How Filipino is your music?
Original Pinoy Music or OPM in its broader sense means popular music produced, composed, or performed by Filipinos. It is intertwined with Filipino culture which recently has been “invaded” by American and Korean influences.
Through the eyes of the modern world, Banda Kawayan Pilipinas (BKP), a Filipino orchestra that uses bamboo-made instruments might seem like a concept from the distant past.
But BKP continues to thrive in the modern age inspiring the youth to take up bamboo as tool in preserving the ‘Filipino’ in music.
Native and contemporary
In order to thrive in any era, BKP founder and conductor emeritus Prof. Siegfredo Baldemor Calabig, known to colleagues as “Ka Fred,” and a native of Paete, Laguna, acknowledges the role of the youth.
“Naniniwala ako sa kasabihang ‘Entertain the ideas of the young royally, for someday they will become king,’” Ka Fred told OpinYon Laguna.
“Hinayaan ko silang mag-contribute sa banda dahil napagtanto ko na mas makabago ang kanilang pananaw at exposure sa mga bagay-bagay,” he added.
While BKP has employed the use of social media sites such as Facebook to expand its audience reach, the band still makes sure it does not compromise its values.
“Social media has been the brainchild of our new batch of members who have been quite in touch with what could potentially go viral without compromising on our values of promoting our unique culture and heritage using handcrafted bamboo instruments,” Ka Fred said.
Band culture
Another reason BKP continues to grow is the band’s culture.
Set by Ka Fred, the band’s core values are shortened as PALAY: Professionalism and Discipline, Artistic Passion, Lifelong Camaraderie, Absolute Commitment to Excellence, and Youth Dynamism.
Ka Fred believes that being musically inclined is natural and ingrained in Filipino culture. “PALAY” puts your talents on another level.
“Maraming magagaling subalit kung walang disiplina, malamang hindi makakamit ang mga pangarap. Sa Banda Kawayan Pilipinas, hinihikayat namin na magtiyaga lamang sa pag-eensayo upang lalo pang mapalawig ang kanilang mga likas na talent,” he said.
“Hindi tayo mawawalan ng talento, kailangan lang ng tamang suporta, maigting na pag-eensayo at sapat na tiwala sa sarili.”
Golden anniversary
Now approaching the milestone of 50 years in the business, BKP is going to have a concert celebration on December 10 at Rizal Park. Details for the concert are available on their social media sites.
BKP is also conducting recruitment and training for young musicians aged 10 years old and above at their CFA Building in Sta. Mesa Manila.
“Wala kaming hinahanap na formal music training. Basta marunong kang bumasa ng mga titik, makasunod sa tiyempo at matuto ng choreography, makakasali ka na sa tugtog hindi lamang sa Pilipinas kundi sa ibang panig ng mundo,” Ka Fred stressed.
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