 | Agneta Bekassy De Bekas meets multi-talented Bernardo DiazWhen he first arrived here in April 2015 as the young son of Panama’s ambassador to Thailand, HE Maria del Carmen Martinez, little did Bernardo Diaz think he would still be here, six years later, working as a musician and member of the Buhonero Clandestino band, visiting professor, promoter of Latin American culture, football fan and cannabis advocate. “My mum gave me the opportunity to continue my studies in Thailand while she was serving as Panama’s ambassador,” says this talented young man who goes by the nickname of Bernz. “I was only planning to stay for a couple of months.” Please describe your work experience. “As a musicians and singer, it has been really amazing. The audience feedback, if they understand what I’m singing or not, has been delightful. I have also acknowledged that life is a relay race and my role has evolved me into becoming more of an event/performance producer nowadays, rather than performing myself. “As a professor, I’m an advocate for education at any cost; education is the only way for all of us to move forward. To get educational material for the less fortunate children, who are studying music in pursuit of a better life, is important to me. “Concerning cannabis, I think by educating the farmers and population in general, we can avoid the negative side of this plant and focus on the positive. |
“Every semester I go to the top universities in Thailand to hold conferences and workshops to promote and teach Spanish and explain Latin American culture. I have also more actively started to teach Spanish online and it has been a nice experience.”
Where have you performed?
”The first concert as Buhonero Clandestino was at River City. Since then we have performed at Flamenco Bangkok, Mahanakhon Sky bar and at the top of EmQuartier, where we did more than 200 shows there. Our second Concert Gallery was at Black Cabin, the third one at Live Lounge.
“We have appeared on TV Channel 3, PPTV and Thai PBS as well as top hotels like the Oriental Mandarin, Park Hyatt, Sukothai Bangkok, Anantara Riverside, Shangri-La and the Okura Prestige. We participated at bazaars and performed at fashion shows, while I have sung for the International Women’s Club Bangkok.”
Bernz was born in Panama, just after the fall of the Noriega dictatorship and government, following the US Invasion in 1990.
Bernz and his elder brother Bernardo, nicknamed Berny, were brought up by caring parents who made sure that the two boys had everything to keep them healthy and happy, and that they also had the freedom to pursuit a professional career.
Says Bernz: “In my childhood we were a close family. But because our location in Panama, we were concerned about our security. Panama was very hostile before it took control over the Panama Canal.
“My brother and grew up between Ciudad de Panama and Volcan, the highlands of Chiriqui, a province located on the other side of the country. I went to school in Ciudad de Panama.
“I can still recall the clean air and the aroma at Volcan, probably the cleanest air I have ever breathed.”
Bernz attended The Oxford International School during his first years, as did his brother. They got their nicknames so their teachers and friends could differentiate them. Although there is a seven-year age gap between the brothers, Bernz was always hung around with his elder brother and his friends.
“My school was fun and interesting, there was a very good exposure to classic theatrical plays and I had the chance to perform in many different disciplines from young age - karate, ballet, drama, painting and of course, football.
“By the time I graduated I had been on stage many times and also participated in football tournaments. I knew more or less what my passions were going to be and where I would invest my time.
“I ended up with a bachelor degree in marketing with emphasis on Graphic Design in Panama and my MBA in Sports Operations at Stamford International University, Bangkok. I also had the pleasure of living in Madrid, Spain for a while and got to study and work with the best club in world football - Real Madrid.
“Football is like a religion in Latin America. Even before I was born I started to like football, probably because my mum watched the World Cup on TV,” jokes Bernz.
“I started to play when I was very young and I can still remember my first goal.”
So Bernz, did you follow your dreams?
“Yes, I did indeed. I kept a proper diet, didn’t partying too much and avoided illegal substances. I went to training and practices as I wanted to compete and to reach the national team.
“During my time at home, I read about music and learned how to play guitar through the internet. The day I felt the guitar vibrating next to me, I began to see a new world, a world of calmness and serenity.”
As a young boy, Bernz was both sporting and artistic. “I was social, creative and probably a bit naïve, but also curious, shy, maybe quiet and sober. I did not exactly understand myself, what was going on with me.”
He joined a football club and started to play in a rock band. “I had to find a way to pay for my musical productions. My parents were not so happy about my idea of a musical career. They constantly argued about my music, but they ended up supporting and helping me out. I enjoyed studying as long as the topics were related to painting, acting, videogames, astrophysics, manga, poetry and handcrafts.”
Bernz’s brother Berny also is in the music business, as a sound engineer. His mother has also always enjoyed singing.
