SLEIGH BELLS RING, are you listening? Amidst our joyous gatherings, Christmas carols are not just sung, they embody the heartfelt tradition of sharing, reminding us of the nurturing warmth of music that brings us together.
Illuminating brighter than the vibrant hues of lights adorning the campus, our Bedan musicians shine like stars as their voices harmonize with a sense of togetherness this holiday season. Welcome these promising artists as they share their musical aspirations, inviting you to open your doors and accept the harmonious gifts they graciously offer!
What led Louiza into the captivating world of music? “Simply, great artists,” she said, emphasizing how talented artists ignited a spark within her. Upon listening to her covers, one discovered how Louiza bares her emotions through music, using it as a vessel for expression.
Louiza’s musical presence on campus shines vividly, from a captivating duet with fellow Bedan musician, Aly Namujhe, last Freshman Welcoming Day (FWD) 2022 to her enchanting showcase during the Pista ng Sto. Niño 2023 car show, her voice resonates across San Beda.
She revealed no set path in her creative process as melodies and lyrical fragments spontaneously form her soulful compositions. Her advice to aspiring musicians echoes this sentiment: “Find your own sound, and know what music best encapsulates you.”
As she navigates her final year, Louiza gracefully balances her priorities, placing her music career momentarily on pause to prioritize her studies. However, her heart remains open to opportunities to serenade the Bedan community again.
Khaira, once veiled by a cloak of fear in her youth, cherished an eager desire to let her voice resound. Seeking solace in religious choirs, she discovered her path into music, which she continues to take on throughout her academic journey.
At present, as an active member of the San Beda University Chorale (SBUC), Khaira showcases her vocal prowess at campus events. Beyond the campus, she continues to share her musical gifts in the sacred halls of churches, a testament to her passion for choral music.
Though Khaira has yet to extensively explore songwriting, her attempt at composing birthed heartfelt poetry, echoing intimate emotions, often with the ache of unreciprocated feelings of romance. She someday aspires to craft music reflecting her life experiences, drawing inspiration from the likes of Moira Dela Torre, whom she deeply admires.
Her advice to aspiring musicians who also wish to be heard: “Create a masterpiece na ‘yung galing sa puso…‘wag kang matatakot na i-express yung sarili mo d’un sa gawa mo,” emphasizing the value of authenticity and sincerity in one’s musical endeavors.
Gab’s journey into the world of music is a tale spun from an unexpected start–spite. “Naiinggit lang ako sa mga kasama ko noon,” he admits candidly. Yet, what initially began as envy became an overwhelming commitment to music.
With a newfound passion, Gab has set a twofold ambition: prioritizing academic achievements while fostering his musical talents. He expressed gratitude towards Rob Equiza and Perfecto de Castro, whose works deserve recognition, acknowledging their profound influence in shaping his musical aspirations.
Having been able to perform at San Beda Rizal’s Battle of the Bands, Gab remembered the rush of fear and excitement as he took the stage, which he recalled, “At first, nakakatakot, especially taking those few steps paakyat ng stage, but when you’re there, with everyone cheering on you. Eventually, you would want to give back a performance they deserve.”
Moreover, Gab fosters the growth of passionate musicians by emphasizing the essential role of finding joy in one’s music.
“It wasn’t in my plans to be a singer or to be in the music industry,” Bea shared as she reminisced on the serendipitous encounter with a Karaoke set brought by her grandfather from Saudi Arabia when she was seven. Little did she anticipate that the singing sessions she shared with her family would stir a profound interest in music.
Bea’s evolving passion for music led her to shine with SBUC and participate in the recent Laudato Si event’s songwriting contest. Beyond campus, she performs at resto-bars and auditions for TV shows, exemplifying her musical aspirations.
Despite not foreseeing a music career yet, Bea remains open to creating and performing for the Bedan community, recognizing the beauty of her gifts while offering a heartfelt advice to aspiring Bedan musicians: “When you love what you do, doon lalabas yung galing niyo,” she emphasized, valuing passion in realizing one’s dreams.
Hailing from an illustrious theater background, Marianne breathes life into her passion for music, using her voice as a conduit for articulating her feelings. She affirms, “I think I always had a passion for singing because I express myself through song. I like to listen to music a lot, and I think that most of my emotions flow freely through music.”
Marianne’s voice has graced the campus as a member of the SBUC, honoring the national anthem and serenading Eucharistic celebrations. Beyond the University, her voice resonates in the talent segments of pageants, yet her melodies are witnessed within the cozy embrace of family gatherings and cherished moments.
As she continues to sculpt her musical path, Marianne sees horizons burgeoning with dreams of international competitions, envisioning the SBUC on a global scale and maybe even sharing the stage with the acclaimed Philippine Madrigals.
Offering her gift to the Bedan community, she encourages her fellow musicians to never fear the depth of one’s emotions by conveying, “Be true to yourself and true to your expression, because how you feel and how passionate you are in your craft really reflects on the music you make.”
At the core of Joseph’s musical journey lies ardent passion cultivated within the solemn confines of his Church. While many artists dedicate their music to meaningful advocacies or particular people, Joseph’s approach takes a more introspective path.
“Personally, kumakanta and gumagawa ako ng music for myself kasi I’m not an expressive person,” he open-mindedly shared, as he sees his talent as an avenue for growth. Although Joseph’s music has yet to grace the ears of the Bedan community, his musical voyage has traversed stages beyond, having been able to perform at engaging events like the SIGLA music festival.
His musical endeavors have transcended the boundaries of academia, reaching audiences beyond the immediate campus scene. Joseph’s creation process is an ongoing exploration to define his unique sound while he balances his academic pursuits with a lingering dream to delve deeper into the music industry.
His advice for aspiring Bedan musicians emphasizes self-assurance, urging them to start from where they are, embrace their abilities, and persistently explore their potential growth rather than entering based on perceived excellence.
This season of giving, the institution shares the gift of talented musicians like Louiza, Khaira, Gab, Bea, Marianne, and Joseph, as they each bring on their unique tone, akin to the likes of how the Bedan Hymn sways the community. Their collective voices call upon musicians alike to discover their sound, uphold authenticity, and embrace growth, genuinely inviting everyone to wrap up their holiday playlists and lend their ears to the joys of music.
(with Marc Joseph Felix)
Artwork by: Kathy Delos Reyes