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Las Piñas City (Banda San Jose)
Banda San Jose was formed by the brothers Jose, Jorge, Julio and Cesar Cristobal on January 27, 1950. With the financial support given by Dr Pablo and Rosario Arevalo, the fledgling group was able to purchase the initial set of band instruments. Also throwing their support to the band were their fellow musicians from the various Orchestras and Big Bands to whom the brothers also belong to. Prof Jorge, who holds a Music Degree in Piano and Conducting, was the founding musical director and conductor who further honed the band into one coherent group. Taking care of managing the band, or “encargado”, is the eldest of the siblings, Jose. With top caliber, professional musicians comprising the band, Banda San Jose was able to participate in various Fiesta celebrations of different towns and cities, even extending up to the island of Mindoro. They were also able to compete and win in different concert competitions, or “Certamen”, during their initial years. Owing to the training they had in BSJ, most of the members in this period were able to secure employment as musicians abroad, whether land based or on cruise ships. As elder members would go, younger members took over, among them are the sons of Prof Jorge and his brothers. This cycle assured the band of its continuity and constant supply of members, and also enabled the band to further its success in competitions, thereby establishing the reputation of Banda San Jose. Of the second generation of members, many would go on and build their careers as leading musicians and Band Leaders abroad. Their successes not only highlighted their enormous talents, but the glorious tradition of Banda San Jose as well. It was in the year 1991 that BSJ underwent a crisis. Several members severed their ties to the band and decided to form their own group. Owing to the fact that most of its members are part of the Cristobal clan, the inactive members were called back to the service of BSJ to reinforce the small number of members who were left. It was also during this period that Prof Jorge resumed teaching music to the youth, mostly his apos, to become members of BSJ. This moment in the band’s history acted as the springboard of BSJ to greater heights .There was no turning back since then. Winnings from Marching competitions came one after the other. Banda San Jose has become Hall of Famer in numerous cities in the Philippines. Triumphs in Drill Competitions were also achieved. In the field of Concert, not only did the band win in many competitions; they also got to be invited to perform in Music Festivals in prestigious venues such as the Phil-AmLife Auditorium, Concert at the Park, and other premiere Music Halls in the country. Members were able to pursue their studies through scholarship grants from different Colleges and Universities, while some get to further hone their talents in various Conservatories of Music. Several members became part of professional Symphony Orchestras, both local and abroad, while others became part of different professional musical ensembles. Looking back at this juncture, one could not help but be thankful. Had this crucial point in 1991 in the history of the band not happened, BSJ would not have been driven to greater motivation, not only for the band to survive, but to bring it farther than what has been. Much of its existence and stature now owes to that crucial point in its existence. Presently under the Musical Direction of Prof Rey C Cristobal, the eldest son of Prof Jorge, and the financial auspices of Mr and Mrs Roque and Carina Arevalo, grandson of Dr Pablo and Rosario, Banda San Jose will continue to aim for greater heights and strive to be the best – that is for the people of Las Pinas and their Patron Saint Tata Hosep.

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