Prof. Daniel Mateo Fajardo and Las Piñas Band’s Official Website
The Birth of Banda de Las Piñas / Las Piñas Band
In the mid-20s, the townsmen in Las Piñas Bayan requested Prof. Daniel Mateo Fajardo to organize his own band to cater to the needs of the town, with respect to music, especially during town fiestas and other celebrations. Thus, he formed Banda de Las Piñas or Las Piñas Band.
Given his expertise and extensive experience as a musician and assistant conductor in the Philippine Constabulary Band (now, PNP Band), Banda de Las Piñas rose to fame and became the premier marching band of Las Piñas City, playing a wide range of classical music, contemporary songs and original compositions by Prof. Daniel Fajardo, the maestro himself.
Las Piñas Band also known as Banda de Las Piñas is the oldest known band born in the heart of Las Piñas City. The band is witness to significant phases in Philippine history as it lived through different eras: Spanish, American, Japanese, and modern-day. Banda de Las Piñas has existed since the Spanish period and was acquired by several people until its last acquisition by Master Sergeant and professor Daniel Mateo Fajardo.
Prof. Daniel Fajardo founded the band in 1927 during its official turnover and named it Banda de Las Piñas. Later it also adopted the English name Las Piñas Band. He bought the existing instruments from the former management and procured new ones to ensure that the band can sustain the expansion and provide the best tone possible. Mr. Luis de Leon was his assistant conductor in teaching the band since 1926. Later on, Mr. Jorge Cristobal a senior band member of the band, became Las Piñas Band’s assistant conductor until he left the band in the early 50s to establish his own.
Las Piñas Band won numerous prestigious competitions, including the Philippine Carnival National Band Contest. The Philippine Carnival‘s (Manila Carnival) band competition was composed of 37 great bands. Banda de Las Piñas won 4th place in February 1929 and the prize was Cornetin “Buescher” for the song “IL GUARANY”; first place in February 1930 and the prize was Bajong Ginto for the song “MIGNON“; second place in February 1931 and the prize was the Silver Cup for the song “SECOND HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY“. Later, he formed a group composed of 50 combined members from Banda Kabataan, Manuyo (wherein he is also a conductor), and Las Piñas Band to join the Band Championships in February 1941. Here, they won the Second Silver Cup. All their achievements in the field of music can be accredited to countless practices and active participation in various events including performing concerts with talented and select bands in different towns.
Prof. Daniel Mateo Fajardo raised the bar with respect to Las Piñas City’s quality of music. During his time, Las Piñas City was called “Little Italy ” because of the world-class music being played, serenading guests during band performances. All these achievements were achieved under the management of Mr. Daniel Fajardo, with the help of the good hearts and support of many of the countrymen of Las Piñas. In 1959, Mr. Daniel Fajardo passed away. With no one to replace the former maestro, with a heavy heart, the Fajardo family decided to close band operations. The band went on a very long hiatus since then. His family kept all his musical pieces and Banda de Las Piñas’ instruments in his home in Barangay Daniel Fajardo. History remained hidden in the storeroom, waiting for the day that music shall once again flow through them. Finally, fate found its way home in 1991. The rebirth of the band began.
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.
