The Tagkawayan Central Elementary School Drum and Lyre Corps bags awards in the Thailand World Music Championships in Sisaket, Thailand from December 18-21, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Liberty Valderrama)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ lone representative in the recently held Thailand World Music Championships cemented its legacy on the international stage for the first time, bringing the country pride.
The team won in the following categories: indoor percussion (1st place); marching street parade (1st place); drum line battle (2nd place); color guard battle (2nd place); and color guard ensemble (2nd place).
Article continues after this advertisementBut before this, the Tagkawayan Central Elementary School Drum and Lyre Corps had to overcome months of struggles leading up to the competition. Financial matters were the heaviest burden the band, parents, and teachers had to bear.
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Determination, support systemIn an interview with INQUIRER.net last September, Thelma Manalo, principal of Tagkawayan Central Elementary School, shared that the team’s preparations were challenged by the need to raise P1.5 million to cover the airfare, hotel accommodation, and costumes for the band, in addition to the trainer’s fee of P500,000.
Data released by the BSP on Tuesday showed the public sector’s foreign borrowings from July to September this year went up by 36 percent from the $2.81 billion in the same period last year.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Quezon school’s drum corps sets sights on Thailand world championships
Article continues after this advertisementManalo said they held a fundraising event and began soliciting funds from private individuals and local businesses in their area to cover the competition expenses.
Article continues after this advertisementThree months later, Manalo told INQUIRER.net that although they had not reached the target amount before the competition, they were able to fund the team’s expenses.
She said that aside from the funds raised through the fundraising initiative, the school also organized a pageant to support the band’s competition. She added that the town’s public officials, other teachers, and parents also provided financial assistance.
Article continues after this advertisementIn the same interview, Liberty Valderrama, the band’s coordinator, said that besides financial struggles, the children had to endure longer practice hours that conflicted with school hours, a lack of a proper practice venue, and the ongoing rains.
Valderrama mentioned that they even considered backing out of the competition due to these challenges.
Tagkawayan Central Elementary School is the Philippines’ sole representative for the Thailand World Music Championships. (Photo courtesy of Liberty Valderrama)
“Nandoon sa ganoong isipin pero nandoon din sa paninindigan na kaya naman po kung magtutulung-tulungan tyaka yung pagsolicit. Marami eh, connections to connections. Parang ganun ang nangyari,” Valderrama said.
(We had that thought, but we believed we could make it if we worked together and through our efforts in soliciting. There were many connections—one led to another. That’s how it happened.)
“‘Yung nakikita naming determinasyon ng mga bata, isa po talaga eh. Hindi po kami makabitaw dahil yung awa tapos paghanga kung paano ineenhance yung skill kung paano maabot yung talagang gusto nilang manalo sa Thailand. Yun din po ang nagpalakas ng loob sa amin,” Manalo added.
(The determination we saw in the children was another thing. We couldn’t back down because of our sympathy for them, and admiration for how they honed their skills and worked hard to achieve their goal of winning in Thailand. That’s what gave us the strength to keep going.)
Showcasing talent, skillsThe children are accompanied by their parents and teachers in the competition. (Photo courtesy of Liberty Valderrama)
The Thailand World Music Championships was first held in 2010 among Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hong Kong delegates.
This year’s championship took place in Sisaket, Thailand from December 18 to December 21.
The Philippines’ representative, composed of 47 students, showed the fruit of their hard work in the competition.
READ: From Marcelito Pomoy to Sofronio Vasquez: Filipino singers in global stage
“Ang pray ko lang ay kahit ‘di manalo, basta maging safe pauwi. ‘Yun lang ang naging prayer ko doon kaya lang, nagkaroon ng bonus. Ginalingan talaga ng mga bata,” Manalo said.
(My only prayer was that they return home safely, even if they didn’t win. That was my prayer all along, but in the end, it became a bonus. The kids really gave it their all.)
The drum and lyre corps wins first place in the marching street parade category. (Photo courtesy of Liberty Valderrama)
vegas slots onlineManalo and Valderrama, beaming with happiness, said that aside from placing in four categories, they also received the “Royal Trophy” for their marching street band win. The award was presented by the ministry in a solemn ceremony.
Valderrama also recalled the moment when the kids were marching down the street, with many Thai nationals cheering for them.
The “Royal Trophy” is presented to the Philippine delegates for winning first place in the marching street parade. (Photo courtesy of Liberty Valderrama)
“‘Yung moment na kami po ay nagpaparade sa kalsada, sobrang nakakaproud kasi ang sinisigaw ng mga Thai ay “Philippines!”… Nakakaproud kasi yung flag namin, Philippines,” Valderrama added.
(The moment we were parading on the street was so proud. The Thai people were shouting ‘Philippines!’ It was such a proud moment because our flag, the Philippines flag, was being recognized.)
The band coordinator also said that while they knew of the children’s capabilities, they were still shocked by their performance in the competition.
“During the practice, nagagalit na yung principal kasi di nila inaayos yung galaw, pero pagdating sa competition sobrang nakakaproud ang mga bata. Kayang makipagsabayan tayong mga Pilipino sa ibang lahi… Hindi nakakahiyang ilabas ng bansa ang mga bata po natin,” she added.
(During practice, the principal would get upset because they weren’t fixing their movements. But when it came to the competition, the kids made us so proud. Filipinos can definitely compete with other nationalities. It’s not embarrassing to send our kids abroad.)
Moving forwardThe delegates’ strong support system: their parents and teachers. (Photo courtesy of Liberty Valderrama)
Manalo mentioned that before they left Thailand, they made a plan to sustain the children’s skills and talents. She added that they wanted the program to continue even after the competition.
“Plano po namin para hindi mawala yung mga bata sa kanilang mga naenhance na skill, bubuuin po namin yung Tagkawayan community band para continuous yung training. Ang mga parents naman ay very supportive,” Manalo said.
(We plan to ensure the children don’t lose the skills they’ve enhanced, so we’ll form the Tagkawayan community band for continuous training. The parents are also very supportive.)
Valderrama shared that they received invitations from Russia and the Netherlands to compete in 2026. They said they will see where the plans take them.
“‘Yung mga pinagdaanan namin, gagamitin na lang namin para mas mapaimprove pa at mapaganda pa yung flow ng aming pagsali,” Manalo expressed.
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(We will use everything we’ve been through to improve and enhance the flow in the next competitions.)phlboss
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