This Facebook group is only an extension of the website. So please go there too. 

I created BerkleeinManila to give updates to everyone in Manila, Philippines regarding the on going process of making the city an audition site for Berklee College of Music’s “World Scholarship Tour”

I believe that Manila and the Philippines have so much talent to boot and is only waiting to get discovered by a school such as Berklee to help them develop their craft and further their artistry.

Why Berklee? Because Berklee is a forward thinking music school that aims to develop their students and give them excellent and sustainable careers in Music. Which is not really the biggest “thing to do” when you study in Manila or anywhere else in the world for most parents.

Here is an excerpt from their school philosophy found in their website:

"Berklee was founded on two revolutionary ideas: that musicianship could be taught through the music of the time; and that our students need practical, professional skills for successful, sustainable music careers. While our bedrock philosophy has not changed, the music around us has and requires that we evolve with it.

For over half a century, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to this approach by wholeheartedly embracing change. We update our curriculum and technology to make them more relevant, and attract diverse students who reflect the multiplicity of influences in today’s music. We prepare our students for a lifetime of professional and personal growth through the study of the arts, sciences, and humanities. And we are developing new initiatives to reach and influence an ever-widening audience.

More than a college, Berklee has become the world’s singular learning lab for the music of today—and tomorrow. We are a microcosm of the music world, reflecting the interplay between music and culture; an environment where aspiring music professionals learn how to integrate new ideas, adapt to changing musical genres, and showcase their distinctive skills in an evolving community. We are at the center of a widening network of industry professionals who use their openness, virtuosity, and versatility to take music in surprising new directions."

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I know that there are a lot of musicians, singers, performers, songwriters and artists in Manila who only DREAM of going to the school to develop their talents. I was like that a couple of years ago. And i just want to be able to help create an opportunity for them to actually pursue it. I want to help open the door and create possibilities for these people, it would be such an honor to see them shine.

I believe in pursuing your passion and honing your talents. It does not have to be music. It could be anything like shoes, fashion, photography, food or wine. If its tugging at your heart. Chances are God has put those talents within you to pursue and develop and it is only your DUTY to do so. I think it would be terribly IRRESPONSIBLE not to develop your talents and pursue your dreams. Youre a human being. Youre created to be excellent. You cannot settle for something that will kill your spirit and gusto for life.

I am blessed enough to have an opportunity like this to study in such a wonderful school even just for a couple of sems. Truth be told, i do not know how long i will be staying here for. But like i said, i am hoping that it would be long enough to see this materialize. It would be my honor to help out people who only want to pursue their passion.

So keep yourself posted here. Start navigating the Berklee website if youre really interested and hopefully well make this audition materialize! Believe it! Its your time to shine! Ill do my part to help make this happen!