"TAMBOLEROS DE TONDO" (Documentary of Jay Taruc)

Episode on January 17, 2011 Monday after Saksi! TAMBOLEROS DE TONDO Documentary of Jay Taruc A type of music has been circulating around the streets of Tondo in Manila . The music is called “drum beat" and is played by the young residents of Tondo. Each drum stroke creates a pulsation that these youngsters say gives them a “high". And on these cold January days and nights, Tondo’s “tamboleros" are preparing for something big – their performance at the annual Feast of the Sto. Niño. In one week, the much awaited fiesta will bear witness to the glory of the music that the drummers will bring. Ronel is a 12 year old drummer who belongs to Tribu Modelian, a group of drummers and dancers. Tribu Modelian is the defending champion in the local drum beat competition. Jayron, the tribe’s musical director, believes Ronel has a lot of potential. It does not come as a surprise because Ronel’s deceased grandfather was also a drummer in the 1960’s. Yet even with the demands of training, Ronel prioritizes his studies. The same can’t be said of Chokoy, also a member of the Modelian Tribe. He quit school to play drums full time. Chokoy hopes that one day, his talent with the drums will bring fortune to his family. This Monday, Jay Taruc enters the loud and colorful world of Tondo’s “tamboleros." As the band struggles to master their music, the community of Tondo also struggles to rehabilitate their infamous reputation in this year’s much-awaited Sto. Niño Festival. I-Witness airs on Monday, January 17, after Saksi.