While April and May are typically months of rest from the academic grind, they became a season of purpose and possibility for Batch 3 of the ACMHomes Foundation’s Rondalla Training Program. Instead of spending their summer break idly or absorbed in digital distractions, these young learners chose to invest their time in something far more meaningful—music.

As one parent remarked, “It’s better for my daughter to attend rondalla training this summer break than just stay at home on her phone. This keeps her mind and heart focused on something meaningful.” In these words lies the essence of the program’s impact: providing not just an activity but an enriching experience that cultivates discipline, passion, and cultural pride.

More than a music class, the program offers young participants a deeper connection to their Filipino heritage through the timeless art of rondalla. Here, students learn to work in harmony—not just musically, but as a community—while developing skills that reach far beyond the classroom.

During a recent visit to the training site, it was especially heartening to reconnect with the students of Batch 1, who began their journey with us in 2019–2020. Now in Junior High School, these same students once graced the stage during the PTC Thanksgiving Mass in December 2019. Today, 14 of them are enrolled at Trece Marteres National High School—drawn to the school for its active rondalla group, a testament to their enduring commitment to the craft.

Their story doesn’t end there. Inspired to continue playing and learning, several of these students asked to join this year’s sessions alongside Batch 3. Despite their tight academic schedules, Mr. Espejo—our dedicated trainer—recognized their drive and arranged a separate training schedule just for them, completely free of charge. His generosity and unwavering belief in their potential reflect the very heart of this initiative.

Mr. Espejo, who also leads the rondalla ensemble at Batangas State University, shared another exciting path with the students and their parents: the opportunity to be endorsed for college scholarships based on musical merit, regardless of their chosen field of study. We are now encouraging these students to consider Batangas State University as they explore higher education options, reminding them that their passion can open doors not only to the arts but also to a brighter future.

What began as a community-based music program has quietly grown into something much greater. It has become a springboard for academic aspirations, a space for cultural preservation, and a nurturing ground for young individuals to discover their strengths and express themselves meaningfully.

The journey of the ACMHomes Foundation Rondalla Program continues—note by note, batch by batch. As we look ahead, we remain committed to shaping not only musicians but also empowered, compassionate, and culturally rooted members of the community.