Nationwide rondalla group wows Camp John Hay crowd

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Young and seasoned music conductors with 99 instrument-wielding musicians, chosen from all over the country played rondalla music to a packed audience at the CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, evening of July 22.

Dubbed as K’libet, concert ended the two-week rondalla music camp, made possible by the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), Musicological Society of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Baguio – Office of the Chancellor, and the Office of Sen. Loren Legarda.

The 12-piece concert with instruments; banduria, octavina, guitars and double bass; ranged from classical, opera, folksongs, traditional and contemporary music and local composition, enthralled the audience to their feet, as they hummed along with familiar tunes.

Among the performers were Baguio-grown soprano Stephanie Quintin and conductors Nelson Polvoriza of the University of Baguio rondalla and Alma Vida Gallardo of Benguet State University rondalla, in La Trinidad,Benguet.

Other conductors are Ryan Manzanares of  Tayabas West Central School Rondalla, Tayabas, Quezon; Reynaldo Ocampo, AO Floreindo Elementary School Rondalla, Davao del Norte; Reynan Ayento, Aniweng na Cuerdas Rondalla, Mangatarem, Pangasinan; Ma. Theresa Serilo, Naga Central School Rondalla, Naga City; Rolly Gulay, Xavier University Rondalla Cagayan de Oro City; Abel Llemos, Olongapo City Youth Rondalla, Olongapo City; Noli Rodriguez, Philippine Women’s University JASMS Rondalla, Manila; Slavsky Ybanez, City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy Rondalla, Cebu; Jegger Anjao, Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble, Silay City, Negros Occidental; and Lea Olmos, Cayetano Arellano High School Rondalla, Sta. Cruz, Manila.       

The two week intensive training, an offshoot of the strings of unity international rondalla forum, focused on music theory, music history and analysis, music theory, conducting and writing for rondalla. It was also organized to enhance the proficiency of musicians and conductors; instrument-playing techniques and the formation of the first national ensemble of the Philippines. 

National artist for music Ramon Santos served as camp director.