Busking is an art form in which performers will play instruments, sing, recite poetry, or create art in a public space, usually for tips. Due to COVID and the ensuing lockdowns, many creative journeys were stopped as the world was set at a standstill. As the Philippines continues to adjust to the “new normal,” a new group of artists has risen from the challenges of the pandemic and is slowly building a community under the portmanteau BUSKtangas.
To be concise: BUSKtangas is both an organization and a movement that aims to normalize busking in Batangas, using the hashtag #NormalizeBusking. The name can be attributed to a Malvar artist named Zekie after meeting with Auzzyjohn and a few other friends at Plaza Independencia in 2019. Aspiring buskers and those who support the busking community are more than welcome to join this movement. More information about their performers and schedules can be found on the BUSKtangas Facebook page. You can also listen to their playlist of original music compositions on Spotify.
We can personally attest to the BUSKtangas artists’ talents and courage in their on-the-spot shows and audience synergy during their performances at The Outlets at Lipa. Like any craft, being a busker has its ups and downs, such as confronting stage fright, dealing with unpredictable situations, or hearing negative criticisms. However, there is a silver lining: being acknowledged as an artist for doing the things that you love, and this is a feeling that is hard to beat. There’s also the feeling of adrenaline and excitement before and after each performance, which is something a lot of people love experiencing.
Where Can You Find BUSKtangas Performances in Lipa City?
Through the initiatives of buskers Auzzyjohn, James Andrew, and Jeremiah Peña, they were able to acquire three main locations as their busking spots:
- The Outlets at Lipa
- Robinson’s Place
- Big Ben Complex
They are still looking for more locations to call home, but these three are frequented by members of BUSKtangas. Sometimes, these buskers are invited to perform at specific locations, like Cafe Kalsada in Laguna. If you would like to invite a specific buskero(s) to perform for an event you are planning, please contact the BUSKtangas Facebook for further inquiries. Sometimes, they will post their busking schedule on their social media channels.
Why do they busk?
Why do these artists perform? We were able to interview a few buskeros to learn about their inspirations, challenges, and advice for those who want to join the BUSKtangas movement. We hope that you are able to find words that resonate with you and inspire you to start your own busking journey.
Q: Why do you busk? Where do you draw inspiration from?
Austin John Pascua | Auzzyjohn Musician
Personally, I started busking kasi I wanted to sing my original songs and connect [with] people with hopes of creating a new scene and culture because growing up, I experienced the lack of platforms for indie music in Lipa City.”
“I knew that there are other people like me who share the same desire to build a community where everyone has the freedom to unapologetically be themselves and the desire to connect. And I see busking as the most authentic platform that’s accessible enough to do that.
Jude Fornal | AQUI
Musician
I busk to free myself as an artist and as a human. I busk to connect [with] people and to reach their hearts through my music. I want people to hear my music, especially my original songs. I busk to tell the world that I am living and I can sing.
I draw inspiration from [the] love and sorrows that I experienced [in] this world. I was inspired to busk by people that I once watched busking. When I saw how happy and free they [were], I told myself that I also want to experience that; that I also want to busk.
Jane Grafane | Forsane
Visual Artist
One day while I was sketching (it was in 2016 or 2017), I saw a couple doing a “DIY” prenup shoot in the park. I found them cute so I started sketching them from afar, watching them set up their smartphone on [a] timer while all dressed. I was a really shy person but something told me [that]I should give that drawing to them and I did! The bride [burst] into happy tears and that surprised me [a lot]! Growing up in a family with no other visual artists, I [believed that] my drawings were just random scribbles in my notebook that didn’t mean anything. Those happy tears made me feel appreciated and seen, they even gave me fried chicken from Tropical Hut. Back then I just thought, ‘wow free lunch!’ but nowadays, I consider it as my ‘first ever busking tip.’
Q: What do you love and/or enjoy about busking?
Austin John Pascua | Auzzyjohn Musician
[The] authenticity of the connection between the busker and audience. When you’re performing at bars or [on] a big stage, some people [will] be watching and cheering for you and some may just be talking with friends, and it’s all good, but you don’t really know what they’re thinking. When I’m busking, I see strangers stopping by and really paying attention. It feels more intimate and raw.
Jude Fornal | AQUI
Musician
What I love about busking is how it gives me [the] freedom to express myself and [the] ability to interact with the outside world through music.
