- “Midlife Crisis Band” PH shared how their Scholarship Fund for young musicians is contributing quality people to the industry
- Guitarist/vocalist Enchong Formoso and Musical Director Roy del Valle gave an exclusive insight into their band’s advocacy
It’s a busy Thursday afternoon but Enchong Formoso took a day off from his hectic schedule as the Chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association to chat with us about their local rock band “Midlife Crisis” advocacies. Joining him was Roy del Valle, who also has a demanding work from being the owner of Noisy Neighbors Inc. Audio Production House.
The band has a total of nine members, all have day jobs like Enchong and Roy. They all share a great passion for the music and arts. This is why they just couldn’t help but extend their gifts to others who are equally blessed with talents in performing.
“Midlife Crisis Band” Philippines was established in 2008 when a lightbulb of an idea came up when they performed live for the first time together as a group. The event was NBC 10’s 50th Anniversary, and there this band got discovered and offered opportunities.
Gigs and guestings knocked on their doors. According to Enchong, he felt guilty with the shower of blessings towards their way. Among their classics and most-requested performances include renditions of “Babe, I love you” and “Heaven.”
“Nakaka-guilty, kasi nag-eenjoy lang kami.”
The same year, the band raised a Scholarship Fund under their name to help young students who are dreaming to pursue a degree in music but couldn’t have the means to do so. During their first year, they started with two scholars and as time passed by, this number grew and grew. Before they know it, they have already produced 26 of them who are equipped to take on the stage anytime.
“Midlife Crisis Band” PH partnered with then President of University of the Philippines’ College of Music, to accommodate these young individuals and their potential.
As mentioned above, these professional musicians already are well-off in life. Most of them are practicing Opthalmology and Dentistry. The rest have put up their names in the industry through their impeccable talent in music. Despite these, they continue to accept gigs in exchange for their growing fund.
“The best part of the job was being able to play after a long day,” Roy admits. “Hindi ‘yun ‘yung trabaho, ‘yun ‘yung break.”
The two present members shared that they allocate 10% of their earnings from concerts to their financial stream to help poor talented children.
When asked about their future plans for their advocacy child, Enchong and Roy agree for sure that they will expand. With the right amount of money, they believe that someday not far from the present, they can turn their fund to an actual Foundation.
“I think nothing is off the table, sa totoo lang. If someone offers the resources, I think we can make it happen.”
What these Filipino musicians doing is something extraordinary and at the same time rare. It’s not every day you encounter a band whose first goal is not to earn but to actually give back. Indeed, “Midlife Crisis” PH is a needle in a haystack in this industry. They are looking up to their beneficiaries to not just save OPM but also encourage them to never neglect their talent and passion. For us, that speaks a lot.
Tell us about your favorite “Midlife Crisis” performance!
