A question of balance

It was just a dream and he never thought that his passion would take him there.

As early as third year high school, Kristoffer Ian Don Dinauto started to go after his dream to enter the music industry. Together with his barkada, they formed a band. But due to financial constraints and separation for college, the band split.

Kristoffer focused his studies on Special Education (SPED) at the University of San Carlos South Campus. "It was my aunt who sponsored my schooling, then, that’s why I took up SPED (she wanted me to). But I realized that it was not my line of interest and so I shifted," he explained. From SPED, Kristoffer, or "Kidd," is now a student of Aeronautical Mechanical Engineering (AME) at Cebu Aeronautical Technical School.

In his first year, he met persons who have the same interest as his in music. Together, they came up with a band. Luckily for them, there is a production company that handles their gimmicks or gigs. This has made it easier for them to maintain their band.

According to one to his band mates, Kidd is very hardworking. He wants every song to be perfect by coming always on practices. "This and his being punctual", says another band mate, "shows his love for music". This can also be attested in his actions—his hobbies include guitar playing and listening to music. Further, he’s working on several compo-sitions to be included in their upcoming record album. The genres they usually play are alternative and OPM.

Kristoffer also said that his family is not against the thing he’s into. "Support ra sila nako. Basta wa’y adik-adik ug magtarong sa skwela." (They support me. As long as I don’t get into drugs and keep up my studies.)

What makes it hard for Kristoffer is to balance his time between his band and his studies. "It really causes conflict, especially when we have an exam and we also have a gig the night before", he explained. He resolves this by studying ahead or bringing along his study materials during practices. Though this doesn’t make him a top-notch student, he ensures that he passes his subjects. He will soon be graduating from his two-year course in AME.

Even though time management is a problem, he can’t afford to give up one because both are important for him. Thus he advised, "Don’t do things if you’re not sure about it. It takes love for the work enable one to successfully balance one’s time."

He offers a message to those who aspire to enter into a band while still studying. "If you can do both (the band and studies), go ahead. If you feel you are suited to be in the industry, go for it, as long as you know your limitations. When you’re with the band, you have to be patient and hardworking. If it’s time for academics, you also have to study."

Moreover, he said that he doesn’t have plans to continue with the band. "It all depends. If we will be very popular, then I will remain with the band. If not, I will find work in line with the field I’ve chosen."

He may not be the excellent student or the well-known singer, but he is the struggling and surviving student, and the passionate vocalist. He may not be near the fulfillment of his dreams, but he sure is not too far.