Celebrating Cebu’s Affinity with the Guitar

Cebu and the Guitar

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Cebu’s affinity with the guitar is as well-known as the Cebuano’s reputation as a music loving people. In line with this, As such, two guitar-oriented events took place over the weekend. these gatherings drew together Cebuanos of various ages to celebrate the craftsmanship and creativity that’s embodied by one of the Cebuano’s well-loved musical instruments.

“Gugma Gitara”

February 17, Robinsons Galleria Cebu

Students and representatives of various organizations took part in the “Gugma Gitara” “design your own guitar” competition last Saturday.

Staged at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium, it was the second event of its kind organized by Robinsons Galleria Cebu. The mall prided of the occasion as a tribute to Cebu’s affinity with the guitar and the Cebuano’s ever-evolving creativity and craftsmanship.

It was a competition that drew attention to how adaptable Cebuano creativity can be, as it featured the making of “themed guitars” that were formed with various painting and crafting techniques.

From the Italian chiaroscuro light-todark painting method to the process-oriented inclinations in quilling, the competition entrants made “themed guitars” that had various subjects – from non-temporal tableaus of the Sinulog, to those with eco-conscientious lanings, to those that highlighted the need for keeping up with the news and current events, and more.

Traditional lore has it that Cebu’s familial closeness with the guitar dates back to the Spanish period, when Spanish friars are said to have trained locals as luthiers.

Initially, the friars taught locals how to properly repair guitars, saving them the need to send broken down guitars to Mexico for repairs. In time, the acquired skill expanded to cover the actual making of guitars which were used by musicians for hymnals during Mass.

It is said that the skills and tradition in repairing and making guitars was passed down from generation to generation, and eventually led to a flourishing guitarmaking industry that continues in Cebu to this day.

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