Karmi Santiago:
Her Drums Beat Love
The Philippines and the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide celebrate the victory of a true Pinoy 
talent! Karmi Santiago, a JIL musician, won in the first ever international contest for girls and women drummer, “Hit Like a Girl 2012.” Karmi won third place in this tight contest where 360 drummers from 30 countries participated.
This JIL youth drummer is still on cloud nine when she said, “Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. Na-overwhelm ako. Buong mundo yun e! (I still can’t believe it. I was overwhelmed. That’s an international [contest]!)”
The contest entertained public voting and the final winners were chosen by famous and multi-awarded judges. While Karmi is deeply thankful to them, she attributes this international recognition to the hand of God that delivered to her this blessing. Recalling the success of Joseph in the Bible, Karmi shares a lesson in this experience: “Wag ka mag-rely sa tao, kay God talaga (Don’t rely on man, just on God).”
Joseph’s story is dear to her heart as Karmi sees a semblance in their stories. Like Joseph, she, too, was bullied when she was a child. That is why she thanked God that during the contest period, she received an outpouring of love and support.
“Truth is, seeing the support of my family, my friends, my JIL KKB family, it’s being a winner already. For me, this prize of being included in the Top 3 is just a bonus blessing. Love and support were the ones I was deprived of as a kid. I was a bullied child. I can’t believe that [this time around], I would receive this much. I am so thankful to God!”
Professional Drummer
Karmi has been hitting the drums for 10 years; six years of which are in the professional music industry. She has played for Novus Luna, Layag, Doki, Sesa (Project band by Acel Van Omen and Yeng Consyantino) and had jamming sessions with Richard Poon, Sam Milby, Barbie Almabis, Kitchie Nadal, Ebe Dancel and Acel.
It is a known fact here in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world that many musicians are more inspired to play their instruments when they had alcohol or drug intake. But Karmi stands her ground. There were many instances where she was being egged on to drink. But she refused, believing that her inspiration and strength for a gig is not from beer but from God. “I pray that they would also grasp this,” Karmi said.
In one instance, after refusing to drink, her friends told her, “Karmi, disiplinahin mo naman kami. Ikaw yung magbalanse sa amin kasi wasak kami (Karmi, please discipline us. Help us to be stable because we are crushed.)” And, thanking God, she thought to herself, “Wow, that’s how they look at me.”
She also said that she wants to spread the love of God that is why she is praying for many more people to work with.
Worshipper
Karmi believes that being a professional musician is a ministry where God placed her. But still, she is first a worshipper. She plays the drum every Sunday at the JIL Greenhills Worship Services. She is also active in the activities of Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB).
Some Tips
This international winner shares some tips for those who also want a career in music, especially in playing the drums:
It’s not all about skills, it is also building good working relationships. Do not boast even if you already have experiences, instead learn to be humble. And, at times, when bandmates show roughness in attitude, continue to treat them well, taking into consideration that they might just be undergoing some troubled times.
Be professional. Love your work and love the people you work with.
This is consistent with her biographical entry for “Hit Like a Girl”:
“I always dreamed of these things: When I grow old, I want to see myself still sitting on the drummer’s seat, doing my thing. I also wanted to impart to others the things that I have and have learned as a musician. I want them to experience the joy of expressing my feelings and emotions as I play each beat. And finally, I will never stop thanking the One who is the source of all these love that I have now.”
This new victory for this professional drummer who loves her work and workmates will give her blessings helpful to her career. According to “Hit Like a Girl” website, www.hitlikeagirl2012.com, Karmi will receive the following prizes: “$1,500 worth of drumming gear from TRX, Vater, Evans, SKB and Alfred worth $2,500.”
In 2010, Karmi was also honored as the Most Liked Drummer by Stagg Awards. - Mielyne B. Rayos
Judges' comments about Karmi's performance:
Related Articles:
D’Arcus Curry, Angieszka Matusczak and Karmi Santiago Chosen As Winners Of Hit Like A Girl 2012 — A Contest for Female Drummers.
http://www.hitlikeagirl2012.com/news/hit-like-a-girl-2012-winners-announced
Filipina drummer a finalist in 'Hit Like A Girl'
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/04/20/12/filipina-drummer-finalist-hit-girl
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