BKP50

We are a performing arts ensemble using handcrafted bamboo instruments based in Manila, Philippines

Our Founder

Professor Siegfredo Baldemor Calabig or “Ka Fred” as we call him in the band, comes from a musically inclined family based in the town of Paete, Laguna.

He was taught to read notes, play the trumpet, and French horn at a young age and eventually joined his father’s brass band.

With his background in music and degree in secondary education, he was hired as a music teacher at the HS department of the Philippine College of Commerce and was requested by the principal to start an orchestra.

His initial idea of setting up a drum and bugle corps proved to be too expensive so the principal suggested that he form a bamboo orchestra. With no experience in making instruments, he tried to build bamboo instruments combined with indigenous materials.

Fast forward to the present, he continues to be innovative in creating new bamboo instruments, and shares his passion by collaborating with other organizations by providing instruments and training them to start their own performing groups.

About Us

History

1973-1977

PCC Banda Kawayan

The group traces its roots from a school-based group established in 1973 by then Philippine College of Commerce Laboratory High School Principal Gloria R. Talastas and faculty member Professor Siegfredo B. Calabig.

Notable Engagements

  • USA
  • Germany
  • Portugal

1978-2013

PUP Banda Kawayan

The PCC was eventually renamed Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and the group has since been known as PUP Banda Kawayan until 2013.

Notable Engagements

  • Japan
  • London
  • Singapore
  • Canada
  • Korea
  • China
  • Taiwan

2014-present

Banda Kawayan Pilipinas

In its desire to expand membership and ultimately pursue its revitalized mission and vision, the group registered as a private, non-stock, non-profit cultural organization and became known as the Banda Kawayan Pilipinas

Notable Engagements

  • Kapuso mo Jessica Soho
  • Amazing Earth
  • Malacanang Palace
  • BSP
  • Ateneo
  • Ayala Museum

Instruments

Marimba

The marimba provides the melody. Made from bamboo and Philippine hardwood, it follows the musical scale and style of the typical xylophone and a marimba in an orchestra. Mallets made out of rattan and rubber are used to play the instrument. Similar to a piano, there’s a higher, middle and lower scale.

Angklung

Angklung is a traditional Asian instrument, variations of which can be found in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The angklung provides counterpoints to the melody. Each angklung represents a note and is played by shaking the lower part with one hand while holding the upper end steady.

Panpipes

Panpipes are small pieces of bamboo put together by a string and is similar in sound and stylings of the wind instruments found in Northern Philippines and in South America. Each piece of bamboo represents a note and is blown to produce the sound. The fan pipes provide counterpoints to the basic melody.

Bumbong

Bumbong are hollow pieces of bamboo put together and serve as the orchestra’s wind section — divided into “bass” (lower) and “horn” (higher) sections. The smaller the bamboo, the higher the note. Each piece of bamboo represents one note and is blown through a mouthpiece to produce the sound.

Kalagong

Kalagong is a wind instrument which also provides bass and sometimes the melody for select musical pieces. Bamboo poles each representing a note are held together by a wooden frame and are played when two paddles made of rubber slippers are struck on each of the hollow bamboo tubes. The name of the instrument comes from the first two syllables of the conductor’s name “kala” and the “gong” for the gong-like sound that it produces when struck by the paddle.

Kalatok

Kalatok is a percussion instrument, with pieces of bamboo with varying tones strung together. The instrument’s name was derived from the first two syllables of the conductor’s surname “Kala” and the“tok” sound that it produces when struck by a rubber mallet.

Kiskis

Kiskis is a bamboo piece with ridges and serves as a percussion instrument. “Kiskis” is a Filipino word for “to scratch” or “to rub against something”. It is played by “rubbing” a rattan stick on its ridges.

Contact

Contact Us

Location:

Banda Kawayan Pilipinas, Inc., Mezzanine Level,
SCC Building, CFA Compound, 4427 Old Sta. Mesa St.,
1016 Sta. Mesa, Manila

Contact Persons:

Jean Briones - 09281881753

Voltaire Lazaro - 09982543662