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Music
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE
MUSIC
 Lesson
20th Century Traditional
1 Composers (Part I)
Contemporary music in the Philippines refers to compositions that have
adopted ideas and elements from 20th century art music in the west, as well as
the latest trends and musical styles in the entertainment industry. The modern
Filipino repertoire consists of musical pieces that have been written in 20 th
century idioms that have evolved out of such stylistic movements as
impressionism, expressionism, neo-classicism, as well as avant garde and new
music.

20th CENTURY TRADITIONAL COMPOSERS

a. FRANCISCO B. BUENCAMINO SR. (1883 – 1952)

⚫ Founded the Conservatory of Music in Centro Escolar University

⚫ Created the Buencamino Music Academy
⚫ Ventured into musical directing and scoring, and composing film
music for Sampaguita Pictures, LVN, and Excelsior.

HIS COMPOSITONS:
Princesa ng Kumintang Harana
Maligayang Bati Pandanggo ni Neneng
Ang Bukang Liwayway Collar de Sampaguita
Ang Bagong Balitaw Dulces las Horas
Himig ng Nayon Mayon (Fantasia de Concierto)
Damdamin (Romance) My Soul’s Lament, Larawan
Pizzicato Caprice Mazurka
Mi Bandera Boholana

b. FRANCISCO S. SANTIAGO (1889 – 1947)

• Francisco Santiago is known as the “Father of theKundiman” and

belonged to the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers”.
• His music was Romantic in style, incorporating Western forms
and techniques with folk materials.
• He was also a musical director for films like Kundiman, Leron
Leron Sinta, Madaling Araw, Manileña, and the movie inspired by his own
composition, Pakiusap
• He became the first Filipino Director of the UP Conservatory of Music
His composition includes, Pakiusap, Madaling Araw, Sakali Man, Hibik ng Pilipinas, Ano
Kaya ang Kapalaran and Kundiman (Anak Dalita).

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 c. NICANOR ABELARDO (1893 – 1934)
• Nicanor Abelardo is one of the “Triumvirate of Filipino
Composers” which includes Antonio Molina and Francisco Santiago.
• He studied music at the Chicago Music College and was
influenced by the musical styles of Schoenberg, Hindemith and
Stravinsky.
• He developed a style that combined European romanticism with
chromaticism.
• His compositions contain hazy tones, dissonance and unusual chordal combinations
• Although a 20th century modern composer in style, he is also considered a composer
in the Romantic style.
• He also composed the University of the Philippines’ official anthem, U.P Naming
Mahal.
• The U.P College of Music building (N.Abelardo Hall) and the main theater of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) were named after
him in his honor.
• His composition: Mutyang Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog, Cavatina for Violoncello, Magbalik
Ka Hirang.

d. ANTONIO J. MOLINA (1894 – 1980) National Artist for Music

• Antonio Molina was the first National Artist for Music and is
considered one of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers” which
includes Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco Santiago.
• He began his music career as an orchestral soloist at the Manila
Grand Opera House. He served as Dean of the Centro Escolar
University Conservatory of Music from 1948 to 1970. He was also a
faculty member of the University of the Philippines Conservatory (now
College) of Music.
• Molina was a product of both the Romantic and Impressionist styles. He was
fascinated by the dynamics and harmonies of Debussy, but retained much of the
Romantic style in his melody.
• His composition: Malikmata (Transfiguration), Hatinggabi, Misa Antoniana Grand
Festival Mass, Ang Batingaw, Kundiman-Kundangan, Kung sa IyongGunita

e. HILARION RUBIO Y FRANCISCO (1902 – 1985)

• A composer, music teacher, conductor, and clarinetist, he
created substantial works for the orchestra.
• He served as conductor for opera, ballet, dance recitals, and
movie music. His early interest in music came from the influence of his
uncle who was then playing with the Bacoor Band.
• He co - founded the Anak Zapote Band. He later became a
bandleader and conductor of the ROTC Band of the Conservatory of
Music, University of the Philippines (UP) and played the violin and
timpani with the UP Junior Symphony Orchestra.
• Rubio became a conductor of opera at the Manila Music School in 1936. He became
the choirmaster and choral conductor of the Choir Islanders.

