In celebration of the Mexico’s National Day this September, the Mariachi Achai Ensemble will give mall visitors a taste of Mexican music and culture at SM.
A joint partnership between the Mexican Embassy in the Philippines and SM, Mariachi performances at SM Aura Premier Atrium were held on Sept. 16, and at the Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall on Sept. 14.
Achai is an organization that has represented Cajeme, Sonorous, and Mexico for the last 22 years. The institution helps in the cultural and integral growth of young people occupying their time in cultural activities that teach them discipline, preparation and formation for their future lives. One of their objectives is to teach the youth, the love for their traditions, music, and folklore.
One way is through its Mariachi musical group, which consists of 10 or more members, originally from Mexico, who play different instruments. These include at least two violins, two trumpets, one Spanish guitar, one vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar) and one guitarrón (a small-scaled acoustic bass.
The Mariachi Achai Ensemble consists of 10 members, nine Mexican and a Filipino. These are young people–mostly college students–with a basic knowledge of music. Formed in 1996, the band made its first successful tour in 1997, and members are trained by director Ariel Guerrero who tapped the famous teachers of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco, Ramon Becerra and Sara Latsanch.
The Mariachi Achai Ensemble is known for performing while going around the audience and will also perform songs of Juan Gabriel, a famous Mexican singer and songwriter.
The celebration of the Mexico’s National Day in the Philippines through the Mariachi – Achai band performances is one of the many cultural events at SM Supermalls.
