The Bicolano Musicians Network, BM for short, is a website dedicated to propagating Bicol music

- where original songs/compositions of Bicol songwriters/composers find space to be 'aired' and given the recognition they deserve;

- where the Bicol musician finds not only an outlet for his/her creation but also fulfilment in sharing 'a piece of his/her heart' with fellow musicians and Bicolanos in general;

- where the Bicol music scene is given a big boost via information sharing on anything and everything about Bicol music between and among the network's members and supporters.

Bicol music is here defined as any musical competition in English, Bikol, Pilipino, and some other language written/composed by a Bicol-born or bred, or a Bicolano by affinity or choice.

Music, in general, is a great leveller. Bicol music, in particular, could be - should be - a unifying force especially in periods of trouble and diversity. It is the website's goal to create a solid front for Bicol music, where its writers and practitioners are one in bringing/uplifting the Bicol Region's music scene to greater heights.

Flash back. On 11 September 2008, an enterprising young man, Alvin Bataller, a Bicolano and an Atenean, created a social network for Bicolano musicians. The website (www.bicolanomusician.ning.com) called on and attracted many Bicolano musicians (and would-be musicians) to sign up as members.

Majority of the first wave of members came from Naga City (Ruel Mercurio, Errol Lachica, Benjamin Vallejo Jr., Dale Asis, Ruel Camo, Marco Navaroza, Ely Boy Ticar, Victor de Andrada to name a few) as the city's musicians were privileged to be the first to be invited by Alvin. Then the 'good news' spread through the neighbouring places of Baao, Iriga, Bato, and Nabua in Camarines Sur.

Soon many others from Daet, Camarines Norte and from the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate with the same love for Bicol music also registered as members. Even far-away Catanduanes was - is - represented in the web's membership.

The site became a virtual 'meeting place' of old bands in the Bicol music scene, of pals and partners who have not seen or heard from each other for a long time. This was especially true for band members who got separated by time and circumstance, who parted ways for greener pastures abroad or for other pursuits in some other place in the country. A few remained in Bicol to "keep the fire burning" (KURAB! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=100000215206637&ref=ts)

But, band members or not, they now have the means to get in touch, renew ties, and 'talk' like old times - wherever they may be.

Fast forward. As of January 30, 2010, the site has produced 902 members all over the Bicol Region and from other places in as well as out of the country. The membership (still growing!) has gotten so large that the website could no longer be maintained by one man.

Alvin appointed his wife Twiggy Bataller, Breynt Abragan, Don Ico and Kid Moll to assist him administer the site. All the 'appointees' are from Naga City and Ateneans. All are band members also except Twiggy.

As site administrators, Alvin and Twiggy Bataller and Breynt, Don and Kid moderate pictures and videos being posted, approve membership application, help in site 'troubleshooting', etc.

The site continues to be a venue for getting in touch, sharing information, posting pictures (http://bicolanomusician.ning.com/photo) and videos (http://bicolanomusician.ning.com/video) of time gone by. Through these means, the young (struggling?) Bicolano musician comes face to face with his 'forebears' - the pioneers of the Bicol music scene - and, hopefully, gets inspiration from them.

The site continues to feature songs and compositions of its members, particularly those that have been made into albums. There are updates on the music scene in Bicol, or any music event or gig outside the Region featuring a Bicolano performer. The idea is to keep every member informed of the what, where, when, why, and how of all happenings that have something to do with Bicol music/musicians and to drum up support for the activities.

Like its membership, the site has expanded to include in its coverage any information on, for, by members that they feel need to be posted for real and meaningful sharing. Through this way, the site has fulfilled its essence of being a social network to celebrate not just Bicol music but life itself!

So, what used to be an unwritten goal is now an affirmation: unity of Bicolano musicians to be true to their music so that the 'Land of the Oragon' will appreciate its own and - soon - the whole country and also the world.

And, since the site boasts not only of songwriters as members but also literary writers, poets, painters, graphic artists, etc., it is just right to expand OUR goal as well - for the site to serve as a link that will bind ALL Bicol artists to 'sing' with one voice despite the diversity of their art.