BATTLES AND SURVIVALS: THE MANILA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DURING WWII AND COVID-19: CONTEXTUALIZING FILIPINO RESILIENCE AND BAYANIHAN

Abstract

Through the cultural lenses of Filipino resilience and bayanihan, this article explores the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) survival during two global crises, World War II and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Founded in 1926, the MSO has endured economic and social upheavals, rising each time with renewed purpose. This study employs a small-scale humanistic genre using an immersion approach. It draws from primary sources, including data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the MSO’s official records, and a documentary by the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA). Additionally, it utilises a wide range of relevant secondary literature, including journal articles and historical reports. The findings reveal how the MSO adapted to adversity during wartime devastation and pandemic restrictions by embodying Filipino resilience and bayanihan. This article highlights the contributions of key figures and the orchestra’s innovative responses, reflecting how Filipino values have shaped the MSO’s legacy and ensured its continuity across generations.