Dep-Ed 7 gets Guinness record

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd)-7’s “Let’s Play Schools” has secured the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Rondalla Ensemble” on Friday, June 28, at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Numbering 554, rondalla players from Bohol Province and the cities of Bais, Bogo, Dumagute, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Tagbilaran, and Talisay gathered to mark a musical feat with their 11-minute performance.

Musical Conductor Anthony Consejo said the minimum requirement is 250 players."We are setting records. The minimum is 250 but now, total in all we are 554 players. I hope that nobody can break it. If there is somebody who’s going to break it...we will give more, we've got to break it again," he told The Freeman.

Consejo also said the achievement made him "happy" and "overwhelmed," as it had taken six months to prepare and had its share of challenges, like funds for transportation, food, accommodations, and the workforce.

"All the sacrifices...Everything has been paid off kay nakuha gyod namo ang plaque of the Largest Rondalla Ensemble not only in the Philippines, but the whole world," he said.

Hosted by the DepEd Mandaue City Division, MAPEH Education Program Supervisor Dr. Juvelyn Otero also released a memorandum to support the Guinness World Record attempt.

Consejo said “Let's Play” founder Casper Hansen initiated the attempt and donated "more than 50 percent of the instruments" and other expenses.

Let's Play is a non-profit organization that provides children access to musical instruments and programs, promoting opportunities for skill development.

Different types of stringed instruments were played in the successful attempt, as Rondalla is comprised of the banduria, guitar, laud (a kind of chordophone), octavina, and double bass.

In an interview, Octavina player Ryle Arula from Ibabao, Mandaue City who said he participated in the attempt to show his talent, could not hide his elation over their feat.

"Nalipay ko...sa [among] pagkadaog," he said.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude for the honor the attempt gave to the city and the region.

"I’m overjoyed to see this large gathering of our very own rondalla musicians para ipakita sa tibuok kalibutan ang talentong Mandauehanon, talentong Pilipino!" he said in a Facebook post.

Consejo was thankful to Cortes, Congresswoman Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon, and the stakeholders who supported them financially.

"As what Mayor Jonas Cortes said, we are not lucky enough with many beautiful spots in our city, but [through] this cultural...art performances we can promote also (our city) and be part of the Guinness World Record," Consejo added.

The Guinness World Records "documents and celebrates superlative achievements that are the best in the world."