Caroline Cabading's Musical Journey Through Filipino American History
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Musician and composer Caroline Julia Cabading playing the Philippine kulintang while wearing a custom outfit embellished with Kalinga and T'Boli inspired accessories. Caroline studied Maguindanao kulintang with the late Danongan Kalanduyan, National Endowment for the Arts Fellow, for over 20 years. She now leads her own pre-colonial Philippine ensemble, the Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble. (Makeup and Hair by Roczane Enriquez. Styling by Marie Biscarra. Photo by Marking)
Sugilanon, which means "story" in Cabading's Philippine Cebuano language, is more than just an album; it's an epic poem brought to life through music. Inspired by the Philippine Kalinga epic poem Ullalim, Cabading uses this traditional format to tell the captivating story of her family's emigration to America in 1904.
Weaving the Personal and the Universal
While deeply personal, Sugilanon transcends Cabading's family narrative to become a universal tale. "It's an American story," she explains, “with similarities to other cultures. When I would perform excerpts, non-Filipinos would often remark, 'That's also my family's immigration story.'" This ability to resonate across cultures is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the shared human experience of migration.
A Fusion Rooted in Tradition
Cabading's brilliance lies in her masterful fusion of Filipino American jazz with the rich tapestry of her ancestral roots. Sugilanon is a captivating blend of genres, where the traditions of the Maguindanao and Kalinga people find expression in the instrumentation and rhythms of the music. Cabading explains: "I compose each piece with the distinct Kalinga rhythm of '7' pulses, a contrast to the standard Western '8' count, all woven together with the improvisational spirit of jazz."
This fusion wasn't simply a creative choice—it was a collaborative journey. Cabading facilitated cross-cultural learning between the jazz and ancestral ensembles throughout the creative process. This not only enriched the music but also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation between the two art forms.
Resident Composer Caroline Cabading’s “Sugilanon” suite will be fusing both of these Manilatown Heritage Foundation missions with a Filipino-American Jazz Suite that is informed by the ancestral Philippine musical motifs and instrumentation of the Maguindanao and Kalinga ethnolinguistic groups. “Sugilanon” will also be a Filipino-American Epic Poem telling stories of the Filipino San Francisco community since 1904. Like her musical compositions, the poetic verses will be informed by the protocols of the Kalinga Epic Poem, “di Ullalim”.
A Life Dedicated to Her Craft
The depth and complexity of Sugilanon are a culmination of Cabading's lifelong dedication to her craft. A fourth-generation San Franciscan with over two decades of experience, she's not just a performer and composer; she's a scholar of Philippine ancestral music and dance. This deep well of knowledge allows her to seamlessly lead ensembles like The Autonomous Region (focusing on jazz) and the Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble (dedicated to preserving pre-colonial Philippine traditions).
Recognition and a Movement
The release of Sugilanon on March 22 marked a significant milestone for Cabading and Filipino American art. The project was funded by the prestigious Gerbode Foundation Special Award in the Arts program, one of only eight musical commissions awarded in 2023. This recognition speaks volumes about the importance of Cabading's work in preserving and evolving Filipino American cultural heritage.
Sugilanon is more than music; it's a movement. The album serves as a project focused on amplifying Filipino American stories and cultural traditions—sharing stories and educating the community about pre-colonial Philippine ancestral music.
“Sugilanon, which means "story" in Cabading's Philippine Cebuano language, is more than just an album; it's an epic poem brought to life through music.”
A Testament to Artistic Vision
Caroline Julia Cabading's story is one of artistic vision, cultural preservation, and the power of storytelling. Sugilanon is a testament to her dedication to her craft, a celebration of Filipino-American history, and a bridge between cultures. As Cabading herself says, "Sugilanon isn't just about my family; it's about honoring the stories of generations past, ensuring their voices are heard, and weaving a future where our heritage continues to thrive."
The Sugilanon CD can be purchased at this link:
https://cabading.com/music/
Caroline Ocampo is an international arts and culture consultant specializing in multicultural projects that bridge cultural divides. Her career is marked by numerous industry accolades including prestigious communications awards for her innovative projects.
