FOLLOWING A DIALOGUE with the University administrators, the San Beda University (SBU) Band has now returned to performing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) games, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Prof. Christian Bryan Bustamante, Ph.D., confirmed.
Last September 28, the SBU Band was “prohibited from performing at forthcoming NCAA games” and was limited to playing only at internal events. This then prompted the Bedan community to rally behind the organization, igniting the #LetSBUBandPlay drumbeat which called for the “allowance” of the band to perform once again.
Following recent developments, The Bedan has learned that the suspension of SBU Band Team Captain, Allen Rogel, was initially imposed due to an “unresolved request for an apology related to a previous conflict with the San Beda Red Corps.”
Additionally, the “lack of communication” between parties as well as the band’s absence during the NCAA basketball game against Benilde “escalated tensions,” culminating in Band moderator, Steve “Kurt” De Guzman, imposing both sanctions of suspending Rogel and barring the band from playing in the NCAA games.
In an exclusive interview with The Bedan, Dean Bustamante, said that said sanctions were simply part of a long-time practice done by coaches to impose discipline before their athletes. In this case, the call for proper discipline prompted Coach Kurt to impose the sanctions due to unresolved past issues as well as the band’s absence in a previous game.
Athletics Moderator Dr. Diosdado Aler III, who facilitated the discussions, emphasized the importance of clear communication in resolving such conflicts, saying “as a family, misunderstandings are natural, but it’s important to communicate openly.”
Acknowledging the importance of cooperation, the Band captain offered a personal apology on behalf of the current members.
Following this, Dean Bustamante, on behalf of the SBU administrators, clarified that the band has been cleared to perform again in the following NCAA games “siguro with some adjustments, unless any further issues arise.”
Addressing the #LetSBUBandPlay calls that transpired in support of the band, the dean also explained that, while the situation was perceived as a rights issue, it was more about establishing proper supervision over athletes. “I think it became a rights issue because they were suspended without any basis,” he explained.
The dean also disclosed how the Band’s status was not properly addressed as it was simply a student organization in the past before the late Prof. Michael John Rubio rallied for the band to become an athletic organization and be conferred with the benefits of such.
Considering how the Band’s structure was still constructed like a student-organization, Dean Bustamante stressed the need for a formal manual for athletes, outlining clear guidelines on penalties and supervision. “This is the right time to create or formulate a manual for athletes so there are clear parameters for any penalties or punishments that may be given,” the dean added.
The order to reinstate the band became effective immediately as seen in their spirited return during the San Beda Red Lions’ game against the Letran Knights, where the performance was met with great delight from the crowd.
“This is a reminder that we must always keep communication open,” Dr. Aler reflected. “We are all committed to ensuring that our athletes and bands feel supported.”
With the band back in action once again, they are ready to continue uplifting the spirits of the entire Bedan community as they aim for victory in this historic 100th season of the NCAA.
(with Maegan Belicena)