Estudiantinas de Baao (photos by Bernadette De Los Santos)

The Estudiantinas started in the pre-war years as a rondalla ensemble that accompanied the Soledad procession on Good Friday. Composed mainly of young students (hence, the name), they played the traditional music of the Soledad composed by Jorge Barlin II, Jose Fajardo and Betty Gonzaga. Today, under the leadership of Bernadette De Los Santos et al., the band has incorporated other kinds of musical instruments to augment the dwindling number of string instrument players. Beyond playing music, the association has fostered friendship, discipline and religious devotion among the youth of Baao.

Click on this link for more photos of the Estudiantinas by Bernadette De Los Santos.