Pinoy musician creates app that allows users to play ‘virtual’ kulintang

A Pinoy musician has created an app that allows users to play the kulintang instrument virtually.

According to Richard Tanfelix, he developed “Virtual Kulintang” after a friend told him there was no app yet for the instrument on Google Play Store.

Richard said he created the app during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic so more people could access it in the safety of their own homes. 

The kulintang, a row of small, horizontally laid gongs, was an instrument that the 26-year-old used during his ensemble class as he took up his bachelor’s degree in Music.

“The kulintang is a bulky and expensive instrument so I thought of a way on how it can be affordable for the students, teachers, and music enthusiasts,” Richard told GMA News Online. “It is also a way to preserve culture through digital means.”

The app is now free for download on Google Play Store.

The developer said he would look into making it available for iOS as well. Richard added that he is also planning on including other instruments as well.

- Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News