Prof. Daniel Mateo Fajardo and Las Piñas Band’s Official Website
Discover his life, and the history and legacy of Las Piñas Band
Daniel Mateo Fajardo is a true-blooded and proud Las Piñero born on July 21, 1878. His parents, Domingo and Lorenzana were also from Las Piñas City. According to his family, his father had roots originating from Malolos, Bulacan.
Maestro Daniel Fajardo was a soldier, musician, composer, educator, and a multilingual. He started playing music at the tender age of 11 and became part of a band which he later acquired in his adulthood. His foundation in music was molded by Spanish professors. At a young age, he had the privilege to perform in numerous concerts and learned different kinds of music. Later on, he took a larger role in the band by extending assistance mentoring the group. He loved their band so much that he acquired it later on in his life.
Daniel had a passion for sharing his knowledge and love for music with everyone. Thus, the reason why he became an excellent educator and contributed to the lives of many people.
He had been an educator since 1903. Aside from playing music with their band in Las Piñas City, Mr. Daniel Fajardo also performed with the Philippine Constabulary Band in Manila for 33 years. Philippine Constabulary Band or PC Band is the military band of the Philippines. Today, it is known as PNP Band.
Firstly, he started his brilliant service as a 2nd Class Musician. Then, he became a 1st Class musician. Soon, he became a soloist professor. Finally, he was promoted to his position and became the Assistant Conductor of Captain Fresnido and Colonel Loving of the Constabulary Band.
During his stint as assistant conductor of the Philippine Constabulary Band, he toured multiple times in America, Hawaii, Guam, Nagasaki, Kobe, Yokohama, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. More importantly, he played in the inauguration of President William Howard Taft at the White House, the St. Louis World’s Fair (Louisiana Purchase Exposition), and the inauguration of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
As a gesture of gratitude for his safe voyage, Prof. Daniel Mateo Fajardo planted trees around St. Joseph’s Parish (Bamboo Organ Church) upon his return from his US tour. The Acacia trees that surround the church today are some of the trees left. Years after, a marker was issued by the Philippine government to recognize the history and significance of the Thanksgiving Tree. In 1980, Tree Preservation Foundation of the Philippines Inc. (TPFPI) recognized the importance of the Thanksgiving Tree. Thus, the tree century-old trees should be protected.
Prof. Daniel Fajardo had also taught in various bands such as Banda ng Bacoor, Cavite; Banda Hagonoy, Bulacan; Banda Sexmoan, Pampanga; Banda Malabon, Rizal; Banda Kalayaan and Banda Kasarinlan in Pasay; Far Eastern University Band and the New Las Piñas Band. He was named by the Civil Service as Band Conductor of the Bureau of Public Welfare (Welfareville Band).
In recognition of his contributions to his townspeople and the pride he brought to Las Piñas City, the local government named a barangay in his honor; thus, Barangay Daniel Fajardo came into existence. Daniel Mateo Fajardo and Banda de Las Piñas paved the way for many locals to finish their studies and avail themselves of free education by availing scholarship grants and memberships in University bands. Up until this day, Banda de Las Piñas or Las Piñas Band continues his wonderful legacy and advocacy.
University of the Philippines College of Music’s album, Saysay Himig: An Anthology of Transcultural Filipino Music (1880-1941) featured Veteranos de la Revolución (Veterans of the Revolution) by M/Sgt. Prof. Daniel Mateo Fajardo
M/Sgt. Prof. Daniel Mateo Fajardo has arranged and composed a number of remarkably enchanting music. However, there is one that stands out from the rest.