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 • He assumed the position of instructor at the Conservatory of Music, University of the
Philippines. He was also a lecturer at the Buencamino Music Academy, La Concordia
College, College of the Holy Spirit, Santa Isabel College, Laperal Music Academy,
Manila Music School, St. Theresa’s College, and the Valencia Academy of Music.
• Rubio composed and arranged many works and conducted many military and
civilian brass bands. After the war, he was appointed conductor of the Manila
Municipal Symphony Orchestra.
• He held various positions, including as Vice President of the PASAMBAP
(Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa Pilipinas), the National Band Association,
board and charter member of the League of Filipino composers, and the first
President of the Philippine Bandmaster’s Association.

HIS COMPOSITIONS:

Bulaklaken Hatulan Mo Ako

Theme and Variations for Band Ginintuang Araw
Dance of the Nymphs Rondo In a Tropical Sea
Florante at Laura (overture) Light
Halik Narra
Two- part Invention (piano) Mutya ng Silangan
Ang Konsyerto (ballet) To the Filipino Youth
Ang Magsasaka Nela

Assessment

I. Directions: Listen to each composition below. Give the name of the composer and write
your answers on the space provided before each number.

FRANCISCO BUENCAMINO FRANCISCO SANTIGO NICANOR ABELARDO

ANTONIO MOLINA LUCIO SAN PEDRO

______________________1. Pilipinas kong Mahal

______________________2. Mutya ng Pasig

______________________3. Hatinggabi

______________________4. Larawan

______________________5. Sa Ugoy ng Duyan

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II. Directions: Read, analyze and answer the questions below. Choose the letter of the
of the correct answer and write it on the space provided.

_____1. Who is considered the Father of Kundiman?

A. Antonio Molina C. Francisco Santiago
B. Francisco Buencamino D. Nicanor Abelardo

_____2. Who is the first National Artist for music?

A. Antonio Molina C. Francisco Santiago
B. Francisco Buencamino D. Nicanor Abelardo

_____3. To whom did the main theater of CCP and the UP conservatory of music building were
named?
A. Antonio Molina C. Francisco Santiago
B. Francisco Buencamino D. Nicanor Abelardo

_____4. Who co-founded the Anak Zapote Band?

A. Antonio Molina C. Hilarion Rubio
B. Francisco Santiago D. Nicanor Abelardo

_____5. What is the meaning of PASAMBAP?

A. Pambansang Samahan ng mga Batang Pilipino
B. Pambansang Samahan ng mga Balik-bayang Pilipino
C. Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa Pilipinas
D. Pampublikong Samahan ng mga Batang Pasigueño

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 Lesson
20th Century Traditional
1 Composers (Part II)

20th CENTURY TRADITIONAL COMPOSERS

f. COL. ANTONINO BUENAVENTURA (1904 – 1996)

• Col. Antonino Ramirez Buenaventura was a renowned composer,
conductor, and teacher.
• He led the UPROTC Band and established the UP Junior
Orchestra which was the first collegiate orchestra in the country.
• He was also awarded a study grant by the UNESCO in 1949. He
was a delegate to the general assembly of the International Society
for Music Education held in Montreux, Switzerland in 1976. He
represented the country at the general meetings of the International
Music Council (IMC) in Rome (1962) and Hamburg (1964).
• He restored the Philippine Constabulary Band in 1945, which was reputedly
likened to a symphony orchestra. It was considered as “one of the best military
bands in the world.” It would later be renamed the Philippine Army Band.
• He promoted Philippine music through his extensive use of folk materials which he
had recorded around the country with Ramon Tolentino and National Artist for
Dance Francisca Reyes Aquino.
• He was declared National Artist for Music in 1988

