CAMBA, Andrea Melisa R. Philippine Music (TTH 2-3PM)

1. Discuss community spirit in Cordillera music.

Community spirit, I think, is very strong in Philippine culture. Whether what ethnic group or family ones referring, it can be easily sensed and felt. This spirit binds people in one country, in one family, in one community.

The indigenous peoples of the Cordillera are great examples of those who give importance to community spirit. Whats even more interesting is that they reflect this great value through music. This field of art plays a very big part in the Cordillera culture.

Rituals and sacred ceremonies are a big part of Cordillera tradition and music takes an important role to these gatherings. These events and gathering are the ties which give the sense of unity and oneness among the ethnic groups. They gather in big occasions such as weddings, special rituals and council meetings and obviously the art of music is part of these important events (more than just for entertainment, music is actually a part of the cultural traditionsfrom prayers, worships and ceremonial rites).

Also, besides the huge celebrations, music is also part of daily community work. Rituals also honour agricultural labour and efforts such as wheat harvests and rice pounding. To them, these are more than just work but a meaningful part of their routines as part of the community. They incorporate group songs and gong playing in these activities and this, I can tell, stimulates team spirit among them.

2. Choose any Filipino artist/musician/composer. What makes their music Filipino?

The Jerks (Formed in 1979 and is perhaps the originalalternative rockandbluesbandin the Philippines)

I can proudly say that Im a big fan of The Jerks. My parents have been their avid listeners so Ive basically spent my childhood listening to their music. When I was a kid, there has been very little appreciation to their music coming from me. All I know is that I loved singing along with Sayaw sa Bubog and Malayo na ang Puso. But as I grew up, I started to see and hear beyond their songswhich are actually more than empty lyrics and catchy melodies. Their art actually reflects the Filipino society. It tells the story of what we do, how we think and who we are as the people of this country; and because of this I can say that their music is indeed Filipino.

Their song Reklamo ng Reklamo is one of my favourites. Its probably because both my parents were activists during their college years and theyve spent time lecturing and inspiring me with their nationalistic life principles and this song really mirrors the frustrations that they have to the mindset of the majority in the country.

Reklamo ng reklamoSa hirap ng buhay ditoKapwa pilipinoIkinahihiya moMasakit sa pandinig koAng sinasabi moSIguroy gusto mongMaging AmerikanoKay dami ng problemaang iyong makikitaNgunit itoy lalala pa kung aalis kaPagkatanggap ng pagkataloKung ikay tatakboAt kung ikawy susukoPuri moy ilako

These are very interesting excerpts from the song. The words truly transcend the truth in society, the truth among Filipinos and the truth in most of us. It may come off as a negative view of what is happening, but actually it can be a trigger to every one of us to change our mind set and develop new perspectives. To me, it can really be a push for us to reflect and evaluate these issues among ourselves into being truly Filipinos.

Sayaw sa Bubog is also a song that Ill forever hold on to. This song clearly sings of protest and revolution. It just amazes me how music can become a powerful tool to move not just an individual but an entire nation. This song was clearly written during the time of the EDSA People Power in 1986 and it proves that this art, music, has much more value than we thought.

Kasinungalingan, isang kahangalanWalang libreng kalayaan, itoy pinagbabayaranPalabas ng moro-moro, ito kayay totooEdsa ng pagbababgo, saan, kalian, kanino

These mainly are the reasons why I admire this band. Not only they created beautiful art but also challenged the minds and hearts of all Filipinos through their masterpieces; and this, for me, makes them and their music truly Filipinos.