AN all-senior, bamboo-organ ensemble gets people who transact business at the Quezon City Hall drawn every Tuesday afternoon to its rendition of old but immortal songs.
The group’s music draws people, men and women, young and old alike, to a full stop at the city legislative building, with ears and eyes glued at performances of songs of yesteryears, like “Wooden Heart, Que Sera Sera” and “Paper Roses.”
The performances seem to be a therapy to the members of this ensemble. They enjoy performing and the music that they create together.
The delight that the audience displays in response to their music is flattering.
The coordination of over 30 angklung players, a guitarist, a bass guitarist and one marimba to create harmony demonstrates unity, cooperation, discipline and talent.
Angklung Philippines Manunugtog Kawayan Inc. was founded in 1998 by Suzie Narzo, who is turning 90, who is the group’s trainer, a retired music teacher.
Its early members were seniors who tried to delay aging by keeping fit with tai chi workouts, she said.
In 2009 Narzo and a few members flew to Indonesia to look for and purchase angklung to replace ones wornout by use.
Angklungs, which are made of bamboo tubes, were on sale in Indonesia at the time, so they took the opportunity, Narzo said.
They used the money collected from Christmas caroling as subsidy for the purchase of the instruments, she said. The members assumed half of the price.
These musical instruments are also made in the Philippines, but are highly priced, she added.
Aside from drawing out the smiles of people at the City Hall its therapeutic rendition of old songs, Angklung Philippines had also performed at the Concert at the Park three times—2012, 2014 and, just recently, this year.
The group has also enthralled the audience at the Paco Park last year.
“Our members are happy,” Narzo said. “They find fulfillment in what we do.”
Performing has been keeping them active, Carmelita Cortez said, 68, a member of Angklung Philippines.
“We also go outing,” she added.
At present, Angklung Philippines has over 50 members, who are retired professionals, entrepreneurs, government employees and plain housewives, whose ages range from 60 to 90, Narzo said.
Last week the group performed at the birthday party of one of its members at the Imperial Palace.
Aside from Concert at the Park and the Paco Park, the group has also performed at the GSIS Hall, Golden Acres, Philippine Normal University and SM North Edsa.
The members can also play contemporary songs, but they find them noisy and stressful.
“Music for us should be soothing to the senses,” Narzo said.
The group raises its own fund. No individual or group subsidizes the group.
The group bought the marimba and the big bass guitar from the honorarium it received for performing, Narzo said.
The group said it is entitled to claim half of the annual 1 percent internal revenue-allotment for seniors.
“It could be a big amount for us,” Narzo said.
They need drums, she said. The group will highly appreciate anyone who can help them acquire the instruments.
These seniors have been cheering people who drop by the City Hall.
They hope that the city government would support them,
Narzo said.
They are also open to invitations to perform.
Image credits: Oliver Samson
