Various progressive musicians and cultural performers teamed up in a benefit gig performance dubbed ‘Tuloy lang; Laban lang’ in celebration of Lady Ann Salem’s birthday on March 3.
The said gig is intended to support the Free Lady Ann Salem Network which also procure the needs of Lady Ann who is still behind the bars of prison despite case dismissal.
Among the cultural performers were Joel Malabanan, Musicians for Peace, Musikang Bayan, Sining Bugkos, Tubaw, Concerned Artists of the Philippines, and Te Ravida and Maria Si. Furthermore, families, supporters, and colleagues were also present in the event.
A 33-minute short film directed by Lady Ann herself entitled ‘Barikada’ had also been played in the benefit gig. The said film was produced by Tudla Productions in 2011.
Jasma, her sister, read the message that Lady Ann wrote on her birthday.
“Salamat sa lahat ng tulong at suporta kasi lubos na napagaan ang halos tatlong buwan na pangungulungan. Salamat sa mga paabot ngayong araw kasi nabahagian ang buong MCJ Female dorm, gaya sa paglilingkod sa masa at taumbayan, mas masaya naman talaga kung marami o lahat ay nagtutulungan. Salamat sa inyo na (bagamat) ang araw na ito ay karaniwang puno ng personal o sentimental na pagpapahalaga ay ‘di na lamang naging pansarili at naging makabuluhan. Na mas nanaisin ko rin gawin kung nasa laya,
“Ang birthday wish ko ay kalayaan para sa mga bilanggong pulitikal at sana marami pang makasama na maipaglabang matupad ito,” wrote Lady Ann, in hopes for the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners who have been jailed amid vilification efforts of the administration.
