A one-of-a-kind spiritual high

"If you build it, they will come."

That was the inspiring message of the Hollywood baseball film Field of Dreams.

In the same vein, Msgr. Vic Bauzon is building something noteworthy from scratch, in the hope that today’s youth will be attracted – like avid baseball players to a field of dreams carved out of farmland.

Msgr. Bauzon, under the auspices of the Campus Ministry of the Ministry for Youth Affairs and with the support of the Jesuit Music Ministry, is championing BAND-ing sa Riverbanks, a unique music festival that aims to spread the message of redemption, peace, and love among today’s youth. (The Ministry for Youth Affairs is headed by Father Rufino Sescon Jr. and the Jesuit Music Ministry is based at the Ateneo de Manila University.)

"We wish to build Faith Communities on campus," Msgr. Bauzon relates. "That’s why the musicfest is really consistent with our vision."

"It is a great venue for musically-inclined, artistically-gifted young people to develop their craft and nourish their faith," states Marissa Saavedra of the Secretariat of the Ministry for Youth Affairs.

Inspired by the world-famous San Remo Music Festival in Italy, BAND-ing will hopefully unite young people and encourage them to hone their musical gifts in the service of their faith.

Since March, the organizers have been accepting countless promising entries from the different schools and parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila and Sufragan dioceses.

The musicfest, which is open to aspiring musicmakers ages 16 to 35, provides "an alternative venue for young people to express their ideas, to fulfill their dreams."

From all the entries, the final lineup will be narrowed down to 12 compositions that will then be presented in the BAND-ing sa Riverbanks concert, to be held at the Marikina Riverbanks on Nov. 8.

In choosing the 12 finalists, the esteemed board of jurors followed very high standards and very strict criteria.

"We value originality, musicality and the message, if there are lyrics," Msgr. Bauzon relates. "But we encourage young people to try different musical styles and genres. It doesn’t matter whether it’s pop, rock, rap, hip-hop, jazz, techno, or even acoustic. It doesn’t also matter whether it has lyrics or if it is an instrumental piece. For as long as it has a positive message and an uplifting melody, we will consider it."

The organizers are also open to diverse musical instruments. "They can use Western or indigenous musical instruments," Msgr. Bauzon elaborates.

The Monsignor himself has very eclectic tastes in music. He listens to absolutely everything, "from rock to classical." He admits, however, that he is partial to "relaxing mood music, the classics played on piano and guitar." Such soothing sounds help him reflect and meditate at the end of a long day of hard work.

The Monsignor acknowledges the vital role music plays in the daily lives of people, most especially the youth.

"It is widely believed that music helps in defining the identity of young people," the Monsignor intones. "Music is one way by which young people can define their identities and communicate their realities."

Music is an introspective and insightful art form, he firmly believes.

That is precisely why they’ve decided to present the concert at the amphitheater of the Marikina Riverbanks.

"We wanted to hold the concert in a setting that is close to nature," the Monsignor attests. "God is always in nature." As they say: If you want to see God’s greatness, all you need to do is to look around.

"We also wanted to add an air of solemnity to the proceedings," the Monsignor remarks. "Being close to nature allows you to reflect, to meditate, to contemplate."

The Riverbanks, which can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, will be festooned like a fun and festive fair, complete with different kiosks and stalls that will provide food and drinks to those attending the concert.

Directed by Bong Quintana, BAND-ing is supported by youthful and dynamic segment hosts Dominic Ochoa, Shannen Torres, Drew Arellano, and DJ Crystal.

Among the professional artists who will join the 12 amateur musicmakers onstage on that night are Ariel Rivera, Francis Magalona, The CompanY, Dessa, Gladys and the Boxers With K, the Whiplash Dancers and Verni Varga.

To commemorate the special event, the entire concert will be recorded as a live CD album.

The Monsignor expresses high hopes for BAND-ing sa Riverbanks. In fact, he envisions that BAND-ing will be a big hit among the youth.

"I hope that it will not end this year," the Monsignor waxes optimistic. "We hope that it will be an annual musical event. And hopefully this will be replicated in different regions. And the best composers from the different provinces will gather for a national musicfest. I really hope that young people will be excited by it."

Indeed, the youth will come together for this one-of-a-kind spiritual high.