A dream with strings attached

MANILA, Philippines - The stories fueled Pascual’s desire to take violin lessons, something his family could not afford. “Kahit noong nag-asawa na ako, tinitignan ko yung presyo ng lessons at mahal talaga siya (Even after I got married, I’d be looking at how much lessons cost and they’re really expensive),” Pascual, who now resides in Tondo, Manila, shares.

In 2011, Pascual’s daughter Thea-Kish qualified for the After Hours Music Program of the Center for Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX) Manila. CENTEX is a project of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI).

Under the program, 24 CENTEX students study the violin and cello under award-winning violinist Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata with help from Pundaquit Virtuosi, the Creative Alternatives for Social Action (CASA) San Miguel Foundation’s resident string ensemble.

“Children often do not have the words to share their feelings – this is where music comes in, it gives children a non-verbal means of expression,” explains Bolipata, whose passion for music and helping children has extended to film as well. In “Boses,” a film set for commercial release on July 31, via SM Cinemas nationwide, Bolipata plays a reclusive violinist who experiences a change of heart after he discovers that Onyok, a young boy muted by abuse, has a gift.

“Sobrang saya ko nung nalaman kong mag-aaral ng violin ang anak ko. Natuloy ang pangarap ko (I was overjoyed when I found out she’d be studying the violin. It’s a dream fulfilled),” beamed Pascual.

But unbeknownst to Pascual, another gift was coming his way. The program was also in need of parent volunteers to help the children prepare for their weekly lessons. At first their tasks were to remind the students to practice and to recap their last lessons.

Bolipata’s group, seeing Pascual’s interest, decided to teach him to play as well. Today, Pascual is learning the violin alongside his seven-year-old daughter. Last March, Pascual bravely – and proudly – joined his daughter at the program’s culminating recital, not minding that the pieces he performed were the same as some of the young students. “OK lang kahit matanda pa ako sa ibang teacher! Ito ang inaasam ko (I’m even older than some of the teachers but it’s OK. This is what I’ve longed for),” he shares.

In a separate event, Thea-Kish joined around 200 children at Likha-likasan, a special concert marking the CASA Miguel’s 20th season, Pundaquit XX at the Bonifacio Global City Centrale Amphitheater. Presented by Starbucks Philippines, the free concert was timed with the observance of Earth Day. Julian Duque, who plays Onyok in “Boses,” joined the Pundaquit Virtuosi in an excerpt of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” The audience heaped praises on Duque’s performance of the concerto’s Spring movement.

Other program highlights include “Secret” by One Republic, “Happy Together” by the Turtles, shadowplay to the late National Artist Lucio San Pedro’s “Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan,” and two short films on children and the environment produced by select students from Zambales and Tondo.

“Parents’ involvement play a big role in arts programs. Without their encouragement, their kids will not succeed. I really don’t find it hard to teach these children because aside from the students’ hard work, we have parents egging them on,” enthuses Bolipata.

It’s beautiful music indeed for father and daughter.