The APRRC PILIPINAS celebrated the volunteer spirit of the Rotaractor as it promoted peace, security and conviviality.

It happened mongst not only the Asia-Pacific Rotaractors but also worldwide.

This was done through the plenary and break-out sessions and also fellowship and community service activities.

APRRC PILIPINAS held the theme “LEAD THE WAY” in making “THE DIFFERENCE,” Together!

ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL ROTARACT CONFERENCE PILIPINAS

Indeed, the Filipinos should be proud because of the Philippine's beautiful and blessed archipelago, its rich and vibrant culture and also, its wonderful people who believes in the priceless worth of service.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) is the largest gathering of the Rotaractors from Asia, Austrailia and the Pacific Region that is a venue for celebrating the spirit of volunteerism of the Rotaractor. This year, the APRRC was staged in the Philippines.

" Broadsheets could die in your generation but not in my lifetime!!!"

ONLINE JOURNALISM

Professor Rolando "Rolly" Fernandez, the Philippine Daily Inquirer Northern Luzon's Bureau Chief firmly believes that the new generation's form of information dessimination is not a threat to the traditional medium. Although Blogging has advantages over the print medium which he is used to, he says that blogging in fact compliments journalist's work.

Blogging helps democritize the flow of news that are controlled by giant industries because censorship is not considered online. Reactions and information from other people's interaction helps further the stories that journalists write. Furthermore, blogging could also be a challenge for journalists to work deeper and faster.

Sir Rolly, as called by the students of the University of the Philippines Baguio told the students of an Online Journalism Class that Blogging is definetely a form of journalism. In a conference on blogging given by the PCIJ which he joined, he shared that there are over 4.5 million users worldwide. These are the people who makes the online world alive because access to information becomes easier and faster through the internet.

Although Sir Rolly admits that he is not the right person to discuss blogging since he considers himself "jurassic" (a part of the traditional for of journalism), he was able to emphasize some of the most important things to be considered in writing a blog. When asked if we could consider anyone who writes blogs journalists, Sir Rolly replied with a yes explaining that we just romanticized the word "Journalist" too much. He says that as long as the person is able to do what the journalists do, then he or she could be considered one. Still, accuracy should be always checked and verified plus, a person writing should be responsible, ethical and liable enough to write down the truth about the information. Editors still play a big role in the industry of news writing since machines could not still do that.

Progress in the media lies in the economy and Sir Rolly believes that in four or five years, online journalism will be a boom. The promise of online journalism is bright.

The Words the Mountains Speak

“How many oceans do I have to cross or how many skies do I have to fly, to get to a place worth dreaming of?”

Fairy Tales really got into me. Honestly, I get so fascinated with “snow” which I learned from Snow White; as the castle of Cinderella makes me think that places outside the Philippines are the best spots which I must really see. Thus, it was truly a dream come true for me when I was chosen to join several youth leaders from each region in the Philippines, in a cultural exchange program that would allow me to visit Japan and several ASEAN countries, interact with its people, understand its culture and most especially, see some of the wonders which I only see in fairy tales.

First, I was really ecstatic. I was both honored and humbled to be part of a cultural exchange program that aims to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the young people of ten Southeast Asian countries and Japan. I really thought it would be an easy thing for me to introduce them to my country, to tell them about my family and to share with them my culture.
On the contrary, what actually lies behind being a young ambassador of goodwill to the 32nd Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP)? I realized that more than just the honor, SSEAYP is a responsibility, much more than an opportunity for me to learn, understand and experience things. It is a responsibility to best exhibit our country, our culture, our heritage and our people.

We had a pre-departure training to prepare us before we board the ship. One activity happened which drastically changed my view of the whole event. That event was an individual presentation of our own region’s culture. And since I was the representative of the Cordillera, I had to present the Cordilleran culture.

Almost all the other regions had common cultural practices. I guess that was because of the very strong infiltration of the Spanish culture in their lives. Most presentations showed the typical Filipino’s love for fiestas. Fiestas could be feasts for the saints where people may dance out in the street parade. Also, almost all of them had the “mano” as the sign of respect to elders.

On the other hand, since settlement was not extended to the Cordillera’s, Igorots are known to be proud and independence-loving people. But although we do not practice the “pag-mamano”, we give high respect to our elders in ways which the other regions do not. In the Cordilleran community, the people whom everyone listens to, reveres and takes care of are the wise old men or the “am-ama”, I told audience before I performed.

