By PR | 11:59 AM July19, 2024
A concert at the National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol (NMP-Bohol) on July 14 capped off the two-day first-ever Bohol International Ukulele Conference.
Renowned international ukulele artists from across Asia were featured in the event.
The province’s own Ukulele Society Bohol headlined the set.
The major highlight of the concert showcased the ukulele talents of Jim Lin, winner of Taiwan ukulele and Asian music competitions; Eaton & Hsuan and GJ Lee, also of Taiwan, TUS (The Ukulele Store) of Hongkong, Akitoshi Suzuki of Japan and Prof. Kim Chang-soo of South Korea.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ representatives included Sam Orillaneda, Talentading Pinoy fame, Lukas Magallano, The Voice Philippines alum, Diane Leigh, Ukulele Society Bohol pioneer, Pao Gumba, a musician from Lanao Del Norte, and Joseph Gara, Bohol’s singer/songwriter.
“Ukulele holds friendships like this,” Taiwan’s GJ Lee said of the power of ukulele music to bring people together.
Gara, who partnered with the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) for the event, highlighted the unique and friendly vibe of ukulele music.
He also thanked the PGBh as well as other event partners for their strong support in introducing the ukulele to the local music scene.
Gara had brought in the ukulele musicians he worked with in festivals he attended abroad.
Eme Pinos, head of the Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD) office of the Capitol, emphasized the PGBh’s strategic directions under the leadership of Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite.
He said music brings the community together, thus the PGBh’s endeavors to embrace the ukulele to diversify local music in terms of instrumentation and to support local artists.
A day before the concert, ukulele enthusiasts participated in a workshop at the Ceremonial Hall of the Capitol under the mentorship of the concert performers.
Pinos, along with Gara, Rachelle Lacea of NMP-Bohol, and Sherwin Sapong, head of the Arts Section of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council presented plaques of appreciation to the international ukulele artists as well as to the participants after the concert.
The ukulele conference was part of the Bibo stream of the bigger Sandugo sa Bohol celebration.
It was spearheaded by PGBh through CCAD, the BACH Council, NMP-Bohol and Ukulele Society Bohol in partnership with Wagas Ukuleles, Susing’s Guitars, Turtulele, Balay Amarilyo, Sista Custom Guitars, atypika coffee, and Labb Construction. (PIMO/LMS)
