John Edward A.

Pasamba MuL 10 WFWMR 11

2017-89318 / DCPMA Cello Prof. Ma. Patricia Silvestre

Reflection Paper: "How does MuL 10 affect your major?"

Honestly, at first, I really don't know how does MuL 10 relate to my major since my
instrument is of Western origin. The scope of our lessons is composed mainly of ethnic music
from the highland - the Cordillera region, and lowland - down to the island of Mindanao, played
with gongs and bamboo instruments, and even for the vocal music, it is mostly chanting, which
had me dumbfounded for how can Philippine music connect to what I am learning from my
instrument major.

Then, a realization struck me. I am learning an instrument that came from a very different
culture to ours, in that sense, before stepping into another culture that is foreign for me, I should
understand first my countrys own music culture. What I have learned in this class is that
Filipinos are very communal beings, it shows not just in our music but also in festivities and on
how we govern our people. With that saying, the concept of a stage and an audience may be a
little foreign to us that it causes stage fright to many. This may also be one of the reasons why
most of us here in the College of Music enjoy our MuPC classes since it allows to be more
engaged compared to solo performing, which is in my case is required, that makes almost all of
us feel so nervous and ngarag.

And the other important thing that we have learned here is Philippine music itself. We
are on this period where we think of preserving cultures and traditions, and for me, attending this
class helps that cause. And while we were also required to watch a few concerts that features
Philippine instruments, my mind was opened by how vast music can be, from infusing it in a
komedya, to combining it with other Asian instruments. And lately, I have learned that modern
music shows no borders anymore. We hear film music that combines orchestral and non-
orchestral instruments that gives flavorful sound which means if I can just have more idea about
our own music, it may help me develop my own style as a musician, and maybe in the future, I
can be more relevant in our society through music.