Also, I wanted to share that people in my community, treat each others as “agkakabsat” (brothers and sisters) as they are “ag-kakailiyan” (town mates) too. Our rich cultural past is deeply embedded in our way of living. We are also very friendly and hospitable to visitors. Inviting strangers or even sharing food with them (especially the “pinikpikan”(chicken delicacy) and “tapuy”(rice wine) ) symbolize our close relationship and acceptance to them.
After imitating the eagle as it soars, in my “pat-patong” dance presentation, and after a question and answer portion, I knew I was into serious work. SSEAYP wasn’t all fun after all, it was work. I found out that my colleagues had a lot of wrong perceptions of the Igorots or the Cordillerans.

“Tourists who have images of primitive looking people in their heads will be surprised to see fair-skinned and rosy-cheeked Kankana-ey who sometimes speaks English better than Manila folk. This is due to the influence of American missionaries who first opened Anglican mission centers there…” Debbie Salcedo said in an article “Sa Lupa ng Mga Ninuno (Into the Land of the Ancestors)” posted in the website “Travel and Visit Beautiful Philippines Today.

The typical knowledge of non-Igorots about Igorots (today or even in the 1970’s) is practically the same: people from the mountains, known for headhunting, weaponry and paganism. It is really quite frustrating because they look at some Cordilleran practices in the bad light as something unreligious and unethical. It took me several hours explaining that these traditions aren’t just made for the sake of art, entertainment or survival but for something spiritually deeper. The Cordilleran people are strongly connected with the environment that they have a great respect for nature. Besides, not all practices in the past still happen up to present. Honestly, the full explanation was slipping off my head.

A big realization struck me. I had to make a difference! Why was I chosen as the Cordilleran representative in the first place? I had to make a difference in other’s perception of the Cordilleran people, for that’s that least I can do. But that’s where the problem starts. I only know a tiny bit more than what my colleagues and convincing or arguing with them without enough facts and details would make me appear like a fool.

Also, it is quite difficult to convince everyone that “ethnic minority” is not an ethical term to use to call the Igorots since it could imply inferiority. Just as William Henry Scott said, Filipinos born and raised in an independent republic (highlanders or lowlanders as they may be) should be more interested in discovering their own national identity than distinguishing cultural minorities from cultural majorities.

That was when I realized that I only knew the tip of the iceberg; the tip of the iceberg which is on top of my culture that could be seen by anyone. Unlike them however, I know there is a whole larger block of ice under the water but I never noticed or bothered to fully know or understand it.

I feel really frustrated with myself as a big question now lies in front of me. Am I prepared to take the responsibility of educating them with the little things I know or will I take the back seat and leave them with what they believe in? The answer lies in my hand.

Instead of the snow, why didn’t I ever marvel at the fog beneath the pine trees or the dew drops on the grass? Instead of the castle or the palace, why didn’t I Indeed an explanation of the Igorot’s lives lies beneath the Banawe Rice Terraces, a mystery is laid at Sagada’s hanging coffins, a myth is told at the top of Mt. Pulag, (second highest mountain in the Philippines), a question is set at the Halsema Highway (the highest mountain highway system in the country) and other stories are hidden with each breathtaking scenery found in the Cordilleras. If I should have only bothered to appreciate the world class views and dig into each one’s account, perhaps I would be more efficient by now.

Why didn’t I just listen to the words these mountains say?

“So how many oceans do I have to cross or skies to fly, to get to the place worth dreaming of? None, because I never realized, I’m stepping on it right now.”

