Air Force Band connects with Philippines' audiences

  • Published
  • By Maj. Michael Willen
  • United States Air Force Band of the Pacific
ANGELES CITY, Philippines --  The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska performed for approximately 11,000 visitors during the Philippines International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta on the grounds of Clark Field, a former U.S. Air Base, from Feb 9-12.

The four-day event is in its 17th year and is part of a U.S. Pacific Command initiative designed to demonstrate the U.S.'s commitment to partnerships between the United States and countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing regional stability and promoting security cooperation. The event attracts more than 4,500 aviation enthusiasts and 75,000 spectators annually. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of aviation in the Philippines.

"It's really an honor for the Air Force Band to perform for such great people," said Staff Sgt. Clint Whitney, vocalist for the band. "We are thankful for the kindness shown to us during our visit to the Philippines."

The fiesta featured demonstrations and exhibitions for more than 12 hours each day, beginning with hot air balloon flights. Balloonists from the United States, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Hungary, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea participated in this year's event. A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster from Elmendorf also featured as the largest aircraft on static display.

"This is what I joined the Air Force to do," said Master Sgt. Mike Williams, noncommissioned officer in charge of the band. "Bringing smiles to international audiences while performing music as an ambassador for the U.S. is one of the highlights of my career."

Staff Sgt. Daniel Santos, a Filipino-American stationed at Yokota with the band's Asia detachment, greeted audiences in their native language, Tagalog. When he told the Filipino audiences that our mission was to help build and maintain the U.S.-Philippines partnership on behalf of the U.S. embassy, the crowd cheered.

"I am very thankful for the opportunity to perform as part of the Air Force Band in my home country of the Philippines," Santos said. "This is the first time some members of my family have seen me perform live."

The U.S. Embassy, Manila, coordinated two local outreach performances in SM Clark Mall, Angeles City and the SM Mall Olongapo near Subic Bay, a former U.S. Navy Base. Crowds packed the newly opened third floor of the Olongapo mall to get a closer look at the band.

"The local sponsors were excited to have the Band of the Pacific perform in the local communities," said Adrian Ayalin, Information Specialist for the U.S. Embassy, Manila.

After hearing the band perform at a reception for Fiesta participants, former Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, Lt Gen Oscar Rabena, remarked, "We enjoyed your performance very much. Thank you, please come again."