FOLLOWING PUBLIC OUTCRY in light of the news of San Beda University (SBU) Band’s “prohibition from performing” at the forthcoming games of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100, organizations have expressed their ‘show of support’ through the mobilization of the #LetSBUBandPlay movement across various social media platforms. 

At the forefront of the movement was the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Student Council (SC), along with members of the Student Organization Circle (COC), whether professional and non-professional organizations.  

In an interview with Mari Okol, the incumbent SC President, she emphasized the need to further “pursue” the issue and ensure that it “does not “die down” as investigation and dialogues are still on-going.  

“Together, we must wonder, what other decisions have been made without student representation. Dito sa CAS pa lang, kailangan may student representation whenever there is a deliberation of any sanction and take note [na] wala pang memorandum itong sanction towards the SBU Band,” she shared.  

Moreover, she raised that this issue should not only be viewed as one that is “centered towards the band, but rather to the student-athletes of the University.” 

Meanwhile, Amir Hussin, the Vice President for Internal Affairs of the SC and the Student Organization Circle (SOC) chairman, shared that the moment when the issue about the band boomed, the SC encouraged the SOC to “support and rally behind the SBU Band. “ 

Chriselle Tamares, the Vice President for External Affairs and Athletics Committee chairperson, stressed that it is “high time” for these concerns to be raised as these grievances and issues are “not only limited to the band,” but to other teams as well as “they may not be vocal of the issues that they experience internally.” 

“They can always reach out to us… gusto ko lang din sabihin sa student athletes na we hear you and we are here to support you syempre bilang kapwa Bedista,” she added. 

Besides student-led organizations, the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Association (CASFA) along with the SBU Alumni Association (SBUAA) also expressed its “solidarity” with the SBU Band. 

CASFA President, Asst. Prof. Gerard Santos, shared his sentiments regarding the SBU Band’s situation, saying “We were saddened because this is how it transpired,” further noting how these band members had once become their “students,” with faculty members serving as their “second parents” inside the campus.  

“Hopefully, it can be discussed…we [CASFA] just want this to be resolved properly” added Prof. Santos, expressing the need to “promote an open dialogue with the persons involved,” added Prof. Santos. 

Meanwhile, last September 30, SBUAA also released a statement in their official Facebook page, encouraging the community to “approach this matter with open minds and a spirit of dialogue,” while carrying the hope that “University authorities will implement improvements that would serve the best interest of the community.” Other alumni have also expressed their support in the Tunay kang Bedista private Facebook group.  

The team captain of the SBU Band, Allen Dominic Rogel, shared with The Bedan how the situation has “overwhelmed” them. 

The “mixed emotions” started during the game of the SBU Red Lions vs. AU Chiefs wherein the Arellano University Drum and Bugle Corps performed one of their beats while the SBU Band was cheering at the lower box area of the FilOil EcoOil Center. 

He mentioned that it was the “first time” another University played one of San Beda’s beats for them, emphasizing the fact that this happened even before the band released a statement. “Siguro, they had an idea bakit nasa baba kami. They played one of our beats,” he said. 

Rogel also mentioned how the SBU Band had been “struggling” for some time, “keeping quiet” and “enduring the situation.” However, with the onset of the “recent incidents” that took place, the SBU Band decided to “break their silence” which has led to the outpouring of support brought about by the #LetSBUBandPlay movement. 

Made aware of the situation, other member schools of the NCAA showed their support for the SBU Band. Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Drummers released a statement and posted a video of them playing the beat “Powerband” while performing the “Go San Beda Fight” chant. Moreover, the Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) Drum Squad, Colegio De San Juan De Letran (CSJL) Band, and the San Sebastian College – Recoletos (SSC-R) Jammerstags also released statements in a show of support for the SBU Band.  

Ultimately, the Band expressed “appreciation for the overwhelming support” that the different organizations inside and outside the University gave in their effort to “regain their rights to play outside of the University.” 

“The Band [has] served for 92 years, supporting and cheering all Bedan athletes. All we want to do is serve them, serve the Bedan athletes and serve the Bedan community in showcasing our Bedan culture,” Rogel highlighted. 

(with Denver Provido and reports from Paris Falcone and Cass Manao)