19/06/2026
A monumental milestone for Jandel Cabasura!
Jandel Cabasura, former conductor and resident arranger of Cebu Male Singers for seven years, celebrates a remarkable achievement as his choral arrangement, Banlay pa Biya-o, was featured at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of a diverse concert presented by the New England Symphonic Ensemble. The program showcased American popular song, contemporary choral music, and global traditions, bringing together distinguished conductors and ensembles, including Dr. Sinamar Pascua Respicio and Dr. W. Aaron Rice.
A special highlight of the evening, under Dr. Respicioโs repertoire, was Banlay pa Biya-o, a traditional childrenโs song of the North Cotabato Manobo people of Mindanao, Philippines, arranged by Jandel Cabasura. Inspired by nature, the song centers on the biyao tree and the kurahu bird as symbols of harmony, resilience, and interconnectedness. Traditionally sung by mothers while gently rocking their children, the melody fosters a lasting bond between music, movement, and memory.
Through expressive vocal textures, rhythmic vitality, and sonorities inspired by traditional Manobo instruments and the natural world, Cabasuraโs arrangement brought the beauty and richness of Philippine cultural heritage to one of the worldโs most celebrated stages.
This remarkable achievement reflects Jandelโs dedication to choral artistry and his continuing commitment to sharing Filipino stories and indigenous traditions through music.
Congratulations, Jandel Cabasura! May this milestone be the beginning of even greater accomplishments ahead. ๐ถโจ๐