“My goal is to further lead a generation to find a way to make music useful and to become productive in their lives.
“Thailand has a very special place in my heart. The Kingdom and its people have welcomed me and my family so warmly. This country has had, and still has, a great impact on me; it has made me the person I am today.
Where have you performed?
”The first concert as Buhonero Clandestino was at River City. Since then we have performed at Flamenco Bangkok, Mahanakhon Sky bar and at the top of EmQuartier, where we did more than 200 shows there. Our second Concert Gallery was at Black Cabin, the third one at Live Lounge.
“We have appeared on TV Channel 3, PPTV and Thai PBS as well as top hotels like the Oriental Mandarin, Park Hyatt, Sukothai Bangkok, Anantara Riverside, Shangri-La and the Okura Prestige. We participated at bazaars and performed at fashion shows, while I have sung for the International Women’s Club Bangkok.”
Bernz was born in Panama, just after the fall of the Noriega dictatorship and government, following the US Invasion in 1990.
Bernz and his elder brother Bernardo, nicknamed Berny, were brought up by caring parents who made sure that the two boys had everything to keep them healthy and happy, and that they also had the freedom to pursuit a professional career.
Says Bernz: “In my childhood we were a close family. But because our location in Panama, we were concerned about our security. Panama was very hostile before it took control over the Panama Canal.
“My brother and grew up between Ciudad de Panama and Volcan, the highlands of Chiriqui, a province located on the other side of the country. I went to school in Ciudad de Panama.
“I can still recall the clean air and the aroma at Volcan, probably the cleanest air I have ever breathed.”
Bernz attended The Oxford International School during his first years, as did his brother. They got their nicknames so their teachers and friends could differentiate them. Although there is a seven-year age gap between the brothers, Bernz was always hung around with his elder brother and his friends.
“My school was fun and interesting, there was a very good exposure to classic theatrical plays and I had the chance to perform in many different disciplines from young age - karate, ballet, drama, painting and of course, football.
“By the time I graduated I had been on stage many times and also participated in football tournaments. I knew more or less what my passions were going to be and where I would invest my time.
“I ended up with a bachelor degree in marketing with emphasis on Graphic Design in Panama and my MBA in Sports Operations at Stamford International University, Bangkok. I also had the pleasure of living in Madrid, Spain for a while and got to study and work with the best club in world football - Real Madrid.
“Football is like a religion in Latin America. Even before I was born I started to like football, probably because my mum watched the World Cup on TV,” jokes Bernz.
“I started to play when I was very young and I can still remember my first goal.”
So Bernz, did you follow your dreams?
“Yes, I did indeed. I kept a proper diet, didn’t partying too much and avoided illegal substances. I went to training and practices as I wanted to compete and to reach the national team.
“During my time at home, I read about music and learned how to play guitar through the internet. The day I felt the guitar vibrating next to me, I began to see a new world, a world of calmness and serenity.”
As a young boy, Bernz was both sporting and artistic. “I was social, creative and probably a bit naïve, but also curious, shy, maybe quiet and sober. I did not exactly understand myself, what was going on with me.”
He joined a football club and started to play in a rock band. “I had to find a way to pay for my musical productions. My parents were not so happy about my idea of a musical career. They constantly argued about my music, but they ended up supporting and helping me out. I enjoyed studying as long as the topics were related to painting, acting, videogames, astrophysics, manga, poetry and handcrafts.”
Bernz’s brother Berny also is in the music business, as a sound engineer. His mother has also always enjoyed singing.
“My goal is to further lead a generation to find a way to make music useful and to become productive in their lives.
“Thailand has a very special place in my heart. The Kingdom and its people have welcomed me and my family so warmly. This country has had, and still has, a great impact on me; it has made me the person I am today.
“I have learned how to speak, read and write Thai and by learning a country’s language, you get access to information normally hidden to an average expat. To master the language helps a lot in the relationships with friends, business and daily life. Maybe Thailand chose me and not the other way around,” says Bernz with a smile.
“My solo motorbike rides in the northern Thailand and around South East Asia with friends are good memories. In 2016 I displayed my artwork at Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy and then launched my music career at River City Bangkok in 2017.
“I have travelled inside Thailand to promote Latin culture, doing workshops and conferences at the top universities. I have also contributed to bringing Panamanian authorities to Thailand and helped towards the visit of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and a delegation of Thai officials to Panama. That was amazing.”
What about the future?
