By simply observing the performances of the older members of the Yakan community, Uwang Ahadas mastered

playing the traditional Yakan instruments such as the agung, gabbang, and kwintangan kayu. For context, agung is a bossed gong that is played by men. On the other hand, gabbang is a bamboo xylophone with a beater called lisag. As for the kwintangan kayu, it is a set of logs of different sizes that are suspended under a tree, usually near the rice fields because it is a belief that its music is beneficial for the growth of rice.

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With significance to the agricultural cycle and the social realm, instrumental music became one of Uwang Ahadas’

constant companion. Uwang, at a young age, gladly trained under the observation of his elders in the Yakan Community. His skills gradually developed which allowed him to learn the gabbang and agung. By age 20, he mastered playing the kwintangan kayu despite it being traditionally played by women. Soon, he also mastered other instruments.

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Despite mastering a handful of instruments, Uwang Ahadas is not content with his expertise. He dreams that the

community’s music will be discovered and people will be interested to study his art. His perseverance wants to pass his knowledge to others. Uwang Ahadas believes that it is best for children to start training young while their interests and flexibility are at peak.