Ben&Ben twins lead ‘Sounds Like Change’ project in Bukidnon

Renowned Filipino pop band Ben&Ben, led by twin brothers Miguel and Paolo Benjamin, spearheaded the first ever “Sounds Like Change” (SLC) project in Bukidnon. The three-day songwriting workshop, hosted at Central Mindanao University from April 15-17, was dedicated to empowering 29 talented Indigenous Peoples (IP) youth from Bukidnon’s seven ethnic tribes.

The realization of the SLC project, a decade-long aspiration for the Benjamin twins, came to fruition through their non-profit organization Puhon, in collaboration with the PhilPop Music Foundation and key representatives such as Gab Cabangon and Jared Kuo. This endeavor aimed to bridge the music culture of Bukidnon’s Indigenous Community with the broader Filipino audience by blending traditional indigenous music with contemporary pop.

Artists including Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios, Arthur Nery, and Marlon Barnuevo, along with representatives from the Philippine Educational Theater Association such as Raul Alfonso and Bong Billones, lent their expertise as facilitators/coaches for the project. Local luminaries like Waway Saway, Datu Alimuwan, Antonio Dagoc Jr., and Ivana Arboladura were also engaged to ensure the respectful preservation of IP traditions and music.

Miguel Benjamin emphasized the project’s timeliness, citing the convergence of resources and networks aligning perfectly with their vision. “Now lang po talaga nagkaroon ng proper resources, network, and I think, it’s just that the things have aligned…” Miguel Benjamin shared. 

Jared Kuo emphasized the harmony between Puhon’s advocacy and Philpop’s mission, which focuses on nurturing Filipino songwriters and uplifting marginalized communities. He also highlighted Central Mindanao University’s (CMU) location as an ideal backdrop for the workshop, offering participants the space and privacy needed to explore their creativity. 

Meanwhile, University President Rolito G. Eballe recognized the project’s significance in fostering intercultural dialogue and preserving indigenous heritage.

“Thank you for selecting CMU to be your venue…This partnership with our IP communities is a continuing testament to the engagement that we already started long before–and we continue to nurture,” Eballe said. 

Furthermore, local artists like Waway Saway and Datu Alimuwan, stalwarts of Bukidnon’s tribal music scene, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to inspire and empower youth through art and music, envisioning a future where Bukidnon’s youth embrace their heritage with pride and confidence.

“Pangarap ko talaga na maturoan ang mga kabataan sa Bukinon tungkol sa sining kasi pag naturuan ang mga kabataan makikita na ang kanilang paninindigan, mataas ang tiwala sa sarili,” Waway Saway shared. 

Moreover, Atty. Arbie Bagani Llesis, Provincial IP Mandatory Representative, likened the project to an unstoppable idea whose time has come. He envisions a future where songs about bansa lumad ensure their survival for generations, empowering young artists to awaken hearts and souls through their talents.

The ‘Sounds Like Change’ project, supported by partners like Kitanglad Integrated NGOs, CMU, Provincial Government of Bukidnon, Hineleban, DENR, partner LGUs, and volunteers, signifies more than a musical workshop—it embodies a movement to empower, inspire, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Bukidnon’s Indigenous Peoples through the universal language of music. ^{[Iyren Dalipe Neri]}