JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific’s rock music group “Small Kine” strengthened ties with Philippine partners during a week-long community outreach tour held in-conjunction with the U.S.-Philippine Cope Thunder exercise, Apr. 5–10, 2025.
The four members of Small Kine completed seven outreach missions in three provinces, performed at two Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, and preformed with the Philippine Air Force Band in two joint concerts that included the Cope Thunder 2025 opening ceremony.
“This collaboration between the Philippine Air Force Band and PACAF Band is a celebration of camaraderie through music,” said Col. Allain Oliver G. Palasigue, PAF 970th Honor Escort and Ceremonial Group commander. “Today, as we stand side by side with our brothers and sisters from the Pacific Air Force Band, we stand not only as musicians, but as ambassadors of peace, unity, and mutual respect.”
The band engaged with local communities through outreach events aimed at connecting with students, families, and vulnerable demographics at a local youth rehabilitation center and the Central Luzon State University.
“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 Master Sgt. Daniel Santos, PACAF Band of the Pacific guitarist. “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 greater good and peace.”
Over 3,000 people attended the largest performance, where U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Hansen, PACAF Band of the Pacific commander, conducted for the Philippine Air Force Concert Band at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, blending American and Filipino music favorites.
“We are here to affirm the friendship of our two countries,” Hansen said, “and we want to emphasize that through music, we can show that our friendship is strong and enduring.”
From joint military exercises to shared stages, the Band of the Pacific’s visit demonstrated how music can serve as a powerful tool for diplomacy—bridging cultures, strengthening alliances, and uplifting communities.
“Salamat po,” Santos called out to the concert crowds, “as American warriors, we stand united with our Filipino partners, and this concert is a celebration of that unity.”