Love Resonates Through Music at SM City Baguio
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines, 3rd August 2026 – Love is expressed in many ways. At SM City Baguio, it is heard through every heartfelt melody shared by the Philippine Rondalla Serenata, where music brings people together while celebrating resilience, inclusion, and Filipino culture.
Every weekend at SM City Baguio, shoppers are welcomed by the familiar sounds of the Philippine Rondalla Serenata. As people pause to listen, many are surprised to learn that behind the beautiful melodies is a group of musicians whose journey is just as inspiring as the music they play.
Composed primarily of persons with visual impairment, the Philippine Rondalla Serenata is proof that passion and determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Many of the group’s members first learned to play music at Bahay Pag-asa Home and School for the Blind, where they discovered not only the beauty of the Philippine rondalla but also the confidence, friendships, and sense of purpose that music can bring.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their lives in 2020, many members lost their livelihood as massage therapists. Faced with uncertainty, they returned to the music that had always connected them. What began as online performances to uplift people’s spirits soon grew into something much bigger, a shared mission to keep Filipino music alive while creating new opportunities for visually impaired musicians.
With borrowed instruments and the support of generous individuals, the group slowly found its way back to performing. From online concerts to busking along Session Road, their music touched audiences who not only enjoyed their performances but also admired the resilience behind every note.
Today, SM City Baguio proudly provides the Philippine Rondalla Serenata with a space where they can continue sharing their music with the community. Every weekend, their performances transform an ordinary mall visit into a meaningful experience, allowing shoppers to enjoy timeless Filipino melodies while celebrating the incredible talent of local musicians.
Beyond giving the group greater visibility, performing regularly at SM City Baguio has also become an important source of livelihood for its members. Every scheduled performance provides a meaningful opportunity to earn while doing what they love most. More than entertaining shoppers, each performance also demonstrates that when given equal opportunities, persons with visual impairment can excel professionally and make valuable contributions to the community through their talent and passion for music.
For John Paredes, Coordinator of the Philippine Rondalla Serenata, every performance is a reminder that their music and their story matter.
“Every time we are given the opportunity to perform, we feel excited, important, and genuinely valued. SM has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting local artists and community groups, and being part of its busking program gives us a strong sense of dignity and recognition as musicians,” he shared.
Over the years, the group has performed in community events, charitable concerts, cultural festivals, and even a Filipiniana motion picture that introduced their music to audiences beyond the Philippines. Yet despite these milestones, their mission remains the same, to preserve Filipino musical heritage while inspiring others through every performance.
For many visitors, watching the Philippine Rondalla Serenata is more than listening to music. It is a reminder that opportunities can change lives, that culture is worth preserving, and that talent is never defined by disability.
At SM City Baguio, the city’s most loved mall, every performance celebrates inclusion, resilience, and the enduring power of music to bring people together, one heartfelt melody at a time.
