If you are planning to visit the summer capital of the Philippines, then you shouldn’t miss these rising performers in Baguio City!
THE ICONIC GREEN SOLDIER
Behind this bright-looking Green Soldier costume is a 31-year-old man who loves to entertain the public.
Jhonwel Reyes started as a mime performer in Manila in 2013. A year after, he decided to visit Baguio and look for possible means to earn income for his family.
“Naging interesado po ako sa larangan ng pagiging mime kasi marami pong taong napapasaya. Si Green Soldier ang naging dahilan kung bakit nakilala tayo nang husto,” he told The Philippine STAR.
In 2014, he tried showcasing his mime artistry along Session Road in Baguio City.
“Alam niyo po ‘yung mga laruan na maliliit na sunda-sundalo no’ng araw? Do’n ko po nakita ‘yung idea para po gawin ‘yung gano’ng karakter. Pumasok kasi sa isip ko na magiging masaya ako kapag naging ganito ako [mime]. Kasi bukod sa ginagawa ko na ‘yung gusto ko, nakakapagpasaya pa ako ng maraming tao,” he shared.
Few years after, he is now one of the highlights when visiting the City of Pines!
He performs along Session Road on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Reyes also now gets invited to perform in different events around Luzon.
“Sa pagiging [mime] performer ko nakikita kung ga’no kasaya ang maraming taong nakapalibot sa ‘kin habang ako’y nasa entablado. Higit sa lahat ay dito ko nare-relieve ‘yung mga problema ko rin,” Reyes added.
ELDERLY MUSICIAN SERENADES PASSERSBY
This elderly man recently went viral on social media after tourists recorded him while serenading passersby.
Job Baeza and her friends were on a vacation when they spotted tatay performing near the Baguio Night Market last May 19, 2022.
According to Job, Tatay performs on the street to sustain his medical needs as a dialysis patient.
“Sobrang na-appreciate ko si Tatay dahil sa kahit may sakit po siya at may kaunting ulan noon, patuloy po siyang tumutugtog. Hanga rin po ako sa boses at paggitara niya bilang isa ring aspiring musician,” he shared.
Netizens commended Tatay’s heartwarming voice! The uploaded video has already garnered more than 3.3 million views on TikTok.
Job hopes that his video would reach generous individuals who can help Tatay.
“Gusto kong sabihin sa viewers na sana matulungan pa si Tatay dahil ginagawa niya itong pagtugtog para sa kaniyang bayarin sa pagpapa-dialysis. At para naman sa mga aspiring musician, sana hindi sila sumuko sa pagtugtog kahit kaunti lang ang nakikinig o sumusuporta sa kanila,” Job said.
