IT’S NOT often that we see a violinist brandishing his fiddle like a rock star, and with luscious long curly dark locks to boot.
In keeping with his billing as a show violinist, Jake Gacang owns the stage in every performance. Just like he does for “Bad Romance,” where he stomps his feet and shakes his head vigorously.
Jake is no stranger in Cebu corporate events as well as weddings. For six years now, he has graced countless occasions, ever since a video showing him dancing while playing the vioin went viral on social media.
“There is this notion that the violin is only for classical music, just for the elite. Well, I want to change the way the masses feel about classical music. My way of doing it is by playing contemporary music, to make them appreciate it before I go feed them with my classical antics,” he said.
Jake has an extensive repertoire and considers the King of Pop Michael Jackson as one the artists that inspire him.
“Nagkataon lang na akong instrument is violin. But my favorite pieces have always been modern, since I can express myself more in my performance. When I get in the groove, I would dance, sing a little bit… I just enjoy it.”
Jake’s talent has taken him to places outside the Philippines, being one of the entertainers tapped by the Department of Tourism to promote the country through music and performances.
And now, the 26-year-old native of Lutopan, Toledo, is set to embark on another journey after being chosen to represent the Philippines at the World Championship for Performing Arts on July 8 to 16 in Long Beach, California.
“I am the only Cebuano joining the Instrument category,” said Jake.
He has prepared four pieces that he will play in two categories – the instrumental and the vocal with instrumental accompaniment.
“Choosing the piece is very hard. In a minute or so, you have to impress the judges.”
He said that in each category he will be doing three styles. For the instrumental part, Jake will perform some original works.
For the contemporary he’ll play Jessie J’s “Bang Bang.” Lastly, for the open category, he’ll do the Sinulog and a Bryan Adams song.
A graduate of AB Music at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), Jake only learned to play violin at age 17.
“I started the violin late in college,” Jake shared. “Somehow I take it as a blessing that I started late, and that I was once part of the audience, because knowing how it feels, I know how to make the audience happy now,” said Jake.
“People ask me how I discovered the violin—but really, it’s the other way around. It was the instrument that discovered me. I was cleaning the violin used by my older brother at home, and ever since I tinkered with it, I’ve never stopped playing.”