HIS MUSIC AND COMPOSITIONS: Minuet, Mindanao Sketches, Divertimento for Piano
and Orchestra, Variations and Fugue, Greetings (based on Philippine folk music) and
Pandanggo sa Ilaw.

g. RODOLFO S. CORNEJO (1909 – 1991)

• His first composition at age 10 was a piano piece entitled

Glissando Waltz. It was followed three years later by a military march
entitled Salute.
• At the age of 14, 26 of Cornejo’s compositions were already listed
by the United Publishing Company Inc.
• He received his Bachelor of Music degree major in piano and
theory from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, USA
in 1932. He received a Master of Music degree major in composition
and conducting at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt
University, USA in 1933. He was conferred a Doctor of Music degree honoris causa
in 1954.
• He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree major in composition from the
Neotarian College of Philosophy in Kansas City, USA in 1947.

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 • Cornejo taught at the UP Conservatory of Music and became the researcher and
official composer of the Philippine government-in-exile.
• He was commissioned to write a symphony and an opera and compose the music
for the documentary film on President Quezon’s funeral.
• He served as pianist-director of a USO concert unit that entertained the Allied
Forces at the E.T.O., the Marianas, and the Hawaiian Islands during World War II.
• Cornejo was the soloist of the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Filipinas Youth
Symphony Orchestra, and UP Symphony Orchestra. Later on, he became the
musical director of the Sampaguita and Vera-Perez Movie Companies. Since 1978,
he held concerts in the United States. He appeared as composer-conductor at the
Seattle Opera House and the Seattle Playhouse.
• He is listed in “The International Who’s Who in Music.” Cornejo was also known for
his extemporaneous thematic improvisations based on the letters of people’s names.

HIS MUSIC AND COMPOSITIONS: A la Juventud Filipina, Bailes de Ayer, Caprice on a

Folksong, Cello Sonata, Ibong Adarna, Kandingan, Malakas At Maganda, Overture,
Okaka, Oriental Fantasy, Piano Concerto Nos. 1,2,3, Ruby and Song of the Miners

h. FELIPE PADILLA DE LEON SR. (1912 – 1992)

• He took up Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines in 1927,
but he had to stop schooling in order to make a living. He played the
trombone in dance orchestras which performed in cabarets, circuses
and bodabil (vaudeville).
• He worked as an assistant conductor of the Nueva Ecija High
School Orchestra where he started doing musical arrangements.
Later on, he wrote music for the zarzuela.
• He decided to study formally and enrolled at the Conservatory of
Music, University of the Philippines, where he studied under National Artists Col.
Antonio Buenaventura and Antonio Molina.
• He took advanced studies in composition under Vittorio Giannini of the Julliard
School of Music in New York, USA.
• He received many awards, such as Composer of the Year (1949), Manila Music
Lovers Society, Musician of the Year (1958), UP Conservatory of Music, and others.
• He was known as a nationalist composer who expressed the Philippines' cultural
identity through his compositions.
• Felipe de Leon received a posthumous award as National Artist for Music in 1997.

HIS MUSIC AND COMPOSITIONS: Noli Me Tangere (1957) and El Filibusterismo

(1970), Tindig, Aking Inang Bayan, Bagong Lipunan, Payapang Daigdig (1946), Noche
Buena, and Pasko Na Naman.

i. LUCIO SAN PEDRO (1913 – 2002)

• Lucio San Pedro was born on February11,1913 in Angono, Rizal.
• He studied the banjo which inspired him to become a serious musician.He
later pursued his music degree at theUniversity of the Philippines and the
Juilliard School in New York, USA

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 • He became a professor of theory and composition at the
University of the Philippines’ College of Music.
• San Pedro is known as a “romantic nationalist.” He incorporated
Philippine folk elements in his compositions with Western forms
and harmony. His chords have a rich expressive tonality.
• His works for the symphonic band was where he was most
prolific and productive both as composer and conductor. His
musical prowess was internationally recognized when he was
invited to be a judge at the prestigious Van Cliburn International
Piano Competition in 1980.
• He was declared National Artist for Music in 1991

