Songs, chants, and dances filled the air one afternoon at the University Shopping Center (SC) as the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Music (CMu) staged Bisita at Musika 2025: Himig na Alaala, Awit ng Panahon (Bisita Musika 2025) in remembrance of the old SC.
On 8 March 2018, fire razed the old SC and threatened the University’s nearby financial offices, including a bank and its neighbor, the University Health Service.
Bisita Musika 2025 showcased various musical organizations from CMu and was part of the college’s month-long celebration of its 109th founding anniversary.
CMu Dean Ma. Patricia B. Silvestre said, “naisipan namin na ipagsama ang aming mga grupo sa isang espasyo lamang. Isang lugar na tunay na malalim ang kabuluhan para sa lahat. Bibinyagan na po namin ang [bagong] SC bilang isang karagdagang espasyo o venue para sa aming musika at sayaw habang naghihintay kaming matapos ang aming sariling tanghalan, ang Abelardo Hall Auditorium.”
The concert opened with Musika Sophia, which performed Puksong Midli, arranged by Paul Jason Santiago, and Kundiman ng 1800, originally arranged by National Artist for Music Felipe P. De Leon and rearranged by Santiago.
Abelardo Voices and UP Junior Philippine Conductors Association followed with their renditions of Chitchiritchit, arranged by Annie Nepomuceno for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), and Linggisan, arranged by Eudenice Palaruan for SSATB and edited and translated by Nelson Diño, Sol Maris Trinidad, and Anna Patricia R. Carranza. Mark Anthony Carpio, UP Madrigal Singers artistic director, served as the conductor.
Using the indigenous Indonesian bamboo instrument angklung, the CMu Staff Shakers shared their renditions of Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko, music and lyrics by Rey Valera, and Bayan Ko, music by Constancio De Guzman and lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus. Both pieces were arranged for angklung by Hubert Facio. Joining them was soprano Harrah Kay D. Castillo.
Next was the student a cappella group Iskollas and their rendition of the VST & Company Medley.
The UP Saxophone Quartet followed, performing Araw-Gabi, music and lyrics by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, arranged for saxophone quartet by Patrick James Aguilar, and Beautiful Girl, music and lyrics by Jose Mari Chan, arranged for saxophone quartet by Michael Mark Guevarra.
Padayon Rondalla rendered a mash-up of classical and pop music with Mozart x Eraserheads Medley, featuring music pieces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and songs of Filipino band Eraserheads, arranged by Jimmuel Dave Dagta.
The CMu extension program Gitara at Awit (GA) followed suit with their renditions of Buwan, music and lyrics by Juan Karlos, and Leaves, music and lyrics by Ben&Ben. Both pieces were arranged for guitar by the GA Alumni Group.
Bisita Musika 2025’s highlight was the performance of Kanlungan (music and lyrics by Rom C. Dongeto) by the Abelardo Voices and Castillo under Carpio’s baton, with guitar accompaniment by Solaiman Jamisolamin, Nerval, and Buenaventura, and by Samuel Silvestre on piano.
The performance was set under a backdrop of a video showing the old SC through the years, which moved some members of the audience to tears.
In closing, the performers and audience joined voices in singing UP Naming Mahal as the CMu Student Council held placards of protest.
Bisita Musika 2025 was held on Sept. 18 at the covered pathway of the new SC.
