U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific commemorates Freedom 250 across PHL

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As part of the United States’ “Freedom 250” campaign,  commemorating 250 years of American independence, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific rock ensemble Small Kine conducted a series of performances and music workshops in Manila, Cebu, Tuguegarao, and Puerto Princesa from March 4 to 14.

“Freedom 250” is not just about history; it’s about the values we share: freedom, creativity, and service.  One way we celebrate is through music by showcasing American excellence through the extraordinary professionalism of U.S. military musicians.  The United States Air Force Band reflects the tradition of precision, teamwork, and artistic achievement that has been cultivated over generations,” U.S. Embassy Director of Public Engagement Ryan Ingrassia said.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic ties.  The four-member rock band showcased this longstanding friendship by captivating Filipino audiences with covers of American hits and songs in local languages such as “Usahay” in Bisaya and “Bannatiran” in Ilocano.  The band members’ own ties to the Philippines also run deep: Guitarist Master Sergeant Daniel Santos hails from Bulacan, while Band Commander Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Hansen and drummer Senior Airman Brennan Tolman have both lived in the country for several years as missionaries and are fluent in Tagalog.

“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine brothers and sisters and are grateful to celebrate our long friendship together through one of the best ways—making music,” Lieutenant Colonel Hansen said.  “I have always been impressed by the passion and talent Filipinos and Filipinas have for vocal and instrumental music.”

“Through performances like these, the bonds between nations are strengthened—not only through diplomacy and security cooperation, but also through cultural exchange and people-to-people connections,” Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay said during the band’s performance at the Provincial Capitol.  “Their presence here symbolizes a partnership rooted not only in history, but also in shared aspirations for peace, stability, and progress.”

On top of performances, the band also shared American musical expertise through workshops with students at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Music, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Palawan State University.  They also delivered performances organized by St. Paul University Philippines, the Provincial Government of Cagayan, and the local governments of Quezon City and Puerto Princesa, alongside local music groups, government bands, and Philippine Air Force counterparts.

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific is one of the military musical units in the Indo-Pacific, comprised of musical groups that perform throughout a large and diverse area of responsibility, including locations such as Singapore, Australia, Wake Island, Papua New Guinea, American Samoa, Beijing, New Zealand, Guam, and the Kwajalein Atoll.

“Freedom 250” is a global initiative by the U.S. government to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, and to celebrate America’s founding principles, dynamism, innovation, and global leadership.