mosley said after the visit she was even more determined to go on with the ANCOP village project.

"Being in direct contact with the people we were helping was very encouraging," said Mrs. Mosley. "It made me want to keep going with the programme, which was originally established by Catholic-based groups Couples for Christ and Family Ministries.

"Sharing time, blessings and caring to the needy is one way to express her appreciation and gratefulness to Almighty God, for giving us so many blessings that God bestowed upon us."

She would like to encourage everyone to assist and be a hero.

l The Rock of Love Concert will be held on November 13 at 7.30 p.m. at the Berkeley Institute Cafetorium. General admission is $75; patrons tickets are $125. For tickets telephone 799-6659 or 533-1003. Visit www.ancopbermuda.com or e-mail ancopbermuda@logic.bm for more information.