Culture
Q&A with Abel What is culture for you?
Culture based on my own perspective is the taste for various forms of Art.
Do we need our Filipino culture in Europe?
Like all foreigners, wherever we live, we Filipinos carry with us our “culture” manifested in various forms: our traditions and practices, our values, our cuisine, among others. The culture that we carry is part of our identity as Filipinos.
Can our culture give us strength, inspiration and identity? Very much indeed. One example is when we witness a professional Filipino choir presented to the European public. A strong sense of nationalistic pride is evoked from us when we hear them sing. It makes us proud that we come from a country known for its innately musical people.
What is it like to be a cultural personality in Berlin? I am no different from the rest. The only thing is people see me perform which translates to a number of Filipinos in Berlin becoming acquainted with my name, and me becoming acquainted with their faces and eventually memorizing their names by heart.
What is the best thing about living in Europe?
The best thing about being here in Europe is the endless opportunities to interact with other artists of excellent calibers; the most favorable circumstance of being able to watch concerts and opera at their finest.
How often do you visit the Philippines?
I try to be home every year to see my family and friends. Each time, I would also give performances and conduct masterclasses.
What is the best thing about the Philippines?
Aside from the beautiful beaches and the international cuisine, the best thing about the Philippines is the warmth of each and every Filipino.
What is your idea of a perfect vacation/holiday?
A perfect vacation would be spending sometime with my family and friends, away from the piano with no performances to think of.
What can we Filipinos in Europe do to strengthen awareness of our culture? In every country where the Filipinos are, a continuing cultural tradition presents itself in various opportunities. 36
Filipinos everywhere tend to have their own groups they could identify themselves with. When occasions arise, some of these groups would present a cultural show novel to the European eyes and ears, enthralling them with colors of our dance costumes and the intricacy of our music, particularly the rhythmic aspect involved. With nothing but the best intentions these groups have in introducing and presenting what is Filipino, in many cases these cultural presentations do not create a strong, desirable impact on the audience. We have this “bahala na” attitude which do not make us aspire to excel in what we do. It is more often that I witness sloppy performances which would naturally induce negative impressions from the European audience. Attitude is something we need to be wary about as well as the respect we have for our own culture, for our country, and the respect and the responsibility we have to our audience. Every Filipino performer is an ambassador of goodwill for they promote the Philippine culture. By putting our best foot forward, we earur audience’s respect and admiration not only as performers, but as Filipinos.
What is your idea of happiness?
The opportunities to perform, the chances of being able to move my audience with my music, and to have very contented guests after a hearty meal gives me a strong sense of fulfillment.
What makes you sad?
Being away from my family is sometimes difficult.
What makes you angry?
In general, I am a mild-tempered person but a mediocre performance on my part during a concert makes me very disappointed and frustrated at myself. Having studied in Japan where punctuality is literally a virtue, I do get irritated at people who cannot be on time. The mentality behind this is that the person who is kept waiting is being robbed of his time which the late-comer can never make up for.
Aside from playing the piano, do you have any other interests or hobbies?
I love to cook. I always tell my friends, if I were not a pianist, I would have long busied myself in front of the stove.
Who do you admire most in your life? Any role models?
I admire selfless people who stood and fought for what is right like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
What are your plans for the future?
To be affiliated with an institution or university, do more recordings if possible, and raise a family someday...