The term rondalla refers to the native string ensemble of the Philippines, and it consists of plectrum instruments such as the bandurria, laud, octavina, mandola, guitarra, and bajo de uñas (supplanted today by the regular double bass). Wherever the University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla performs, whether a formal or an informal affair, the music produced by the UPAFR never fails to evoke pride in and a yearning for their homeland among the Filipinos and an awesome sense of love and appreciation for our musical heritage by non-Filipinos who are not familiar with our indigenous instruments. For what instruments could produce such beautiful sounds that resemble the soothing strains of music emanating from a cross between a violin and a mandolin, the non-Filipinos asks.

It is heartening that Filipino-Americans are rediscovering their Filipino heritage, and dedicated people in both coasts, like the UPAFR, are committed to preserving the rondalla as an integral part of this legacy.


Rondalla Renditions

Philippine Music Genres


Upcoming Events

Date, Time Event Venue
October 4
2:00 PM
Rondalla Strings: Music, Song, and Dance East Brunswick Public Library
2 Jean Walling Civic Center
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
October 5
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Performance at Let's Celebrate Filipino-American History Month The Studio Ligaya
Metuchen, NJ
October 11
2:00 PM
Rondalla Strings: Music, Song, and Dance
registration: https://bit.ly/SPPLMUSIC1
South Plainfield Public Library
2484 Plainfield Avenue
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
October 18
2:00 PM
Rondalla Strings: Music, Song, and Dance New Brunswick Free Public Library
60 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
October 25
11:00 AM
Multicultural Day presented by Piscataway Civil Rights Advisory Commission Riverside Park
430 River Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
November 23
2:00 PM
Rondalla Strings: Music, Song, and Dance
Registration opens October 23rd.
John F Kennedy Library
500 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854

 

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http://www.upafrondalla.org
creators: J. Sonny Santos and Faith Reyes

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