Charmaine ModrigoThe music scholars of the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) played it forward this summer through Teach Kids Teach, a program that provided music lessons for free to children of Lopez Group employees.

Teach Kids Teach not only inspired the spirit of mentoring and volunteerism in the OFY members, but also helped them master their own musical instruments through teaching younger kids.

One of the beneficiaries was Karlo Bautista, son of First Gas’ Venus Bautista, who shared: “I love music but I never dreamed of learning the cello in just one summer! It was so much fun learning from my ate and kuya in OFY. They played so well in each rehearsal and they inspired me to pursue this new discovery of my love for music.”

Roma NepomucenoCharmaine Modrigo, daughter of Lopez Museum’s Tina Modrigo, chimed in: “Nung unapo nakakakaba mag-aral ng violin pero maski araw-araw ang lesson ay pumunta talaga ako sa Benpres galing pa sa Cavite. Ang sarap ngpakiramdam yung babasa ka ng music notes tapos papagalawinmo yung mga kamay mo paramakatugtog ng magandang tunog.Ito na ang pinakamasaya kong summer vacation.”

Ria Espino, daughter of Southbend Group’s Remy Espino, said she discovered the oboe: “My teacher in OFY said there is a great demand for oboists in the Philippines and even abroad. It was hard to practice but I feel proud of myself. Even my family couldn’t believe it that I can play at this level in such a short time.”

Roma Nepomuceno, daughter of Ang Misyon’s Guia Tieng, said she was happy with her

experience: “Nadisiplina po akong sumunod sa mga instructions tuwing violin lessons namin. Napakagaling po ng mga ate at kuya ko tumugtog at tinuturuan din nila kaming maging magaling na tao at musician.”

Ria EspinoFormed in 2012, the OFY youth ensemble is a joint venture between First Philippine Holdings Corporation and ABS-CBN that provides free music education as well as performance allowances, transportation assistance, meals, uniforms and instruments to its 55 members. (Story by Tinky Cruz)