by David Lozada Posted on 05/28/2013 5:45 PM |Updated 05/28/2013 7:12 PM

MUSICAL FREEDOM. Anj Florendo performs along with many other bands during a benefit concert for young prisoners. All photos by David Lozada

MANILA, Philippines Freedom comes in many forms. Music is one of them.

Musikalayaan: A Celebration of Musical Freedom was organized by recent Ateneo graduates for the young inmates of the National Bilibid Prison on Monday, May 27.

The benefit concert aimed to raise funds to buy musical instruments for the young detainees. It was held in partnership with the Ateneo Musicians Pool (AMP), who provided technical consultation and performers for the event.

The groups leader, Arvin Boller, said that the group came out with the project after their immersion in the National Bilibid Prison.

While we were there, we saw in them a passion to learn. Despite their isolation and their limited options in prison, they still try to do something productive, Boller said.

Boller added that the youth detainees have side projects in the prison. Aside from studying, the detainees also sing, dance and make music.

Nung last day naminnakausap namin sila. Marami sa kanila sobrang passionate about music and the arts, yung tipong paglabas, marami sa kanilang gusting maging rocker o maging performer, Boller noted. (During our last day, we talked with some of them and we found out that many of them were passionate about music and the arts. After serving their time, some of them want to be rockstars and performers.)

PROUD MOM. Human rights activist, Risa Hontiveros, was at the event to support her son, who is part of the band Downdraft

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Musical freedom for juvenile delinquents