HIS MUSIC AND COMPOSITIONS: Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Suite Pastorale (1956), Lahing
Kayumanggi (1962)

j. ROSENDO E. SANTOS JR. (1922 – 1994)

• He was born on September 3, 1922 in Cavite City. At age 11, he
started composing band marches, instrumental, and vocal scores,
as well as music for Catholic masses.
• He graduated from the UP Conservatory of Music where he
eventually became a faculty member. He also pursued a Master of
Music degree in theory and composition from the Catholic
University of America in Washington, D.C. After which, he also
served on its faculty as well as in West Virginia University and
Howard University.
• Santos was awarded the “Philippine Composer of the Century” after receiving the
“Composer of the Year Award” in Manila in 1956 and 1957.
• He joined the faculty at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania in 1968. He performed as
timpanist, pianist, and conductor with several orchestral groups.
• He conducted church choirs in Maryland, New Jersey, Lehman, Huntsville, and
Shavertown United Methodist Churches in Pennsylvania, USA.
• He composed the background music for J. Arthur Rank Films at Pinewood Studios
in London, England, where he worked with British composers Malcolm Arnold and
Muir Mathieson
A prolific composer, he had composed several piano concerti, sonatas,
symphonies, symphonic poems, five operas in Filipino, numerous band overtures, and
more than 200marches. He had also written 50 masses in Latin and 20 in English. He
has more than1,000 musical compositions in the library of the University of the
Philippines

k. ALFREDO BUENAVENTURA (1929)

• A composer, conductor and teacher.
• He was drawn by his fascination with trumpets and trombones and became
one of its arrangers and conductors. He was one of twenty boy sopranos of
Tiples at Sto. Domingo Church from where he received his first significant
musical training.
• A prolific composer, Buenaventura has composed over 50 major works
including five full-length operas, operettas, dance dramas, cantatas,
symphonies, concertos, ballets, overtures, prelude, fugues, and chamber

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 music. His compositions and other creative works have
transcended territorial, racial, and language barriers as these
have been performed abroad by international virtuosi and
religious groups.
•Many of his compositions are based on Filipino heroes, legends,
and epics. He uses native songs, both tribal and folk, as themes
of his music compositions. A number of his compositions are
accompanied by Filipino indigenous instruments.
• He keeps his melodies simple and understandable but with contemporary harmonies
that enhance their complexity.
• He received a number of awards in the music industry. He was twice an awardee of
the Republic Cultural Heritage Award and The Outstanding Filipino Award (TOFIL)
for Music in 1995.
HIS MUSIC AND COMPOSITIONS: Maria Makiling (1961), Diego Silang (1966), Prinsesa
Urduha (1969), cantatas Ang Ating Watawat (1965), Pasko ng Barangay (1964), three
piano concertos subtitled: Celebration, Determination and Exultation, Dakilang Lahi
(1971), Gomburza (1981), and Rizal, the Great Malayan Antagonist, Philippine Medley
No.2

l. CIPRIANO “RYAN” CAYABYAB (1954)

• Ryan Cayabyab is a popular contemporary composer who also has
classical compositions to his credit.

• His compositional style makes much use of syncopation, extended

chords, and chromatic harmony.

• He obtained his Bachelor of Music degree at the UP College of Music.

He became a faculty member for Composition at the same University.

• He also served as the Executive and Artistic Director of the San Miguel
Foundation for the Performing Arts, which over saw the operations and
programming of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Miguel Master Chorale.

• At present, he continues to be a much sought-after professor, musical director, composer,

arranger, and conductor in the Philippine concert and recording scenes.

HIS MUSIC AND COMPOSITIONS: Misa, Four Poems for Soprano and Piano, Te Deum, Kay
Ganda ng Ating Musika (1978), as well as the modern zarzuela Alikabok (2003), the opera
Spoliarium

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 Assessment

I. Directions: Read and analyze the questions below. Choose the letter of the correct
answer and write it on the space provided before each number.

