Armidale Couple Celebrates Filipino Culture Through Folk Music

David and Jeanette Macasieb have loved singing and playing musical instruments since they were young. When they migrated to Australia, they gave their passion for music deeper meaning by sharing and celebrating Filipino culture through their performances. Key Points The Macasiebs worked in Singapore for more than a decade before migrating to Australia. Jeanette hails from Pozorrubio in Pangasinan, while David comes from Dagupan City. The couple is eager to teach musical instruments, as they dream of forming a musical ensemble in their community in the New England region, particularly in Armidale and Tamworth. Some of the songs they perform at multicultural events include Manang Biday, Sitsiritsit, Leron Leron Sinta, Lakay Labi, and Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal. They say that music is more than a passion — it is a way to preserve their identity, strengthen their marriage, connect with their community, and share Filipino culture with future generations. [L-R] Jeanette Macasieb with Anne O’Brian and her mother during one of their performances in Tamworth, NSW. Credit: Jeanette Macasieb/FB [L-R] David and Jeanette Macasieb with MP Kevin Anderson in Tamworth, NSW. Credit: Jeanette Macasieb/FB Playing Filipino music makes us feel whole. When the crowd sings along to familiar folk songs, it brings back memories of home and reminds us why sharing our culture through music is so meaningful. David and Jeanette Macasieb, musicians from Armidale, NSW According to David and Jeanette Macasieb, singing and practicing musical instruments serve as their bonding time. Because they are both musically inclined, they truly enjoy every moment they spend together. Credit: Jeanette Macasieb/FB RELATED CONTENT Pinoy Pride Pinoy Pride: Filipino-Australian filmmakers share stories of home and identity in upcoming screening How this young singer preserves traditional Filipino music in Australia From altar server to gold medalist: Meet the Fil-Aussie student leader who shined in NZ 'Filipinos dream big:' Fil-Aussie to star in 'Grug and The Rainbow' at the Sydney Opera House Fil-Aussie Jasmine Henry fulfilling her musical dream Fil-Am tenor, living and teaching the opera 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino 🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily. 📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino 📣 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.