REACTION PAPER

MUSIC: SILAKBO

Music is known as the language of the soul. It is an expression of the heart. It is the inner voice. The
things that people cannot express directly by words in common or regular conversations are coursed
thru music. It allows us to feel the emotions of the writer and get carried away by the voice of the
singer. It conveys message of love, ideas, and outbursts.

There are different genres in music – pop, rock, jazz, hip hop, classic, musical theatre, folk music, to
name a few. The music Silakbo subject of this writing is a folk music. According to its definition, folk
music is a music that originates in traditional popular culture or that is written in such a style. It is
transmitted orally from generation to generation. It is usually accompanied by traditional acoustic
instruments like ukulele, acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, violin, banjo, etc. Folk music tell stories
of the life of our ancestors.

I have been hearing this kind of music as background in movies, television shows, plays, theatres, and
not so much on the radios. This is best utilized in films and activities depicting our cultural heritage.
Listening to this kind of music leads me to imagine ancient times, how they live, how they think, and
how they feel. The music is empowering. It stirs my emotions, uplifts my spirit, and gives me a sense of
appreciation of our beginnings.

I like the chanting and the gamelan orchestra. There is rhythm and harmony in the arrangement of
notes. I love also the beat from mellow to lively. Silakbo seems to carry with it a deep sense of emotion.

In order to preserve Filipino identity, cultural music can be disseminated through its utilization and
participation in cultural activities in school in order to give awareness to fellow students of our cultures
and traditions and to further develop in us the spirit of nationalism. Also, to inculcate in the students,
being the next generation of leaders, the value and importance of our cultures and traditions. To the
community, by supporting cultural activities and promoting the use of folk music in presentations. Also,
writing blogs and uploading videos in the internet which is the latest trend in conveying information
regarding our cultural heritage which includes folk music and tribal dance would also be a way of
promoting it to the society.

Our cultural heritage makes us different from other nations. And folk music provides a deeper meaning
of our connection to our ancestors.