JAY SON'S WORLD

 

An interview with Jay Son O. Ugbaniel, AB Masscom

 

It is our pleasure to have among us a versatile artist... one whom almost knew everything there is in the music world. At first meeting, you will never really expect that he is that gifted!

 

Probably aloof, but the twenty‑one year old college junior possesses the maturity in his art and has the gift of enticing you to listen when he sings and plays the guitar or any other instrument...

 

Arsenic        Who is Jay Son at school and       AS             What instruments do you play?

                   at home?                                                       What is your most favorite

                                                                                       instrument?

Jay Son       I am the same Jay Son at

                   school and at home. Basically,      Jay Son      I play Kubeng. Kubeng is an

                   I am often alone and quiet,                              instrument made out of a

                   you'll seldom see me within a                          bamboo. I also play

                   group and I am sensitive. I                               Didgeridoo. It is an Australian

                   spend most of my time playing                        instrument. Originally, it is

                   the guitar and other musical                            made out of a eucalyptus dried

                   instruments. I also compose                           branch. I also play the flute,

                   songs.                                                           harmonica, tambol, maraccas

                                                                                       foglong or hegalong, rainstick

                                                                                       and other percussion

                                                                                       instrument and of course, I play

                                                                                       the guitar which is my favorite

                                                                                       instrument.

 

                                                                     AS             Is playing various instruments

                                                                                       easy? Why?

 

                                                                     Jay Son      At first, it's hard to play different

                                                                                       instruments. It takes a lot of

                                                                                       courage, patience and

                                                                                       determination. You have to

                                                                                       give time and attention to it. It

                                                                                       also takes a lot of hard work.

                                                                                       One should be interested in

                                                                                       order for a person to learn, and

                                                                                       he/she has to double the effort.

AS              Who is your favorite instrumentalist both local and international? Why?                                                                                             

                                                                  

Jay Son     There are a lot of them but locally, I like Joey Ayala best, especially the way he relays the message in the song. You can realty hear the variations in the instruments employed. Internationally, I like Bob Martey.                  

                                                                  

AS              What are the benefits you get from what you are doing?                                                                                                                                   when I was a baby, I would begin crying

                                                                  

Jay Son     Music is part of my life so I feel fulfillment. It enables me to convey my feelings and develop more confidence in what I am doing. It is also an advantage for me because I have the chance to meet other people.                             

 

AS            What theme do you usually base the songs you compose?

 

Jay Son     It depends upon the mood. When I am sad, I usually compose sad songs. During high school, it’s more on love songs and as I mature, I deal more on the reality of life. For instance, about Batang Tun- og, (though it's not yet finished as of this moment). One song I composed won during the Kalilangan Festival portrayed in a street dancing last February 2002 entitled “Mangingisda sa SOCSARGEN”.

                    

AS             Is your love of music innate or acquired?

 

Jay Son     Actually, it runs in the family. My mother has a nice voice. She told me that when the music is turned- off, I would begin crying (laughing…). I really love music! I joined a choice group when I was in high school and had experience in theatre. In the theatre, I was able to develop my talents and was able to perform in different places; met different performers from different countries in Asia. I was challenged by all the criticisms I got and all those experiences help me much to develop my talents. There's really no one who motivated me. It was my love and interest for music that gave me the determination to be what I have now.

 

AS             What is your guiding principle in life? How is it manifested?

 

Jay Son     I don't believe in luck. I believe in hard work. Whatever endeavors I take, I do my best. I believe that determination, patience and hard work make everything possible. For instance, if I have a singing engagement, I see to it that I am well‑prepared for the event. Practice makes a good performance and hard work will make your dreams and aspirations in life come true.    

 

AS             Where and when did you perform when you feel so accomplished as an artist?

 

Jay Son     There were a lot of performances where I felt so accomplished. When I was in high school, we won the Regional Competition in Paligsahan sa Sining in Theatre Arts Category which was held in Davao City. We competed in the national level in Intramuros and we got the trophy and won twice in the National Competition. We were also invited to perform in the 1997 Asia Pacific Folk Festival of Music, Dance and Theatre which was held in Manila. There, I met many performers from different Asian countries. When I was in college, I joined the Sining Kabpapagariya Ensemble in MSU. We performed in the 1998 Mindaluni Theatre Festival in Davao City. We also performed in Boracay in the Tambalan Festival and stayed there for a month.

 

AS             What for you is your greatest achievement so far? Why?

 

Jay Son     I believe that my greatest achievement so far was when I spent a month with other artists/singers in Boracay. There, I learned how to play various instruments. I also discovered for myself what it takes to be an accomplished musician and particularly hard work, discipline and dedication. It was during this time that I was able to improve my talent greatly and appreciate my gift more than ever.

 

AS              How do you project yourself when you perform?

 

Jay Son     Projection is an important aspect in all performances. Whenever I play instruments        , dancing or singing, I usually internalize what and who I am portraying. Facial expression is very important.  You have to have an eye to eye contact with the audience so that they can feel the message you like to convey. Presence of mind             during performances is also very important. You have to be sensitive to the audience's reaction too.

 

AS              What can you say about those performers who looked very untidy on‑stage?

 

Jay Son          In my opinion, performers have their own get‑up. What we wear and how we dress‑up should be appropriate with the kind of group we have. A performer is usually influenced by the fad. They consider it an art to wear anklets, bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

 

AS                   Have you experienced losing confidence in one of your engagements?

 

Jay Son          I think almost, not all artists come to a point to turn the other way around but I always keep to my commitments. I love my music more than anything.

 

AS                   What are your plans being a "leader" of the Spirit Drums Arts Club?

 

Jay Son          I really do not consider myself the leader of the club. It's just that I wart to share my talents and skills. But if I were to lead a group, I think we have to get skillful and committed participants from different art categories like theatre, dance, etc. We will conduct auditions to students who also have interest to join the club. Then we will create an ensemble…

 

AS              Describe your personality before and now. What are your plans?

 

Jay Son     Before, I don't take life seriously. I am just a happy­ go lucky man. Now, I have a lot of plans        like finishing my studies and hopefully to organize an ensemble.

 

 

 

From:         ARSENIC, the official newsletter of the Arts and Sciences Department

                   Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

                   General Santos City

                   2002