Circus Unlimited

The president seemed to be in very high spirits as she delivered her 6th State of the Nation Address that matched her bright red dress. Aside from being so excited to start her speech (forgetting the National Anthem and the Opening Prayer), the smile she had on her face all throughout her speech reflected something very different with what was expected. She reminds me of Ronald Mac Donalds. She was very funny.
The president talked and looked like she was finally over the worst political crisis and she’s finally over the hump. She stood and smiled like a great political survivor who passed at the mercy of combined forces. Applause seemed to come after each sentence she makes which totaled 168 all in all. People in the gallery were proud of her. She stood proud. She was such a fraud, such a clown.
It was very nice of the President to have appreciated all of those who supported her at the beginning of her speech as she thanked those who in one way or the other helped her administration. All of them were part of the circus.
Of course, the President needs supporting men to back her presentation up, to make the production really entertaining. She introduced the cast and crew and they stood and waved their hands as soon as they are called. Manny Pacquiao, Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman, the Filipino gold medalists in the 2005 South East Asian Games and lastly the first 3 Filipinos who climbed Mount Everest were the lead roles. Photo op!
Some say that this was the best and most high tech SONA she has had. Her plans and proposals were detailed with the help of a power point presentation. She goes on talking about her plans of building highways, bridges and infrastructures for a more global and industrialized Philippines. She’s got very good props.
PGMA concentrated on the creating the four super regions: North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Mindanao and the Cyber Corridor. The president was aware of each region’s potential in boosting economic growth. Accordingly, she said she wanted to return power to the people, to the regions away from the reign of Imperial Manila. But is this not in line with her federalism plan? Nice Trick!

In the end, as soon as I realized I wasn’t watching a circus, I have to say that the latest SONA was not very funny after all. Not at all entertaining!
The State of the Nation Address is supposed to mention the real state of the nation. PGMA’s speech was so futuristic that she forgot to answer questions of the present. She did not touch on sensitive issues such graft and corruption, impeachment, poverty, unemployment and other societal problems bothering the public. She was bluffing!

Credibility Tactics

The first time I saw the advertisement of that particular news program in ABS CBN, I instantly knew “Bandila” is going to click. I was surprised to see three of the largest names in broadcasting as hosts in that program - Korina Sanchez, Henry Omaga Diaz and Ces Drilon. They were such a powerful team!

Bandila’s news seems to be very credible to the masses. I could give three reasons why I observed it as such.

First: the manner of delivering the facts and details of the news is clearer, simpler and more believable.
The anchors deliver the stories in a less formal way by giving an overview and then some comments about a particular issue. They interact as they delve into the story and I observed that they have good research materials and footage to back their stories up. The reports are more in depth and more striking.

Second: the setting/design of the whole production was very clever.
The title “Bandila” is trying to project that this particular news program covers the whole country and stands for the welfare of its people. The colors of the flag, the symbol of our country gave the program a deeper sense of dignity, respect and integrity. Of course, this also includes the new and surprising camera views and shots.

Third and finally: the credibility of the three hosts created power and balance between them.
Having broadcasting and journalism as some of my options in the future, I always wondered what it takes to be a big time broadcaster such as the three. Their reputation gained the respect and trust of the masses. Bandila projects that the news of the whole program was gathered by these three broadcast veterans.

Moreover, I am a budding media practitioner and I am aware of most of the flaws of this program – such as its grave sensationalism which is a big No-no in the media practice. The packaging of Bandila covers it all up. Also, questions on media agenda and ethics are raised. The biggest uncertainty is about the accuracy of the news presented to the people.

So since Bandila could shape a lot of ideas through its viewers, will this news program move for a better Philippine Republic? Oh no, I don’t think so.

It is a small world and technology indeed makes it much smaller.

One of the greatest surprises I’ve had this week was receiving an eight-paged snail mail from a very close friend. Receiving such mail was a very funny thing because we actually call each other every week and write emails every other day. Not to mention forwarding text messages due to our cellphone’s unlimited promo, I believe we keep in touch well enough for us not to miss each other’s company so much. Well, I was wrong.

As I opened the envelope, I wondered why I felt a different kind of excitement. I felt like it was the first time for me to hear from my friend after how many years. Tears clouded my eyes. Oh my, I realized how much I missed my friend.

With the new technological gadgets we have for communication these days such as cellphones (that promise to keep us connected), most of the youth find it more convenient practical and cool to forget the old ways of keeping in touch. The latter it gets, the better. Of course I know that because of technology, we don’t have to wait for weeks or months or years for news to arrive but I still believe there’s something more special in snail mail writing that other means.

The letter I received was hand written in blue stationary sheets talking about the same things we already talked about. Only that the words that are written seem to reveal deeper meanings this time. It came to me that nothing really beats more personal communication and I know I don’t have to elaborate why.

Little did I know what power comes with the press ID not until I experienced it first hand.

