
ARTIST STATEMENT
This piece is a composition in Tidtu Kamamatuan, a Maguindanao traditional kulintangan. The melodic contours is an attempt to portray a soundscape that would describe the lockdown experience. Melodic modes were clustered according to the type of lockdown that were implemented in Metro Manila. Such as: The normal (7 WEEKS) – no lockdown was implemented but the looming anticipation of an incoming crisis like the abrupt suspension classes was already felt; Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) 8 WEEKS; General Community Quarantine (GCQ) 9 WEEKS; Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) 5 WEEKS. On the graph, a week constitutes one whole melodic mode from the lockdown it represents. The line graph represents the number of cases. It is accentuated by the dynamics coming from the rest of the ensemble – wherein the volume is directly proportional to the number of cases. The gradual fading volume and abrupt ending of the music then is an optimistic attempt to look forward to better days. And the opportunity to respond by adjusting and adapting to new normal.