BAGUIO MUSIC STUDENT ONE OF FIVE PH DELEGATE TO LAO MUSICAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

January 4, 2025 Community Billboard

A Baguio boy who is now a second year Composition student at the University of the Philippines, College of Music along with four other music majors from UP and the University of Santo Tomas completed the ASEAN Musical
Instrumentalist Students Exchange Programme and Best of ASEAN Performing Arts 2024 in Vienteinne, Lao Republic before the end of the year. Eirhon Jan Palugod, son of musician Erwin who won the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association official song competition in 2020, joined NAMCYA 2024 Winner
(Bandurria) John Sacley also of UP College of Music, and three UST students to the exchange programme which had the theme “ASEAN Culture as One Stage.”

In his post, the older Palugod said his child “showcased his mastery of traditional Cordilleran instruments, bringing the sounds of the Philippines to the regional stage.” He added that his son’s “performance featured the “tongatong”, bamboo stamping tubes that create rhythmic, resonant beats; the “saggeypo”, a bamboo panpipe that produces
melodious harmonies; the ULIBAW, a bamboo mouth harp with its unique twang; and the “bungaka”, a bamboo
buzzer known for its vibrant tones.” The father further said: “Through his participation, EJ not only demonstrates his talent and dedication as a musician but also promotes the beauty and diversity of Filipino indigenous music to an international audience.”

The older Palugod added: “His contributions highlight the importance of preserving and sharing traditional music in fostering cultural understanding and unity among ASEAN nations.” In is post on December 30, the young Palugod wrote: “End the trip In the exchange program between Asean countries. I had a very happy time here, learning,
talking and performing with you guys was an honor for me.”