Even Msgr. Albert Venus, the parish priest, admits that Masses in this church are "deeper and more solemn" because of the priceless national treasure housed inside the church.
The priest believes the mere survival of the 190-year-old instrument and the church can be considered a miracle. He said there have been attempts to duplicate the bamboo organ, especially in some Asian countries where bamboo is abundant but none has succeeded so far.
Venus likewise pointed out the bamboo organ paved the way for the production of smaller pipe organs that are now being exported to Europe.
For Armando Salarza, the renowned instrument has a more personal significance. The bamboo organ played a crucial role in developing his musical talent that brought him to many countries in Europe and the US.
Salarza was only 11 years old when he gave his first public performance on the bamboo organ and became an accompanist of the Las Piñas Boys Choir. He was also the youngest finalist to join the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA).
After finishing with highest honors at the University for Music and Performing Arts in Gras and Vienna, he had performed in various cities in Europe and the US. He was named as the Titular Organist of the bamboo organ, as one of the only three Filipino organists who can perfectly play the instrument.
The bamboo organ was built in 1816 by Augustinian Recollect Fr. Diego Cera, then parish priest of St. Joseph who was a musical genius himself, with the help of parishioners. The instrument is said to be a "fusion of foreign technology and local musical aesthetic creativity."
The instrument was restored 30 years ago and brought to Germany for tuning. It now has 902 bamboo pipes and 129 metal pipes and is being maintained by Bamboo Organ Foundation Inc. (BOFI).
The fascinating sound of the bamboo organ, declared as the only surviving 19th century bamboo organ in the world and a national culture treasure by the government, will be celebrated this week in an international music festival featuring popular organists and artists from here and abroad.
The festival, now on its 32nd year, will open with a concert on Feb. 22 entitled Baroque Masters, showcasing Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 as performed by Anamaria De Guzman and Najib Ismail, Weiss’ Scarlatti sonatas and Suite No. 16 by guitar duo Sixto Roxas and Ruben Reyes, and Bach’s Cantata No. 52 by soloist Camille Molina with the Las Piñas Boys Choir.
Dalibor Miklavcic, an award-winning organist from Slovenia, will take turns with Salarza in playing the bamboo organ during the concert.
On Feb. 24, a concert featuring local artists like Rico J. Puno and Jacqui Magno will be held at the church courtyard.
Miklavcic will take center stage on Feb. 26 for the "Fiesta Musika" concert where he will play the music of Bach, Frescobaldi, Buxtehude and Dubois.
The next day, the festival will showcase masterpieces of the late national artist for music Lucio San Pedro. It will officially conclude on March 1 with a tribute to St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
Organizers said the weeklong festival costs about P2.5 million, mostly for artists’ fees and operating expenses.
Venus, who also heads the BOFI, said they understand that "it is inevitable to sacrifice cultural affairs during economic crisis."
Still, the priest said they would like to thank the government and other sectors for their unwavering support.