On June 20, 2025, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Mindanao brought together community members, high school students, and UP Mindanao constituents for a one-of-a-kind musical and educational experience: the Gitara at Awit Basic Guitar Workshop and Performance, facilitated by members of the renowned UP Guitar Ensemble.
The one-day activity welcomed youth from neighboring communities such as Mintal, Bago Oshiro, and Biao Escuela, students from Catalunan Pequeño and Mintal high schools, and members of the UP Mindanao community. Held in collaboration with various UPMin units, the event supported the UP College of Music’s Gitara at Awit program, an outreach and advocacy initiative aimed at inspiring young musicians and expanding its cultural impact across communities.
UP Mindanao officially joined the Gitara at Awit program in 2022, when the UP College of Music extended the initiative to other UP constituent universities through a memorandum of agreement with the All UP Workers Union. The program flourished during the pandemic, with Friday evening online guitar lessons. Administrative Officer Analiza Fulvadora facilitated UPMin’s consistent participation, helping bring in new learners each season.
The idea for a local extension of the program was sparked by a simple question. Michael Gatela, Director of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Mindanao and participant of Gitara at Awit 7, shared:
“It started with a simple request in an online session of Gitara at Awit when I asked Daniel Morabe, our instructor, if it would be possible to carry out an extension program of free guitar lessons or performance for youths from nearby communities and partner institutions here in UP Mindanao in Davao City. It’s a big thing if an expert from the UP College of Music could share their skills and knowledge in playing the guitar and learning other aspects of music here at UP Mindanao as part of community service. That simple request is now being carried out today,” he said.
University Researcher Marilou Montiflor, Officer-in-Charge of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Mindanao, opened the program by welcoming participants and facilitators: “Through this workshop, we hope to spark inspiration, build confidence, and foster a deeper love for music among our participants. More than just a lesson in guitar-playing, today is about discovering how music can inspire, uplift, and empower communities,” she said.
The workshop was led by Asst. Prof. Nathan Neil Manimtim, Daniel Joseph Morabe, Marlee Janina Alexa Mendoza, Ricardo Juanito Balledos, and Asst. Prof. Solaiman Jamisolamin of the UP Guitar Ensemble. They were supported by Asst. Prof. Liza Veronica Decenteceo, Nowella Kryzel Pelayo, Leilani Manimtim, Leigh Isys Manimtim, and Marianne Aquino.
The day began with orientation and preliminary guitar sessions in the morning, followed by more focused workshop activities until 2:00 PM. From 3:00 PM onward, performances featured new participants and members of UPMin’s Gitara at Awit 8 cohort.
At 5:00 PM, the UP Guitar Ensemble delivered the culminating performance, showcasing individual virtuosity and group harmony. Their setlist featured a dynamic blend of Filipino kundiman, classical pieces, and ethnic musical traditions—delighting and inspiring the audience.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the facilitators and a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the program’s key supporters: UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan, UP College of Music Dean Maria Patricia Silvestre, the All UP Workers Union, former Staff Regent Analiza Fulvadora, the UP College of Music Administration Office, Gitara at Awit UP Mindanao, and the many UPMin units, Pahinungod Mindanao staff, and volunteers who made the event possible.
The Basic Guitar Workshop on June 20, 2025, in UP Mindanao