Last Monday, I was assigned to cover the regular session of the Sanguniang Panlungsod in Baguio City Hall for Skycable news. Before I entered the session hall, I was quite scared as I recalled the last time I was there. I imagined myself last year, sitting at the corner whom nobody even noticed. I had to introduce myself about ten times before I was actually heard. What is worst is that I had to leave that hall with an unfinished business. But not this time.

Being an intern in Skycable is a very different scenario. Having the confidence of being a media person, I had the guts to walk straight into the front seats with my companion carrying our video camera. When an official seemed to question our presence, I just had to smile and say “Good afternoon…Skycable news” and eventually he nodded and smiled back.

Basically, being part of the media gives you the power to tend to your business without anyone getting in your way. You could be recognized and given special attention at times or you could be someone who goes unnoticed (depending on what will suit your needs). In fact, you are able to rub elbows with the authorities. Authorities, who are most of the time, scared of the media.

Yes indeed, the media is a very strong tool in politics. Politicians are scared of how the press will project them to the masses with the fear of losing votes or support. The people in the national government, who have fishy-monkey businesses, do not care about being brought to court. They are not scared of the Supreme Court’s judgment. What they care for is their reputation. What they are scared of is the broadcasting and journalism judgment.

No wonder why a lot of people would like to carry a press ID as passes. Well I don’t blame them. Nevertheless, I hope they would still consider that the power given by such ID comes with such responsibility of leading and directing the nation into the right direction.

Shouldn’t we be searching for a Philippine Idol, not a Philippine-American Idol?

As soon as the waves of the “Philippine Idol Search” tsunami hit the coasts of the Philippine islands, I received several calls from some of my friends telling me that they would courageously audition. Well, that wasn’t such a surprise for me. After all, who wouldn’t want to follow the footsteps of a certain Jasmine Trias? Who wouldn’t want to make the country proud? Who wouldn’t want to be in the Mc Donald’s commercial? (tsk tsk tsk… talking about how fame-hungry we are…)
After ABC 5 got the franchise for the world-famous talent search "American Idol" (AI), other countries started to get anxious because they know that the Filipinos would surely get the better off them. Again, the Pinoy’s are ready to prove that they are very talented people in a much larger and hotter scale. There are over 50 'Idol' productions all over the world and the Philippine Idol will be the fifth in Asia after Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and India. Accordingly, everyone is excited, eagerly waiting for its July launch. Aren’t advertisements all around? ABC 5 is drumming “it” so loud (which ABSCBN and GMA are envious of).
Moreover, I think the rationale why we, the Filipinos, get so spellbound by this kind of search is because we certainly love to sing and dance our hearts out. Well, lets just say that we are truly in touch with our emotions and expressing them is something we are truly good at.
Yet, given that reason, I couldn’t really imagine then, why our favorite contest pieces would be the songs of Mariah Carey, Whitney Huston or the likes? Does that mean to say that we “feel” the songs of other artists much more than our own? Or the reason is that we simply have no choice.
Well basically, I hear a lot of lovely songs composed by Filipinos on the radio and television and in fact these songs make me feel extreme emotions. Yet, when I asked my friend about it, she told me that she’d rather pick a song by the world famous singers rather than taking the risk of being called corny or baduy. She further said “If you watch television and listen to the radio more often, you’d understand why these songs are called the hit.”
Honestly, I disagree.

The criteria of being a star should not be based on how much you impress people with what they see...but should be with what you do.
The spirit of service and youth dynamism should not be overshadowed by black shiny hair, white silky skin or the likes.

