U.S. Air Force Band Showcases Musical Outreach in Manila, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija

In a celebration of U.S.-Philippine friendship through music, the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific visited Manila, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija from April 6 to 10 for a series of performances, including a joint concert with the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

In Manila, the Band of the Pacific teamed up with the PAF’s Marching Band and String Ensemble for a live concert at the SM Mall of Asia Sky Amphitheater on April 6.

The crowd enjoyed rock classics such as “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, along with Filipino hits like “Sumayaw Sumunod” by The Boyfriends.

The Airmen Musicians also performed during the Cope Thunder military exercises in Pampanga.

“We are here to affirm the friendship of our two countries,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Hansen, Commander of the Band of the Pacific, in remarks delivered in Filipino. “We want to emphasize—through music—that this friendship is strong and enduring.”

Though the band is based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Oahu, Hawaii, some of its members have personal ties to the Philippines.

Guitarist Master Sgt. Daniel Santos is originally from Bulacan, while drummer Senior Airman Brennan Tolman lived in Pangasinan for two years.

The musicians who traveled to the Philippines are part of the Small Kine ensemble, a high-energy four-member rock group.

“Thanks to the U.S. Embassy team, we were able to deliver the Pacific Air Forces’ message of peace, security, and friendship to the people of the Philippines,” said Santos.

“As a Philippine-born U.S. Airman, I felt blessed that I had this opportunity to link our two nations through my love of music and my belief in service for the greater good and peace,” he added.

In Pampanga, the band performed for youth at the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Regional Rehabilitation Center and at SM City Clark.

They also visited Nueva Ecija, where they played at SM City Cabanatuan and took part in Central Luzon State University’s 118th Foundation Anniversary celebration.

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific is part of the Pacific Air Forces and regularly performs across a vast Indo-Pacific region, including Singapore, Australia, Wake Island, Papua New Guinea, American Samoa, Beijing, New Zealand, Guam, and the Kwajalein Atoll.