Music and Love

On the night of February 18^th, the 3^rd International Rondalla Festival which was celebrated for a week has finally come to an end. Each of the participants from the Philippines and other countries gave their best shot as if it was their last. All of them played their instruments like they rehearsed for years even if they had only been together for a few days.

Although it was sort of a sad moment, no one hesitated to share a smile to the cameras and no one seemed to be out of place. Everyone were nodding and smiling at each other. The moment put a sudden halt to the walls between the life status’ differences. It was like each and everyone who gathered inside the new city hall atrium lived in one city. Audiences, delegates, and all the people may have all been strangers to each other, but music did something extraordinary that tied them all up. Perhaps it was the soothing melody, or the peaceful beat, but one would agree that it was the love that brought people together.

This only show that the City of Tagum is capable of organizing an event that unites people; be it just with the locals or with the international communities. Cuerdas ng Pagkakaysa (Strings of Unity), the theme of the 3^rd Rondalla Festival, just fits perfectly in describing the Tagumeños.

While some of the people thought that it was the end of the music festival, they were surprised as it was in fact just the beginning of more music and endless fun. The Barangay Musikahan: Rural Category showcased their talents to win prizes that would benefit the barangay that they were representing. The participants came from the Barangays of Libuganon, Busaon, and San Isidro. Each of the barangays who participated proudly presented their song and dance numbers with their own compositions. Isn’t it amazing how these people could create such art? And like what Johann Paul Richter, a German Romantic writer said, “Music is the poetry of the air.” The heavens must have blown a fresh cold wind to the viewers of the said event but the story of love that each barangays portrayed gave much warmth to them.

The people of Libuganon presented their story with the love between a Christian and a Muslim. Their community is composed of Christians and Muslims and it is customary for Muslims to only marry their kind. But because of love, they fought for what they know is right even if it was against all odds. On the other hand, the people from Busaon showed their love for their land. Busao didn’t want other tribes to conquer and live in their properties. And because of this, the unruly chaos began to ruin their lives. But in the end, they were able to patch things up and live harmoniously. And lastly, the people from Barangay San Isidro demonstrated their love for their loved ones. NPA rebels used to recruit some people who lived there. But because of their citizens’ love for their families and neighbors, they asked help from the armies who were eventually able to drive the rebels away.  

These are real stories of their barangays that ended with no fairytales but only with true love. Barangay Busaon won the first prize, Libuganon got the second, and San Isidro got the third. The prizes certainly brought happiness to all of them and what they have won will definitely help them for their future projects.

And love must have been the most abused word in this article, but one thing is for sure, music can’t be music at all without love.