“As the three components—katawan, utak, puso—converge in a deeply meaningful synthesis in the new normality that we continue, at present, to navigate, it is inevitable that ginhawa is attained. Ginhawa is associated with the word hininga, or breath, the life force itself which produces physical, mental, and emotional comfort attained through sound and idea.”
This was part of the message of Ma. Patricia Brillantes Silvestre, PhD at Kanlungan: Ginhawa sa Musika, her investiture and oath-taking as the 15th dean of the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Music (CMu).
Silvestre explained the three components of her mission-vision statement, Katawan, Utak, Puso: Ginhawa sa Musika. Katawan refers to the concerns of the physical body and the college’s infrastructure, environment, and space. Utak pertains to the development of the mind of the society’s future leaders through CMu’s academic programs, research projects, and performances. Puso means nurturing the heart as the core of life by highlighting the importance of music and its discourses, and bringing these outside the college and the campus.
UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II commended Silvestre for accepting the difficult role of deanship and pledged the support of his office for the realization of Silvestre’s goals for the CMu.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Dekana Ma. Patricia Brillantes Silvestre sa kaniyang hangaring pamunuan ang Kolehiyo ng Musika,” Vistan said. “Nagagalak ako na sa kabila ng mga ito (mga sakripisyo) ay buong pusong ginagampanan ni Dekana Silvestre ang kaniyang tungkulin mula pa nitong Enero. Sa wari ko ay masaya naman siya sa kaniyang bagong posisyon,” he added.
For his part, UP President Angelo A. Jimenez underscored the CMu’s vital role in the University and society. He added he was looking forward to the Abelardo Hall auditorium’s completion.
“Just as music is as necessary as breath in the life of a human being, the CMu plays an indispensable role in the life of our UP community and Filipino society in general. No big event in the University at either the UPD or system level can materialize without the participation of our musicians, performers, and music scholars from the college,” Jimenez said.
At the turnover ceremony, symbolized by the passing of the tabungaw hat or kattukong, former CMu dean LaVerne C. de la Peña affirmed the significance of Silvestre’s goals and promised the support of the CMu community.
After the passing of the tabungaw hat, Eva Garcia Cadiz, administrative officer at the CMu representing the CMu community, passed on to Silvestre an alampay/shoal.
In introducing Silvestre, National Artist for Music and university professor emeritus Ramon P. Santos performed badiw with five other CMu staff members. Badiw is an Ibaloi oral tradition performed during celebrations and tributes.
Silvestre’s college executive board (CEB) also took their oath: Nathan Neil V. Manimtim, PhD as associate dean for academic affairs and Jocelyn T. Guadalupe, PhD as college secretary.
Serving as department chairs are Mary Katherine Tranco-Cabral (Department of Composition and Theory), Beverly Claudine Shangkuan-Cheng, DMA (Department of Conducting and Choral Ensemble), Luci A. Magalit (Department of Keyboard), Anna Patricia R. Carranza (Department of Music Education), Arwin Q. Tan, PhD (Department of Musicology), Solaiman E. Jamisolamin (Department of Strings and Chamber Music), Angela L. Baguilat (Department of Voice, Music Theater, and Dance), and Rodney Ambat (Department of Winds and Percussion).
Other CEB members are Geraldine Marie B. Gonzales as College Curriculum Committee representative, Gemma Filipina Malicdem (general education program coordinator), Clement Acevedo, DMA (extension program coordinator), Crystal Milarose Rodis-Concepcion (information officer), Joan Hope R. Elgincolin (National Service Training Program coordinator), Lisa Veronica D. Decenteceo, PhD (quality assurance officer), Jonas U. Baes, PhD (research, creative work, extension, and publication coordinator), and Maria Christine Muyco, PhD (graduate program coordinator). For now, Raul C. Navarro PhD serves as officer-in-charge of the graduate program until 30 June 2024.
Adding meaning to the ceremony were performances from groups and individuals close to Silvestre’s heart.
Tugtugang Musika Asyatika gave the opening and closing performances, while the UP Dance Company performed before the entrance of colors. The choral groups Philippine Madrigal Singers, Philippine Madrigal Singers Alumni, and Himig Undaya performed heartfelt renditions of local and international songs.
Kanlungan: Ginhawa sa Musika was held on March 18 at the CMu Camerata Courtyard.