What? My alma mater, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), has recently established a Department of Music!
Well, it’s a great leap of faith!
Years ago, the PLM could only afford to offer courses that prepared its students to get jobs as soon as they graduated, thereby lifting their parents out of the grip of poverty. Most of its students, then, although bright, came mostly from the marginal sector of our society.
Had they set up the department of music in the late 60s, no one would have certainly enrolled in it. At that time, the call was for the university to produce talented graduates to join the country’s workforce, thereby alleviating poverty.
In the 60s, it was a hard climb, a struggle, with obstacles along the way for people pursuing music. Unless they have remarkable talent and good connections in the entertainment and music world, they cannot avoid being typically called “slaving artists”.
Often, we hear the above statement from some people who see no future in pursuing music, especially if you live in a third-world country like the Philippines.
Then, parents would normally ask their grown-up children, “Could you feed your family with a degree of music in your belt?
In the early years of PLM’s existence, establishing a music department was an ill-advised move. Then, I would have had the same attitude, telling myself, “There is no money in music”. Our foremost consideration, then, was to take a course that could give us some security, in the sense that after graduation, we could land a job that would provide financial stability.
During that period, the Philippines was much different; graduates had fewer opportunities to secure good jobs. Our attitude at that time was to finish college, get a job, marry and enjoy life.
Well, surely, times have changed.
Today, my country has reached a certain level of economic development, with modern infrastructure, a vibrant entertainment industry, and a steady flow of remittances from our overseas workers.
Simply said, we are not as poor as we were in the 60s.
I don’t know many details about setting up the university’s Department of Music, except that it offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance. Operating under the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS), the music department offers this highly sought-after program free of charge to qualified, gifted youth who pass the admissions test.
Searching for some background on PLM’s Department of Music, I’ve learned that the university “does not have a completely independent, physically separate school exclusively devoted to music (like a standalone conservatory). Instead, music is typically offered as a specific major, minor, or academic department alongside other subjects within the broader university, college, or arts faculty.”
Last year, my school successfully hosted a Masterclass on Music Production Essentials at Bukod Tanging Bulwagan, Gusaling Katipunan. The event was led by Prof. Harmon Arceo, a seasoned expert in music production. Students and faculty members gained valuable insights into the basics of recording, instrumental production, and editing, deepening their understanding of the technical and creative aspects of music production.
The PLM has held an inaugural concert and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Music Studies program, marking a milestone for the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS). This event was supported by generous contributions from Hon. Bienvenido Abante, Jr. and Mr. Leland Ronquillo. Guests were inspired by a special appearance from Dr. Raul Sunico, concert pianist and former President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, highlighting the university’s commitment to nurturing musical excellence.
As alumni, we congratulate the university President, Sorry Reyes, the Board of Regents, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Congressman Bienvenido Abante for their initiative to take PLM to new heights.