Music as ‘unifying force’ boosts Army’s peace efforts

MANILA – The Filipinos’ love for music could also play a major role in uniting and giving peace to the country.

This is the rationale behind the “United in Music. One for Peace” held by the Philippine Army (PA) in its grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig Friday night.

“Music is a unifying factor among Filipinos as we are generally appreciative of the (performing) arts,” Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in interview with the Philippine News Agency.

He said the music is also a good medium for getting the public to know about the PA’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.

“Violence and fighting is no longer the way to get things done,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad added that music also highlights the Filipinos’ resiliency.

He cited as an example of a Filipino community, hard hit by a calamity or disaster, would often gather and huddle together and sing upon seeing the first convenient microphone and song or chord book.

Incidentally, the Army concert is part of its many activities to celebrate its 125th anniversary which is slated for March 22.

Present during the “United in Music. One for Peace” concert were various artists and military bands who gave renditions of various songs popular among Filipinos.

The highlight of the event was the lighting of the so-called peace torch, made out of decommissioned weapons captured or surrendered by rebel groups, which was done by PA commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., actor and Army reservist 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli, and other distinguished guests.

The event was hosted by Zarah Zaldua, Miss Philippines Earth Air 2018, who is also a PA reservist with the rank of first lieutenant.