An Ethnographic Study on the Musical Heritage of the Blaan Cultural Communities in Koronadal City

This study explored the preservation of the vanishing musical heritage of the Blaan cultural communities in Koronadal City. It analyzed the lived experiences of the Blaan people in relation to their musical practices, how these traditions are passed down, the impact of modernization, and the challenges they face in safeguarding their music. Using thematic content analysis, recurring key themes were identified from the gathered data to form a coherent code of information for analysis. The identified key themes highlighted the personal meaning and subjective realities that the participants experience in relation to the preservation of their musical heritage – the Blaan music. Through the lens of ethnography, the findings highlight key themes related to the preservation, transference, and challenges of Blaan musical traditions in Koronadal City: (1) Preservation of the Blaan Cultural Identity Through Music, (2) Transference and Evolution of Musical Practices, (3) Demonstrating Fidelity to Blaan Music Amidst Challenges, (4) Challenges in Maintaining and Preserving Blaan Music, and (5) Building a Sustainable Support System for Blaan Musical Heritage. These findings suggest that the preservation of Blaan music is vital to maintaining the community’s cultural identity, history, and traditions. While modernization and external influences pose challenges, local efforts through education, technology, and government support can ensure that Blaan music continues to thrive for future generations.