Jane Grafane | Forsane
Visual Artist
In my art busking sessions, children are my favorite. They’re the nicest people to talk to. Yes, they’re unpredictable, but overall they’re just so cute and appreciative. Whenever I give them my drawings, they would always respond with, “I want to become like you someday” or they would say, “It looks just like me!”. I eventually realized that the children who usually approach me are children with “art” potential as well. It makes me happy because I feel like I was somehow a part of their core memory as future artists.
Q: How do you think busking affects our community? Do you notice any difference with your audience?
Austin John Pascua | Auzzyjohn Musician
Growing up in Batangas, it’s like a crime to put yourself under [the] spotlight. Tatawagin ka nilang papansin. I experienced most of that in school. For years, I’ve been silenced by my fear of humiliation, and that held me back from building my courage to busk before I started. But when I did [start], more and more people [joined] and I learned that we all [had] the human need to be seen and heard. Introducing busking to Batangas [gives us] the opportunity to change our toxic mentality of shaming anyone who [wants] to express themselves, especially after our prolonged isolation [during] the pandemic where we craved connection with other people.
Jude Fornal | AQUI
Musician
When I started busking on my own, I noticed that people were [wondering] what was happening. They weren’t used to this setup. It was new to them. I think busking affects the community by showing them something that [isn’t] quite familiar to them.
Whenever I’m performing on the streets, passersby [will look] at me, [watch], and [listen] to my performance. Sometimes, I could hear them say, “uy, busking oh!” and I smile because they know what I am doing. Some of them would say, “galingan mo, kuya” or would give me a thumbs up. I noticed that [the] people of Batangas were starting to recognize busking as a form of art, and not just as an act of begging.
Jane Grafane | Forsane
Visual Artist
Most people think busking is just about music but it’s more than that. In BUSKtangas, we’re on a mission to normalize and celebrate all art forms: music, dance performances, street magic, cosplay, and visual art. As of the moment, it’s just Yehoyohe and I who regularly sketch in BUSKtangas: we’re looking forward [to see] more visual artists busking in the future, just like how they do it in Baguio or BGC. We hope that in the future, more establishments would open opportunities for buskers in Batangas. After busking in P. Noval and performing in Jess and Pats, there are actual people who traveled to Lipa to support us and it’s flattering. I believe busking isn’t only beneficial for the buskers, but for the city’s tourism as well.
Q: What advice do you have for new buskers and people thinking about busking?
Austin John Pascua | Auzzyjohn Musician
Ask permits for private spots. Always. And for public spots, just find one that won’t cause inconveniences for pedestrians. Be polite. Clean as you go. Communicate with your fellow buskers about having a fair agreement on sharing your tips.
Most people who want to try busking are usually held back by fear, and this is what I’ve always said in every interview I’ve had: “When you’re on your death bed, you’ll regret things you’ve never done more than the things that you did.” If you’re gonna keep thinking about busking, you’re gonna think about it forever. You’ll only be free when you learn to face your fear.
Jude Fornal | AQUI
Musician
Before you busk, build your confidence first. It doesn’t matter how many ears are listening. Sometimes, there are no ears at all. But keep on playing. Keep on performing your craft. Use busking to express yourself. You don’t always need to impress other people. Just do it with love. At the end of each busking session, it is your feelings that will matter. So just enjoy the show. Sing your heart out.
Jane Grafane | Forsane
Visual Artist
The first and most important advice I can give is don’t think about the profit or tips.
[Second] tip, test your art materials first before your sessions. Personally, it makes me less anxious. Also, choose art materials that would be easier to carry around.
Third tip, carry your own light. A USB-powered mini light is your friend.
Fourth, I know most visual artists are introverts so expect that [you’ll] have to socialize too: people have tons of questions, so if you want to art busk, just prepare yourself, especially during special events like Valentine’s, Father’s Day, Christmas, etc.
Lastly, just enjoy!
Are you interested in joining or supporting #BUSKtangas?
If you’re looking for opportunities to grow as a busker with a supportive community, you can join BUSKtangas and perform alongside veteran and beginner buskers alike. All age groups and experience levels are welcome, especially if you are a resident of Batangas. If you’re looking to support these artists on their creative journeys, consider liking their personal Facebook pages, BUSKtangas Facebook page, and visiting their busking spots to listen to their performances. If you have spare change, consider tipping a busker to let them know that you enjoy their work.
If you have more questions about what being a busker is like, send a message to any of the three individuals above, contact the BUSKtangas Facebook page, or send an email to [email protected]. As the busking community continues to grow in Batangas, we hope to see more and more street corners adorned with your music, art, and poetry.
Watch: BUSKtangas in action at Cafe Kalsada, covered by Project Nix.
AVDLR pursues art projects and other creative hobbies in her free time.
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