Banda Kawayan Pilipinas (BKP) is set to bring the distinct sound of Filipino bamboo music to Argentina as it represents the Philippines at the 20th Festival Internacional de Folklore Ashpa Súmaj (FIFAS) from October 6 to 12, 2026, in Las Termas de Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero.
Now on its 20th edition, FIFAS is an international cultural gathering that brings together folklore ensembles and artists from various countries for performances, cultural exchanges, and activities that celebrate the richness and diversity of traditional arts from around the world.
As part of the Philippine delegation, Banda Kawayan Pilipinas will showcase the country’s musical heritage through its unique collection of bamboo instruments, including bamboo marimbas, bumbongs, angklungs, and kalagong.
The ensemble’s bamboo instruments were personally crafted and developed by its founder, Prof. Siegfredo B. Calabig, who also created the Kalagong, an original musical invention and one of BKP’s signature instruments.
Through its participation in FIFAS, BKP continues its mission of introducing Philippine music and culture to international audiences. The group will also hold cultural engagements in Buenos Aires following the festival, providing additional opportunities to promote Filipino artistry and strengthen cultural exchange between the Philippines and Argentina.
With a musical tradition that dates back to 1973, Banda Kawayan Pilipinas carries with it a distinctly Filipino sound, demonstrating how bamboo can be transformed into instruments of artistry, heritage, and cultural diplomacy on the international stage.
