There are not as many young Ilonggos nowadays who have a penchant for original Hiligaynon music composition.

It is believed that the influence of foreign music artists or groups has influenced immensely the choices of the younger generation. But a group of musicians where Ronaldo Fernandez is a part of has an adulation for original Hiligaynon music.

In fact, his group aspires to put OHM, sort of, in the spotlight through their compositions.

Ron, as he is fondly called, would want the younger generation to learn through music the beauty and greater value of using Hiligaynon – the mother tongue – in their songs.

“Dapat ipagmalaki natin na ang ating language is very rich in culture and history. At least sa mga kabataan natin, hindi nila makakalimutan na may maganda tayong language,” Ron conveyed.

One of the group’s guitarists, Josiah, is considered a Gen Z (or Generation Z), the "generation born in the late 1990s or the early 21st century, perceived as being familiar with the use of digital technology, the Internet, and social media from a very young age."

Josiah himself noticed how important it is to give value to Hiligaynon as a medium in putting across messages, emotions, local sentiments through songs.

Music is a powerful tool that the group uses to put the message across that one should take pride in his roots beginning with his native language.

“Kahit nag-aaral pa ako, alam kong may pwede akong puntahan kung stressful na,” Josiah Carl Sevilla, one of two guitarists, said.

In fact, he finds solace and refuge in music to take care of his mental wellbeing, he said.

“Kumbaga sa mental health ko, ito ang aking outlet upang ma-express ko ang aking nararamdaman,” Josiah added.

In composing, the level of passion and love that one pours into the songs is of a different level when these are written in one’s mother tongue.

The group hopes to inspire their contemporaries and the younger ones to love Hiligaynon language deeply as they appreciate music more.