MEET 12-YEAR-OLD CELLIST DIRK JUDIEL ABAINZA

Watching the music video of our featured artist today, 12-year-old Dirk Judiel Abainza, playing Felipe de Leon's "Mayapang Daigdig," brought me a mix of sadness and joy. I was moved by the sincerity of his music, which is why I felt sadness. On the other hand, Dirk's performance brought me joy, as it's incredible to see such potential in a very young artist.

We had a chat with Dirk recently. Here is that conversation.

Among all the musical instruments around, why did you pick the cello? Who influenced you to become a cellist?

In my early years as a musician at Centex-Manila, where I studied, I played the violin. Our teachers kuya Josue Matthew Lipio, kuya Glenn Aquias and sir Alfonso "Coke" Bolipata influenced me to play the cello.

I feel such an affinity to the cello as if I was born to play it. From that time I first played it, I spent countless hours practicing the cello. I fell in love with it because it is big and the sound is like a human voice. For me the action of playing this instrument brings my mind and body together in a very calm way. I also felt that the cello provides me with the sounds I needed for my self-expression which words just cannot provide. I felt freedom and happiness every time I pull the string and vibe with the melody coming out of my cello. Now, I am part of the orchestra of Casa San Miguel title "Pundaquit Virtousi" playing the cello with much gusto.

Can you name two music icons you really admire?

The first music icon that I admire most is no other than sir Alfonso 'Coke' Bolipata because he is a musical genius at par with other world-renowned musicians. His dedication and love for his craft and for his students rubbed on me. Standing in second place are both Mischa Maisky and Yo Yo Ma, two outstanding cellists. Their bow techniques, intonation, and performances never fail to amaze me. Seeing them perform on the internet really makes me practice and copy what they do. Eventually though, I want to be recognized for my own unique style and bring honor to my country, my mentors and my mom, who singlehandedly raised me.

What significant lessons from your teachers will you use as you grow older?

The significant lesson that I have learned from my teachers and my Mom, Rosebelle Abainza, who is my first teacher in Centex-Manila is that we always need to be kind to other people. We should be treated equally regardless of status. More importantly, Centex instilled in us excellence, patriotism, integrity and commitment or 'Epic.'

To break it down, first, we should always strive not for perfection but excellence in all the things we do. Next, we should love and make our country proud of us. As JFK once said, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for your country.' I intend to pay forward the good deed Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) has done for us Centex learners. I want to help my fellow Filipinos particularly the youth, in any way I could, one person at a time.

Next, even if no one is looking I should do what is right. I should be accountable for all my actions. If I commit a mistake, it does not make me less of a person to humbly accept my error and rectify it. Finally, I will strive to be steadfast in all my endeavors. I will not allow difficulties to deter me from my goals. God has given me talent, what I do with my talent is my gift to God.

Other lessons I have learned from my CASA teachers are discipline and hard work. My teacher told me that we always need to play our scales during morning practice. I saw a post in the internet saying, 'If you don't play the piece with emotions, you are not giving respect to the composer and to the audience.'

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To learn more about Dirk and other talented musicians, follow Casa San Miguel's Facebook page.

On a personal note, I pray and hope that someday Dirk will make his dream of becoming the world's greatest cellist a reality.

2024-06-29T16:25:04Z dg43tfdfdgfd