Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico of Ben&Ben are introduced as ambassadors of Caritas Philippines' charity program, in celebration of its 50th anniversary in Manila on June 4, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – OPM band Ben&Ben was named on Wednesday as Caritas PH's newest ambassadors, joining the non-profit organization's "50th Year of Alay Kapwa" initiatives.

Vocalists Paolo and Miguel Guico will also be the lead performers of the organization's theme song, “Sa Kapwa ko ay Alay."

READ: Caritas PH launches initiatives to mark 50 years of Alay Kapwa

Caritas PH organized a media launch for the theme song, official partnerships, and benefit concert  at the University of Santo Tomas, June 4. 

BEN&BEN AS AMBASSADORS

The Guico twins have been exposed to and involved in charity work since they were kids, seeing their mother dedicate her efforts as a social action worker. 

“Sobrang full circle... We didn't expect it at this time [we get to be ambassadors]. In God's time talaga," Paolo said.

“Maliban sa spirit of giving, ang gusto naming ma-impart na message ay kahit saan [tayo] manggaling [na] walk of life, iisa tayo," he added. 

“At first, you get to know Alay Kapwa... If you really think [about] what it's for, it's not just money — it's the spirit of giving,” Miguel said, explaining how Alay Kapwa influenced them to be part of something fulfilling.

Alay Kapwa ambassadors are people designated to foster the Alay Kapwa mission of supporting the causes of the organization centered on the seven legacy programs: education, health and nutrition, livelihood and food security, ecological advocacies, humanitarian and disaster risk reduction, justice and peace, and institutional development and capacity strengthening. 

SA KAPWA KO AY ALAY

Caritas PH executive director Fr. Carmelo “Tito” Caluag said that prior to the invitation of Ben&Ben as ambassadors, the organization has been planning for a theme song as early as July 2023. 

Aside from being ambassadors, Ben&Ben will be singing Caritas PH’s Alay Kapwa theme song which they performed live during the media launch. 

“Sa Kapwa ko ay Alay” was composed by Jonathan Manalo with lyrics by Robert Labayen. Manalo explained in the music video playback that the song is geared as a way of “inspiring listeners.”

Miguel shared one of the song lines that resonate with him: “Ang bawat isa ay taga pag-ingat, nagbibigay ng pag-ibig sa bawat nilikha."

“We're also working out that part of the proceeds [of our shows and tours] goes to Alay Kapwa,” Paolo said. 

Caritas PH announced its initiative in enjoining “music and mission” as Caluag quoted Fr. Horacio de la Costa, who said that Filipinos have two treasures: faith and music.  

50 YEARS OF ALAY KAPWA

UST secretary general Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel also accepted the partnership between Alay Kapwa and the university, citing its history with Caritas PH. 

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo presented the tokens of appreciation and plaques for UST and Ben&Ben.

“Alay Kapwa is building a network of compassion,” Caritas PH said, further noting their continuous efforts of partnering with artists and universities.

Ben&Ben will headline the upcoming benefit concert of Alay Kapwa, "Pagdiriwang ng Pag-asa: The Alay Kapwa 50th Anniversary Concert," alongside other ambassadors like Gerald Anderson, Noel Cabangon, and Jolina Magdangal, as well as other guest performers.

Caritas PH’s Alay Kapwa is planning a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary geared to support their mission of reaching one million Alay Kapwa joyful givers with fundraising initiatives like the benefit concert.