Mabuhay, Inc. launches Angklung Ensemble

Mabuhay Inc. Anklung Ensemble’s premier performance. MANILA MAIL

WASHINGTON — Mabuhay, Inc.’s new Angklung Ensemble (MIAE) regaled picnic-goers with its premier musical performance during the organization’s annual picnic and membership meeting on August 25 at Allen Pond, Bowie, Maryland.

Under the baton of its Music Director Dr. Robert Bagtas, the MIAE played Filipino favorites to an enthusiastic, overflow crowd that joined the performance with its lusty singing.

For the past six or seven years, MI’s Board sought to acquire its own set of angklung instruments to complement Mabuhay’s educational and cultural programs.  In 2017, Dr. Bagtas put the group in touch with a former colleague, Gilbert Ramos of Musikawayan.  Ramos makes various bamboo instruments in Laguna.

At the conclusion of the Association’s 2019 Dental Mission, a set (30  pieces) was purchased at the cost of $1,500 or P75,000.  The delicate instruments were carefully packed and hand-carried by Jim and Judy Cardano, Liezl and Leon Argente, and Mencie Hairston.

Introduced by Indonesia, the angklung is a musical instrument made of varying tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are carved to have a resonant pitch when shaken, like the western hand bells.

The pieces performed at the picnic included “We Say Mabuhay” composed by Tirso Cruz, which is the presidential music of the Philippines. The word “Mabuhay” roughly translates to “long live.”  It is a blessing, a farewell and a hope for the best that life has to offer.

“Pilipinas Kong Mahal” is one of the most beloved patriotic songs, composed by Francisco Santiago. This song is about the Filipinos’ undying devotion and love for their beloved country.

“Bahay Kubo,” one of the oldest and most classic Filipino folk song. It is about a small, humble hut surrounded a garden filled with vegetables. It is a tribute to the country’s fertile soil and the people’s desire for a simple, uncomplicated life.

“Paru-parong Bukid,” another beloved Filipino folk song, was actually a translation of the original “Mariposa Bella,” which was composed in the 1890s. “Paru-Parong Bukid” roughly translates to flighty butterfly.  The song is about a girl getting ready for a night out to see a show. The song describes her fancy gown, fan, hair comb and the sexy way she walks.

MI Board of Trustee member Mencie Hairston says “the newly-formed ensemble is truly a labor of love and commitment, thanks to the unwavering support of our members, the dedication of educational and cultural co-chairs Austin Conaty and Moks Laureles; the sustained financial commitment of the Board of Directors; and the members of the Angklung Ensemble for overcoming the steep learning curve in mastering these awesome instruments (the group only had 5 practice sessions for a total of 10 hours, prior to its debut performance). And, last but not least, to Bobby Ramiro who crafted the transport boxes for the instruments.”

The Ensemble members are Joy Arellano, Leon & Liezl Argente, Dr. Robert P. Bagtas (Director), Judy and Jim Cardano, Lourdes Careaga, Agnes, Austin and Joseph Conaty, Cris Cortez, Armi Felix, Zeny Juanitez, Lei Laureles, Mencie Hairston, Merlie Jarin, Bobby Ramiro and Evelyn Rosal.