Pinoy music lovers are in for a rare treat as two powerful female voices—one from the Philippines and the other from Russia—come together for a unique cultural experience.
Bayang Barrios, a highly respected Manobo ethnic singer with nearly four decades of influence, will be joined by Rumiya Niyazova, a renowned Tatar singer and theater actress, for a concert titled Beyond Borders: A Cultural Dialogue of Music, on 22 January at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium in Magallanes, Makati City.
Rumiya’s 30-minute set will bring the rich musical heritage of Tatarstan, a Russian republic home to the Tatars, the largest ethnic group in the region, to Filipino audiences.
During our conversation last Wednesday, Rumiya expressed her excitement about performing in Manila in her native language.
“I’m going to sing Tatar songs, and it’s a beautiful opportunity to present my language and my ethnic group. Not many people know what Tatar is, so I’m excited to share it,” she said.
Tatarstan’s music blends Turkic, Mongolic and Finno-Ugric influences, bridging Mongolian and Hungarian musical traditions. Who better to perform it than the three-time winner of the International Tatar Song Festival?
Meanwhile, Bayang will continue to showcase the powerful sound of Manobo ethnic music. Her 45-minute set will feature songs focused on themes of women, children, love for our country, indigenous peoples and peace.
When asked how indigenous instruments shape her band's distinctive sound, Bayang shared:
“My band, Naligayan, and I are always discovering new natural instruments to incorporate into our music,” she said. “We’re constantly rediscovering what works best for each composition. This gives us a deeper appreciation for what we have as Filipinos. We can create something unique from what’s around us.”
She explained that while bamboo is abundant in indigenous communities, it’s not as easy to come by in Manila. In the provinces, bamboo is often found by the roadside, but in the city, it has to be bought in Quiapo—often in small quantities. Yet, even small pieces of bamboo contribute to their one-of-a-kind sound. For Bayang, it’s about turning what’s available into something that represents Filipino pride and identity.
“Using natural instruments gives my music a distinct sound and a sense of place,” Bayang said. This approach to music is what makes ethnic music so captivating. It is deeply rooted in the traditions, history and identity of its people, allowing it to resonate on a personal level.
“Our national arts are truly our strength,” she continued. “What we have—our culture—is what we should highlight. This is something the government should support. If we focus on what we have, it becomes our treasure, our strength. We need to emphasize what makes us unique.”
Rumiya shares that sentiment, thrilled that her Tatar music is being introduced to Filipino audiences. “All our songs represent our cultural and national identity, our language,” she said.
Bayang sees the concert as a significant cultural exchange, as the Philippines opens its doors to foreign ethnic acts like Rumiya.
“We should be open to new things,” said producer Sandra Lim Viray. “We’re not always after popularity—because sometimes popularity comes through advertising. But if we’re really looking for new discoveries, we have to try new things, experience new music. Listen to something you’ve never heard before—and you might find a gem.”
The Beyond Borders concert will also feature guitarist Jerome Rico, String Fusion, and the Binan Folkloric Dance Troupe.
The event is produced by Sandra Lim Viray, Faye Miravite of the Nadezhda Foundation, and Tony Alcasid.//