Mitch Valdez is first Pinoy to perform in Bethlehem

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ABS-CBNnews.com – Renowned Filipino singer and comedian Mitch Valdez is humbled to be the first Filipino to perform in Bethlehem, the birthplace of the child Jesus.

Valdez staged a “mini-concert” last Friday (Manila time) at the Manger Square in Central Bethlehem as part of a 12-day pilgrimage tour organized by Catholic travel agency Journeys of Faith, Inc.

Manger Square is built on what is said to be the birthplace of Jesus, according to Christian scriptures.

“I never thought I’d see the day na mang-iimbita ako sa mga Pilipino sa Israel na pumunta sa [concert ko],” Valdez told ABS-CBN News in a recent interview before the Bethlehem performance dubbed “Songs from the Heart at Christmas.”

The concert, according to Valdez, featured “not so much the Christmas carols of the malls, but more of Christmas carols pertaining to our Lord Jesus.”

The 61-year-old said the invitation to perform in Bethlehem came as an “answer” to her prayers.

“There were desperate times, and when you pray during desperate times, your prayers are answered not in the way you think it will be answered, or what you are praying for,” she said.

“But you are invited to sing on His birthday, in the venue of his birthday. I still can’t believe it, I feel so lucky, I feel very blessed. I am humbled,” Valdez added.

During her interview with ABS-CBN News, the comedienne turned sentimental, recounting the “unpeeling” of “layers” that hindered her spirituality to surface.

“I’m not a closed religious practitioner, but I suddenly realized that my life should be dedicated to somebody who gave me so much,” she said.

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