To start with, I would like to say that last week, TAYO Popsters celebrated its first year anniversary. It has exactly been a year ago when I came across nineteen (19) other youth org representatives in the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Grand Finals Week. It was when I met a group of dreamers, achievers and volunteers who humbly believed that big changes could still happen even in our own little way.
The search for TAYO aims to acknowledge the contribution and the efforts of groups and organizations. It emerged to be the country’s foremost award for youth organizations who helped their communities, recognizing that collective work promotes unity and teamwork. These qualities are what are important in nation building. Today’s youth may be examples of nation-builders.
But before I continue, let me explain the reason behind the name “TAYO popsters” and why it sounds so showbiz-like. Well, let me give you a personal (quick) account of the week-long, in-house final judging.
Being part of the TAYO nationals was like living a Star’s life for five days. Aside from having a full-length video and camera coverage, we’ve been exposed to guesting and advertising too. We were guests in Breakfast (Studio23), ANC, ASAP (ABSCBN) and did some photo shoot for coca-cola. Also, we visited Mirant Philippines and then had a tour inside the Philippine Daily Inquirer building. Of course we’ve had the TAYO staff who reminded and briefed us with what to do. Instantly, we were acting like celebrities.
Furthermore, we’ve had teambuilding activities conducted by the Philippine Red Cross as we’ve had discussions about the youth with Benigno Aquino IV. I was given a room in Hyatt Regency Hotel with a big window that opens wide towards the Japanese embassy and our meals were so formal and sumptuous that seemed to be more delicious when watched than when eaten. Not to mention that the awarding ceremonies that happened in Malacanang (with the President and celebrities), the convenience we had even reached the extent of being treated as VIP’s. Well, especially for me who never experienced any of these, it felt like a dream.
To sum it all up and to get to my point, I would like to ask if we really deserved that treatment. Talking of the stars whom people idolize today, don’t you think the youth who humbly work for the betterment of their community are more worthy to be called the Stars? Isn’t it about time to highlight the simple yet passionate endeavor or attempt of the hardworking youth to add more sense to the industry, rather than those who could only flaunt their pretty faces and sexy bodies?
Nevertheless, I can’t just continue being such a radical in here by criticizing the standards of the limelight industry today. Well, that’s the way things go. For a week, I realized I do not belong there. Instead of being applauded by an audience after a photo op, I’d rather receive a smile from a child whom I’ve encouraged.
Basically, if you have the spirit of service inside you, you would be challenged to go back to work. You cannot just stay there if you know there are others who need your help way back in the suburbs. In reality, it even gives you more fulfillment to reach out and share yourself. Yes at times, it really is fun living in the limelight yet when you realize it gets too hot in there, you must get out and remember why you are there in the first place. Make sure the reason has sense and substance.
Perhaps TAYO would hit the public soon and hopefully it will change the trend of whom to idolize and whom to admire. TAYO is working under the National Youth Commission(NYC), Kilosko, Mirant Philippines, DSWD, Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), Philippine Council of Young Political Leaders, Caltex, Proctor and Gamble and Cebu Pacific. Lately, it became partners with three other big companies: Coca-cola, United Nations and Microsoft. These are big companies who could and should improve the Filipino craze.
I hope sooner or later, the limelight industry will learn to produce not just ramp models but models for the youth. Not just stars but heroes.

"… the grain that has shaped the culture, diet, economy and even politics…''
Executive Director of the National Museum Corazon Alvina

Laying beneath each step of the Philippine’s world-heritage-site, are the grains that depict the story of the people, the cycle of their lives, the rituals they perform, the beliefs they have faith in, the tradition they respect and the destiny they await.

