Music

Music in the veins
What ever it may be ethnicity or a hobby, culture in general can and will influence a person. The things I have experienced have contributed to my personality, life style, and myself as a person. Many Filipinos have strong values and family ties, are hospitable, and prepare amazing food in the kitchen. Filipino foods are exotic and unique. Not only is the flavorful food delicious, but the connection between Filipino culture and music is a unique and strong bond. Sound has the ability to express emotions, a story, or an idea. Music and is a culture that many people around the world use to communicate with one another. Music as a form of expression is another way to stay in tune with the land where a person grew up.
Life should be spent with in an atmosphere of love and compassion. The Filipino culture is built on a strong family foundations. Filipinos don’t believe in putting their elderly into a senior center or care home. Seniors wish to spend the rest of their days around the family. Both of my grandparents on my mother’s side are staying with us. If they need medical care daily, the family will hire a home help nurse to care for the patient in the comfort of their own home. Keeping the family together is a part of our culture. While my grandmother goes grocery shopping or is driving her grandchildren to school, my grandfather is cooking or relaxing on his rocking chair watching shows themed on the super natural. Filipinos also have a close bond and sense of unity with our family as a whole. To stay connected, my family and I go on outings every weekend. The religious beliefs are also strong among the Filipino persons. As far as I know there are only a handful in my family that are under a different or do not believe in any religion. Most of the Philippine island’s people are Catholic. Prayer and going to Sunday mass is not something to be missed. If my family is unable to attend on a Sunday, we attend on Saturday afternoon’s mass. Assured religious beliefs are what Filipinos use to keep the family unit together.
Music has the ability to change the lives of many, including myself. These sound vibrations became a way to express a person’s personality, thoughts, and passions without the need for speech. I used to be speechless when I was younger. My mother, who plays the piano, introduced me to her instrument and music started to become part of my identity, a part of my culture that influenced me. Musical talent isn’t something anyone can buy, but it is a gift passed down somewhere in the blood line. I learned the clarinet and the bass clarinet.

The musical culture has changed me this time by helping me express my voice freely. I joined choir to enhance my vocal instrument. A girl named Ariel and I were chosen to sing the “National Anthem” for our eighth grade promotion. That moment seemed to have broken a little part of my self-made barrier to the world. Realizing that I was valued also put a tiny boost in my self confidence. Catching a little cold didn’t make the song sound wonderful, but it opened my eyes up to see the encouraging faces of the people around me. Continuing color guard for high school is what rekindled my desire for dance. Performing at three of the California High School dance shows were almost the same as the moment I sang for my junior high school. The only person talking during a speech or presentation, still frightens me to a point. As long as there is a reminder of how far I have gotten with the help of my Filipino and musical culture I will be able to find my voice again.
Music and Filipino culture will continue to help me in my development as to adult up until I am a grandparent. Whether it be singing while I cook chicken adobo or doing the traditional handkerchief dance, nothing will separate me from these cultures that tend to coincide.