Like many Pilipino-Americans who are the first generation born in the United States, at least around here in Chicago, my hardcore activism years were during college. Upon graduating, there’s usually a three to five year gap involving adjusting to the real-world before getting “back in the game”, if that ever happens. That’s the beaten path around these parts, and lately I’ve been feeling that some of the established organizations here have been remiss in ignoring those of us walking that path. However, a recent event made me realize maybe it’s us who need to change our way of thinking about young power - the sudden passing of Randy Maguigad, a 20-year old activist and member of the Pilipino collective BAGWIS.
Born Randolph Bassig Maguigad, Randy was raised in Albany Park on the northwest side of Chicago; a very diverse area but also one that carried a lot of potential pitfalls for the youth growing up there. However, Randy became aware of the intentions of the people around him at a young age, and separated himself from that potential life by educating himself and focusing on music. Even though he eventually enrolled at school to become a nurse, most of his time was spent facilitating workshops for youth who are in similar situations to those which he had faced, and further engrossing himself in hip-hop.
Beyond the Streets from Demetrio Maguigad on Vimeo.
BAGWIS released their debut album, “Imulat Mo!” in August 2007. Randy was featured on the tracks “My Child”, “Hele”, and “Maaliwala na Bukas”. Despite being so much younger than the rest of BAGWIS, the band felt they were headed toward the next level when he joined up with them. He was said to have inspired his fellow band mates by bringing a spark and energy to the group.
On Sunday, June 20th 2010 Randy passed away following a devastating car accident. And by devastating I’m not only referring to the wreck itself. It was a blow to his friends; family; the local music scene; and perhaps saddest of all, the young Chicagoan Pilipino activist scene. As posted on the BAGWIS site:
Randy was a poet, lyricist, Hip-Hop Artist, a community activist, a mentor and an inspiration to many people. He was widely known for being one of the lead vocalists for the Chicago-based music group and collective BAGWIS. His music and performance moved the public and for those that knew him personally, understood that it was his compassion, spirit, selflessness, curiosity, charm and beautiful heart that made him loved by us all. His love for music was powerful - believing that it could change the world. His latest project this summer was to organize an on-going open mic series for youth and artists in the Northwest side of Chicago - these open-mic nights will continue in his honor.
Unfortunately, I never knew Randy on a personal level, but I always loved how BAGWIS would take the stage at the FACT Conference every year. Among the cultural dances of our homeland and the modern hip-hop dances, BAGWIS would always be there to personify the necessary bridge between the past and present. While I know the BAGWIS collective will persevere, I hope others out there will also be willing to take up the fight that Randy left unfinished here.
Special thanks to Stephanie Camba and Rowena Vergara.
Related Links:
- Facebook page dedicated to Randy’s memory
- BAGWIS
