Music conductors are like captains of a ship, as they serve as guides. At just 20 years old, Emmanuel “Emman” Badong Ramos II has carved his name as the youngest Filipino conductor. Ramos is a second-year college student pursuing a Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges.
While the captain of the ship monitors the waves in the bodies of water, music conductors guide orchestras or choirs. They select the music, study the scores, make adjustments like changing the tempo and dynamics, and develop their interpretation. Then, they communicate their vision to the performers.
Ramos stepped into the challenging role of conductor for the Baao Children and Youth Choir, leading them to impressive victories and unforgettable experiences abroad, where they clinched the grand champion title out of 260 choirs in the prestigious 29th Certamen Internacional Juvenil de Habaneras y Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain, on April 24, 2024. Among the pieces that they performed were “Habaneras de Sal” by Belen Puente and Antoni Mas and “A Tu Lado” by Javier Busto.
His journey into conducting was far from planned. “Well, I did not have a choice,” he recalled.
Challenge accepted
Previously a member of the choir, Ramos was thrust into the conductor’s role after the previous conductor resigned to pursue personal interests. The responsibility fell to Ramos, who, despite having no formal training in conduct, accepted the challenge with determination.
Ramos shared that he studied conducting techniques on YouTube, sought advice from musician friends, and honed his skills by teaching younger choir members. This hands-on approach not only developed his musicality but also prepared him to lead the choir on their next big adventure.
“Ti-nake ko po yun kasi po it served for me as a challenge din kasi apprentice naman na po ako nung times na medyo senior na ako sa Baao Children and Youth Choir. Ako naman na po ‘yong nagtuturo dito sa mga bata ng kanta and parang nadedevelop na rin po ‘yong musicality ko in such a way, ‘yin po nag-drive sakin para at least magkaroon ng ground in conducting kahit wala po akong na-take na conducting class,” Ramos told BicoldotPH.
The Baao Children and Youth Choir, founded in 2003, is a community and church-based choir. It has a rich history of international tours and competitions, including winning the grand prize at the 18th Certamen Internacional de Juvenil de Habaneras in 2012 at Torrevieja, Spain. Baao Children and Youth Choir holds yearly auditions and training programs at various public and private schools in the municipality of Baao, Camarines Sur.
Furthermore, they successfully showcased their performances in Korea, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, consistently demonstrating their talent and dedication. Last year, Baao Children and Youth Choir was the only non-European choir at the European Youth Festival in Switzerland.
“Naiinvite po ng mga different international choral organizations ang [Baao Children and Youth Choir] tulad po nung nag-invite po (noong) 2014 sa Mexico [na] ‘Choir of the World’ wherein pinagtipon-tipon po ‘yong mga choirs from different countries… and last year we were the only non-European choir to participate in the European Youth Festival sa Switzerland, so ‘yong mga ganong opportunities po para sa Baao Children and Youth Choir ang umaapaw po,” Ramos shared.
Hurdles on the way
Baao Children and Youth Choir was only given three months to prepare for the 29th Certamen Internacional Juvenil de Habaneras y Polifonia, as they received the invitation in late January.
However, the Bicolano choir dedicated themselves to rigorous rehearsals. Driven by the promise of representing the Philippines on a global stage, the choir committed themselves to rigorous training, where they practiced until 8 p.m. despite juggling between school and the group.
Baao Children and Youth Choir faced numerous challenges, from self-doubt to logistical issues. Recording rehearsals and analyzing them helped Ramos improve his conducting skills.
However, the tour brought unforeseen difficulties, and Dubai’s calamity caused their costumes to be delayed. Yet, through improvisation and support from the management, they managed to present a united front, wearing sponsored jackets and matching black leggings.
“Kasi yung connecting flight po namin was in Dubai going to Spain, and alam naman po nating nagkaroon ng malaking baha sa Dubai, so nagkaroon po talaga ng disruption yong pag-transfer nila ng mga baggage. May 30,000 na mga nakateenggang luggage, so naging parte po kami nun and late nag-arrive mga luggage,” he explained.
The competition in Spain was a rollercoaster of emotions. Considering the language barriers and anxieties, the group’s hard work paid off.
“Hindi na po namin alam ‘yong ginagawa nila kasi ‘yong ceremonies po, or awarding, was in Spanish. So hindi namin naiintindihan pero nung narinig na namin, ‘yong name na Baao, kami talagang tumatalon na kami sa saya kasi natawag po kami. Tapos ‘yon pala po…primer premio, first price po siya,” Ramos said.
With their latest victory still fresh, the choir has no immediate plans for another competition, focusing instead on continuing their performances across Europe.
Ramos aspires to train new singers, ensuring the choir’s legacy endures. His personal goal is to explore and expand his skills in music and conducting, with dreams of becoming a renowned conductor one day.
The 28-member youth choir performed in various places, starting in Palencia, Spain, where they had a concert. They moved to Zaragoza, and their main stop was Hanover, Germany, where they participated in the 1st International Children and Youth Choir Festival from May 8–13. | Lyzha Mae Agnote, Alliah Jane Babila
Photos: FB/Emmanuel Badong Ramos