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OFW band hailed as champions in UAE musical competition

A six-member music group consisting of overseas Filipino workers was hailed as champions in a recent musical competition in the UAE.

The 7th Symphony, a group made up of different music artists from different bands who came together, beat all of their other competitors during the Battle of the Bands segment of Bayanihan 2018.

In an email interview with GMA News, chef and 7th Symphony’s bassist Emmanuelle Iglesia said that the members of the band decided to come together for the contest.

Aside from Iglesia, the band’s other members include guitarist and vocalist Bonz Saforteza, 25, system administrator at the Stree Group of Company; vocalist Lilac Catolico, 20, student at the London American College and marketing assistant intern at the Point Zero Floatation Center; drummer Benjo Ramos, 28, insurance advisor at the Al Futtaim Orient PJSC; keyboardist Twir Buan, 22, sales agent at the Musician’s Corner; and lead guitarist Irrel Caratol, 29, aquatics supervisor at Thee Petshop.

Iglesia said that they were able to take home a trophy and cash prizes because of their win. However, what’s important for them was that they were able to bring joy to their fellow OFWs through their music.

Even though they are a new group, 7th Symphony said that they have already encountered problems as a music group since they juggle their music careers with their day jobs.

“The challenge that we have encountered is time due to our different fields of work. Time to be together is always difficult for us,” Iglesia said.
However, they decided to keep their minds focused on their goal as a music group.

“7th Symphony is not just a band or a group but a family. Kaya ang 7th Symphony ay magtutuloy-tuloy sa musika dahil sa aming nabuong pamilya at sa mga naghihintay na makita at mapakinggan ulit kami. Alam namin na kailangan kami ng bawat isang OFW dahil sa musika na nagagawa namin pangpawi ng pagod at lungkot,” he added.

“7th Symphony ang pangalan namin kasi anim kami tapos pinagsama-sama namin ang mga puso namin para makabuo ng isa pa. Walang iwanan itong 7th Symphony kahit ano mangyari. Tuloy-tuloy lang for the love of music. Jowa lang nang-iiwan.” Igslesia said.

 

Photo credits: GMA News

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