“I haven’t achieved everything I have in my mind, but I’m working on it. When I was a teenager, I absolutely wanted a special guitar. I got myself a job and after a while I was able to buy it, a good feeling. In my early 20s I wanted to release an album and reach out to the national media, and I did.
“I wanted to make a name for myself with my music and I think I have done that, or at least I’m on my way. I would say that everything I have done until now, has been a preparation for what I believe will come.
“I have to mention two friends who have been a lighthouse during dark nights; my friend Dean Kelly who, like me, is Panamanian and was my mentor when I was developing an app for Uni finals. He has also given me feedback on Buhonero Clandestino’s performances. His wife, Natalie Glebova, with her course ‘Win in Love’ allowed me to reach a more mature approach in life, where I learned how to love myself and visualize my objectives on this planet.
“My dream is to work on more Buhonero’s songs and to collaborate with other artists. I want to record and release as much music as possible. I would love to tour with my music and to take part in international music festivals. I have been working on an app over the last three years, and it would be an achievement to release it.
“The cannabis industry has just started and I’m very happy and excited, but this one is by far, ‘a bet along the way’.
“As an entertainer I must say it has been really amazing. The audience feedback, if they understand what I’m singing or not, has been delightful. I have also acknowledged that life is a relay race and my role has evolved me into becoming more of an event/performance producer nowadays, rather than performing myself.
“As a professor, I’m an advocate for education at any cost; education is the only way for all of us to move forward. To get educational material for the less fortunate children, who are studying music in pursuit of a better life, is important to me.
“Concerning cannabis, I think by educating the farmers and population in general, we can avoid the negative side of this plant and focus on the positive.
“Every semester I go to the top universities in Thailand to hold conferences and workshops to promote and teach Spanish and explain Latin American culture. I have also more actively started to teach Spanish online and it has been a nice experience.”
Why have you become so attached to Thailand?
“The first thing that comes to my head is the Thai Food. I just love it and can eat it daily. I have had so many experiences here which have shaped my way of thinking. This country has nurtured my dreams and I’m thankful to call it my home.
“My future goals are to release four studio albums with Buhonero, record different artists and build a record label. I also wouldn’t mind winning a Grammy.
“I want to keep on working in the football industry and also mini football in Thailand. Launching our app on the market and seeing it becoming a success is also a wish.
“Another goal is to send farmers to install cannabis farms in Chiriqui, Panama, and allow them to bring back the Panama Red Strain and install a long term cooperation program with local authorities and educational centers. I wish to promote the legalization of cannabis for recreational use.
“Last, but not least, I want to find the woman of my life and dreams and start a family - a woman with confidence. That’s hard to beat, and is attractive to me. Latino women often react emotionally and they can be a bit manipulative. Thai women tend to be calmer and can go into one’s soul, into the consciousness.
“I also like to be able to travel frequently between Thailand and Panama.
“The list of people who have inspired me is too long, but to mention only a few, they are Carl Sagan, Elon Musk, Chopin, Rene Perez, Rodney Clark, Gustavo Ceratti, Chris Martin, Francesco Totti and Ruben Blades.”
Do you have time for any hobbies except music and football?
“I try as often as possible to do some outdoors activities such as; swimming, wake surf, body weight working, and I enjoy attending art exhibitions and I do write poetry. I love travelling to beaches as well as to mountains in good company. Nice conversations also enrich one’s life.
Do you think you will stay here for a long or return to Panama in the future?
“As I mentioned before, I’m planning to travel more to Panama. I would like to stay in Panama for some months, working on the farm and return to Thailand to tour the music we record. My future wife, if it happens to be a Thai woman, would definitely have to get used to this lifestyle,” laughs Bernz.
Anyone special you really admire?
“Yes, I do admire my mother Maria del Carmen Martinez, for everything she has achieved with her strong vision and character. She is truly inspiring me, a loving and caring mother and I hope I make her proud of me.”
If you have the opportunity to spend an evening with one special person, who would it be and what would you do?
“I’m not going to mention her name, but I would search for the best location, a cozy environment, spend the night looking into each other’s eyes, unveiling our souls through conversations, until we reach the point when we can truly trust and respect each other. When that happens, I’m sure I will start singing for her and make sure my song will stay in her heart.”
And that’s how a young, talented, romantic Latino American man plans to woo his future wife!
“My solo motorbike rides in the northern Thailand and around South East Asia with friends are good memories. In 2016 I displayed my artwork at Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy and then launched my music career at River City Bangkok in 2017.
