For my kababayans, do you know that there used to be a band in the town of San Antonio, Nueva Ecija called “Banda 35” also known as “Banda Kabataan,” which was founded in the year 1935?
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| This photo first appeared on the Facebook page of Ser Bernard Trombonista |
It was a group of local musicians who were active in playing during town and barangay events as well as joining band competitions in some parts of the Philippines. They were also invited to perform in events and fiestas in the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, and Isabela, and around Nueva Ecija like Cabiao and Zaragosa.
Here is the complete history of Banda 35/Banda Kabataan, which was taken directly from the book “Philippine Bands (1977)” under the Town Bands section. I quote:
Mr. Fortunato Naval - Band Director
Banda 35
In 1935, Banda Kabataan was organized in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija by Mr. Cipriano Musngi and his two sons namely, Pedro and Alejandro, with Mr. Fortunato P. Naval as supervisor. Even in the demise of the Musngi's the band continued to serve until the widow of Mr. Cipriano Musngi decided to sell it to Mr. Manuel Naval.
During that time, the band was able to join the PASAMBAP or Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa Pilipinas. There were also times when this band had the opportunity of participating n prestigious band contests i different places such as Plaza Miranda and Luneta.
As years passed, the band was handled by different supervisors and caretakers until at one time the instruments were sold to Banda del Pilar of Tondo, Manila.
In his disgust, Mr. Fortunato Naval again organized the band. Since then, this band gained laurels for the town of San Antonio and its industrious people.
Tagalog version:
"Noong 1935, binuo ang Banda Kabataan sa San Antonio, Nueva Ecija nina G. Cipriano Musngi at ng kanyang dalawang anak, sina Pedro at Alejandro, kung saan si G. Fortunato P. Naval ang naging superbisor. Kahit sa pagkamatay ng mga Musngi, patuloy na naglingkod ang banda hanggang sa nagpasiya ang balo ni G. Cipriano Musngi na ipagbili ito kay G. Manuel Naval.
Noong panahong iyon, nakasali ang banda sa PASAMBAP o Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa Pilipinas. Nagkaroon din ng pagkakataon na ang bandang ito ay sumali sa mga prestihiyosong patimpalak ng banda sa iba't ibang lugar tulad ng Plaza Miranda at Luneta.
Sa paglipas ng mga taon, hinawakan ang banda ng iba't ibang superbisor at tagapangalaga hanggang sa isang beses ay ibinenta ang mga instrumento sa Banda del Pilar ng Tondo, Maynila.
Dahil sa kanyang pagkadismaya, muling inorganisa ni G. Fortunato Naval ang banda. Mula noon, nakamit ng bandang ito ang iba't ibang karangalan para sa bayan ng San Antonio at sa masisipag nitong mamamayan."
Have you heard about Banda 35 before? Let’s keep the rich history of San Antonio, Nueva Ecija alive!
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