Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 7) – It’s time to give the spotlight to the unheard talented women in the country, said an award-winning performing artist and ethnomusicologist.
“Napakarami nating magagaling na kababaihan, hindi lang nabibigyan siguro ng pagkakataon na makilala,” said Grace Nono in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Weekend.
[Translation: We have many talented women out there, but they are not just given the opportunity to be known.]
“Siguro ito ay panawagan sa ating mga institusyon, kasama na diyan ang media, maghanap tayo ng mga mahuhusay na di naririnig, bigyan natin sila ng pagkakataon na makilala,” she added.
[Translation: I think this is a call to our institutions, including the media, to look for talented women out there who are not yet heard by the public, let us give them the chance to be known.]
Nono was recently recognized as one of the 20 outstanding musical artists by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
She is known for performing oral traditions from different parts of the country and she also co-produced recordings on Philippine oral music traditions.
But despite being known in the field of ethnomusicology or the study of music based on various perspectives, Nono admitted that she was clueless about it while growing up until she went back to her hometown in Agusan del Sur.
“Noong ako ay grumaduate na sa kolehiyo at umuwi sa amin sa Agusan del Sur at ako ay namasyal sa isang bundok, doon ko narinig sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ang isang indigenous song at ako ay talagang hindi pa nga namangha, kundi nagulat,” she said.
[Translation: After I graduated in college and went back to Agusan del Sur, I went to a mountain and that’s where I first listened to an indigenous song and I was surprised.]
With her newfound interest then in ethnic music, Nono did her research and sought for mentorship.
The award-winning performer encourages women to be bold enough to showcase their talents.
“Maglakas ng loob po kayo,” said Nono. “Ipagbunyi at galingan ninyo na kami ay matuto sa inyong sa mga aral sa pamamagitan ng inyong mga awit.”
[Translation: Do not be afraid […] You should be proud of what you have and do your best that we can learn something from your songs.]