“I have travelled inside Thailand to promote Latin culture, doing workshops and conferences at the top universities. I have also contributed to bringing Panamanian authorities to Thailand and helped towards the visit of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and a delegation of Thai officials to Panama. That was amazing.”
What about the future?
“I haven’t achieved everything I have in my mind, but I’m working on it. When I was a teenager, I absolutely wanted a special guitar. I got myself a job and after a while I was able to buy it, a good feeling. In my early 20s I wanted to release an album and reach out to the national media, and I did.
“I wanted to make a name for myself with my music and I think I have done that, or at least I’m on my way. I would say that everything I have done until now, has been a preparation for what I believe will come.
“I have to mention two friends who have been a lighthouse during dark nights; my friend Dean Kelly who, like me, is Panamanian and was my mentor when I was developing an app for Uni finals. He has also given me feedback on Buhonero Clandestino’s performances. His wife, Natalie Glebova, with her course ‘Win in Love’ allowed me to reach a more mature approach in life, where I learned how to love myself and visualize my objectives on this planet.
“My dream is to work on more Buhonero’s songs and to collaborate with other artists. I want to record and release as much music as possible. I would love to tour with my music and to take part in international music festivals. I have been working on an app over the last three years, and it would be an achievement to release it.
“The cannabis industry has just started and I’m very happy and excited, but this one is by far, ‘a bet along the way’.
“As an entertainer I must say it has been really amazing. The audience feedback, if they understand what I’m singing or not, has been delightful. I have also acknowledged that life is a relay race and my role has evolved me into becoming more of an event/performance producer nowadays, rather than performing myself.
“As a professor, I’m an advocate for education at any cost; education is the only way for all of us to move forward. To get educational material for the less fortunate children, who are studying music in pursuit of a better life, is important to me.
“Concerning cannabis, I think by educating the farmers and population in general, we can avoid the negative side of this plant and focus on the positive.
“Every semester I go to the top universities in Thailand to hold conferences and workshops to promote and teach Spanish and explain Latin American culture. I have also more actively started to teach Spanish online and it has been a nice experience.”
Why have you become so attached to Thailand?
“The first thing that comes to my head is the Thai Food. I just love it and can eat it daily. I have had so many experiences here which have shaped my way of thinking. This country has nurtured my dreams and I’m thankful to call it my home.
“My future goals are to release four studio albums with Buhonero, record different artists and build a record label. I also wouldn’t mind winning a Grammy.
“I want to keep on working in the football industry and also mini football in Thailand. Launching our app on the market and seeing it becoming a success is also a wish.
“Another goal is to send farmers to install cannabis farms in Chiriqui, Panama, and allow them to bring back the Panama Red Strain and install a long term cooperation program with local authorities and educational centers. I wish to promote the legalization of cannabis for recreational use.
“Last, but not least, I want to find the woman of my life and dreams and start a family - a woman with confidence. That’s hard to beat, and is attractive to me. Latino women often react emotionally and they can be a bit manipulative. Thai women tend to be calmer and can go into one’s soul, into the consciousness.
“I also like to be able to travel frequently between Thailand and Panama.
“The list of people who have inspired me is too long, but to mention only a few, they are Carl Sagan, Elon Musk, Chopin, Rene Perez, Rodney Clark, Gustavo Ceratti, Chris Martin, Francesco Totti and Ruben Blades.”
Do you have time for any hobbies except music and football?
“I try as often as possible to do some outdoors activities such as; swimming, wake surf, body weight working, and I enjoy attending art exhibitions and I do write poetry. I love travelling to beaches as well as to mountains in good company. Nice conversations also enrich one’s life.
Do you think you will stay here for a long or return to Panama in the future?
“As I mentioned before, I’m planning to travel more to Panama. I would like to stay in Panama for some months, working on the farm and return to Thailand to tour the music we record. My future wife, if it happens to be a Thai woman, would definitely have to get used to this lifestyle,” laughs Bernz.
Anyone special you really admire?
“Yes, I do admire my mother Maria del Carmen Martinez, for everything she has achieved with her strong vision and character. She is truly inspiring me, a loving and caring mother and I hope I make her proud of me.”
If you have the opportunity to spend an evening with one special person, who would it be and what would you do?
“I’m not going to mention her name, but I would search for the best location, a cozy environment, spend the night looking into each other’s eyes, unveiling our souls through conversations, until we reach the point when we can truly trust and respect each other. When that happens, I’m sure I will start singing for her and make sure my song will stay in her heart.”
And that’s how a young, talented, romantic Latino American man plans to woo his future wife!
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