The Alicia Children’s Bamboo Ensemble (Pangkat Kawayan), another cultural jewel of the province, will leave today enroute to the United States for a series of concert tours in different locations in the mainland.

Alicia Mayor Marnilou S. Ayuban who  heads the delegation told The Chronicle that it’s with “great pride to showcase the homegrown ensemble with their world class performance.”

The musical group is composed of elementary school pupils coming from low income families of Alicia town who produce beautiful music utilizing instruments made of bamboo and other indigenous local materials.

A religious group based in Pasadena, California is making the trip possible through invitation and sponsorship.

Earlier, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto issued a directive to certain offices in the Provincial Government to facilitate the group’s US visa applications while simultaneously providing choreography assistance to enhance the group’s stage performance fit for an international audience.

Through several shows abroad, the musical group will banner the good name of the Province of Bohol, thus acting as the province’s Ambassadors of Goodwill while bringing honor and prestige to the province.

In collaboration with the Municipality of Alicia, the Office of the Governor/Center for Culture and Arts Development (GO-CCAD) has presented a Farewell Concert of the musical ensemble last night, Oct. 17, at the Bohol Cultural Center.

The event gave the Boholano public the opportunity to listen and appreciate the soothing and heavenly music of the youthful musicians; at the same time raised funds to support their American trip.(CCAD/Romy Tagaan/JLVEDCom)