Undeniably, whenever beauty pageant contestants are asked to describe the Philippines, they never fail to mention the award-winning-answer of the Philippines being the home of the eighth wonder of the world. Indeed, nobody would be as proud to have the Banaue Rice Terraces in their backyard as tourists flood to visit such wonderful sight. Of course, the fame that comes with basking in the glory of the famous stairway to heaven is really something amazing.
Now, pretending I would be a contestant faced with the question of why the rice terraces are important for the Filipinos aside from being just being a tourist attraction, I would surely impress the judges by saying that rice has always been the lifeblood of the Filipino’s being the most important food which makes the meal complete. Rice goes well with any viand, from the sumptuous “lechong baboy” (roasted pig) up to the nutritious “labay” (rice with milk). Although some people say that it goes best with daing (dried salted fish) and tomatoes, the fact remains that as long as there is rice, a Filipino will survive.
I will further include that more than just being food, rice could produce drinks and also be used as medicine. The “tapuy” (rice wine) in the Cordilleras, originally used for rituals or celebrations, became famous for its strong yet distinctive taste. On the scientific part, rice is indeed a healthy food being a good source of b-sitosterol and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. The rice bran lowers blood cholesterol, reduces the risk of bowel cancer, normalizes blood sugar levels and diminishes the frequency of kidney and bladder stone formations. These would be the reasons why the rice terraces are very important.
Nevertheless, that is precisely the point I would like to raise in this blog. Thousands of articles, pictures and video presentations about the so-called stairway to heaven impressed and awed people from all over the globe. Because of the promotion of the media, people look at the terraces as a wonderfully built stairway which is built “just to grow and irrigate rice”. Yet we must be informed that over 2000 years ago, Cordilleran forefathers built the terraces (with only their hands and rocks) not just to sustain their living but for something deeper which most tourists don’t understand. Little did the population know that there is something much deeper to delve into. There is a shadow which we must also see.
Building the rice terraces is the grandest expression of our forefathers to their affinity to rice, which is a sacred gift to them by their god, “Kabunian”. As anthropologist and professor Florentino Hornedo says, the rice terraces is a “great outdoor temple”, a “sacred space”. And since rice is considered sacred, it is an essential part of the Cordilleran rituals and celebrations.
Rice became a symbol of abundance and bounty and is given high respect and value. Harvesting rice was a socializing, cooperative event which everyone loved and looked forward to. In Ifugao, they even have the “Bulol” which is the god that guards the rice fields and granaries.
However, looking at today's fast-paced, consumerist society, people look at rice only as a source of nutrition and livelihood. According to Corazon Alvina, the executive director of the National Museum, “Globalization, urbanization, and inroads of Western culture have caused the decline in public knowledge and appreciation of our rice cultural heritage. Nowadays, rice has been reduced to a mere plant and to a mere object. It has lost its value. Now we think of it in terms of kilograms or cavans.
One culprit of devaluing rice is the fast food business that tends to project rice only as a commodity. The advertisement of pasta and other foreign delicacies, made our attitude towards the value of rice drop. Appreciating the labor of the farmers is no longer done as the song “Magtanim ay Di Biro” keeps reminding us that “planting rice” is never fun and that “planting rice” is looked down upon.
From the statement of anthropologist Florentino Hornedo of rice being woven into the warp and woof of our social fabric, what now do we as Filipinos have to do to save its value?

May I call on contestant number six to answer that question please…

"Isn’t it indeed the right time to extend the knowledge and appreciation of what is truly ours to every Filipino as the enthusiasm of scholars dig up the past and the patriotic spirit works to preserve the few bits and pieces of our old oriental culture?"

As I walked down session road, I heard band-star-wannabe’s arguing about what kind of music hit the airwaves today. The fancy lady wearing pink boots and neck-long-earrings explained that sad sweet music carries us since we are very in touch with our emotions. Yet the other person, whom I thought was a guy with heavy metal bands all over, said that nothing beats ear-breaking party music. Music indeed, no matter what kind, plays a vital role since it is directly incorporated in the religious and daily life of every Filipino.
However, as the two ladies realized that they’ve reached the dead end of their debate, they just decided to give in to each other’s suggestion with the point that as long as the music is not made in the Philippines, it surely is the hit!
Yeah right I thought. Such lousy standards to measure the taste of the Filipino people - set by those who do not understand where music is really rooted from.
But, there’s no one to really point the finger to. Since foreign customs became deeply implanted in our culture, the Filipino’s way of expressing feelings and emotions of the soul transformed radically. Time came when traditional Philippine music was not embraced by the general population especially the youth. Filipinos favored to listen to US or British pop music instead, and scorn at old melodies and tunes. These are days when Philippine culture is at the threat of getting lost.
The theory of Western Cultural Imperialism is evidently seen even in music and the arts. According to the theory, Western Nations dominate around the world, may it be in the media, or other interactions, which in return has a powerful effect on third world cultures by imposing on them western views and therefore destroying their native cultures. Naturally, what is seen in the limelight as projected by the media is what is really cool.
Everybody especially the teens are so stuck with modern music such as pop, rock, alternative and others because they are excited with international products. These are things they usually hear on the radio, read on the papers or watch on television. The Filipinos were brainwashed to believe that western culture is superior and far better than the Philippine’s.
In the recent years though, Filipinos seemed to have looked back and learned to appreciate true Philippine music. Musicians and artists had the surprising trend of rediscovering the country’s cultural heritage by bringing old melodies back to life. They worked to bring us back to the richness of the past, using similar instruments and melodies which were used by our forefathers over two thousand years ago. Examples of such indigenous instruments are bamboo flutes, gongs and wooden drums.
Every culture has its own traditions that are mirrored in the people’s daily lives of folk music, daces and musical instruments. In the infusion of western music, nobody can do much about preserving our heritage except us. It is every Filipinos unwritten responsibility to value Philippine’s music and do something to revive it, lest, we would want to lose our hearts.