_____1. Who established the UP Junior Orchestra that was known as the first collegiate orchestra
in the country?
A. Col. Antonio Buenaventura C. Lucio San Pedro
B. Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr D. Rodolfo Cornejo

_____2. Who is considered as the Romantic Nationalist composer of the Philippines?

A. Col. Antonio Buenaventura C. Lucio San Pedro
B. Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr D. Rodolfo Cornejo

_____3. Who wrote the popular Christmas carol, Payapang Daigdig?

A. Col. Antonio Buenaventura C. Lucio San Pedro
B. Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr D. Rodolfo Cornejo

_____4. Who uses native song, both native and folk to his compositions?
A. Alfredo Buenaventura C. Lucio San Pedro
B. Felipe Padilla De Leon D. Ryan Cayabyab

_____5. Who composed the song Kayganda ng Ating Musika? A. Alfredo

Buenaventura C. Lucio San Pedro
B. Felipe Padilla De Leon D. Ryan Cayabyab

II. Directions: Arrange the jumbled letters below. Write your answers on the space
provided.

1. YANR YBAYBAAC ____________________________________

- His compositional style makes much use of syncopation, extended chords, and chromatic
harmony.

2. NNOIOTAN NAVENNEUBARTU _________________________________

- He promoted Philippine music through his extensive use of folk materials which he had
recorded around the country.

3. OFLODOR ENROJOC ________________________________

- He was commissioned to write a symphony and an opera and compose the music for the
documentary film on President Quezon’s funeral.

4. ELEIPF ALADILP ED OENL __________________________________

- He was known as a nationalist composer who expressed Philippines' cultural identity through
his compositions.

5. OCIUL NAS DEROP __________________________________

- He incorporated Philippine folk elements in his compositions with Western forms and
harmony.

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 Lesson
Contemporary Music: New
2 Music Composers (Part I)
Composers of experimental New Music in the Philippines include Jose Maceda,
Lucrecia Kasilag, Ramon Santos, Manuel Maramba, Jerry Dadap, Francisco
Feliciano, Josefino “Chino” Toledo, and Jonas Baes. They retained the Filipino spirit
by incorporating traditional music forms as well as indigenous rhythms and
instruments.

1. JOSE M. MACEDA (1917-2004) National Artist for Music

• Jose Maceda was born in Manila on January 17, 1917.

• His musical style shifted when he encountered the music
of the indigenous tribes of Mindoro in 1953. He then embarked
on his life’s work, dedicated to the understanding and
preservation of Filipino traditional music.
• His extensive research and fieldwork resulted in an
immense collection of recorded music taken from the remote
mountain villages and far-flung inland communities in the
Philippines. Although his compositional approach tended to be Western in style, Maceda
combined sounds of the environment with ethnic instruments. His compositions were
usually for large groups of musicians.
Among his works are Ugma-Ugma (1963), a work for voice and ethnic instruments;
Agungan (1975), a piece for six gong families; Pagsamba (1968), a musical ritual for a
circular auditorium using several ethnic percussion instruments; Cassettes 100 (1971),
a composition for 100 cassette tape recorders; and Ugnayan (1974), an ethnic piece
played at the same time over several radio stations.

2. LUCRECIA R. KASILAG (1918-2008) National Artist for Music

• She was born in San Fernando La Union on August 31,
1918.

• Her compositional style demonstrated a fusion of Eastern

and Western styles in using instruments, melody, harmony,
and rhythm. She is particularly known for incorporating
indigenous Filipino instruments into orchestral productions.

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Among Kasilag’s many compositions are Toccata for Percussion and Winds (1959),
composed for indigenous Muslim instruments and Western instruments; The Legend of
the Sarimanok (1963), composed for chamber orchestra and Philippine ethnic
instruments; Divertissement and Concertante (1960), compositions for piano and
orchestra combining Western and Eastern forms, harmonies, and intervals; and
Dularawan (1969).

3. JERRY A. DADAP (1935)

Jerry A. Dadap, the first Filipino composer to
conduct his own works at the Carnegie Recital Hall in New
York City, was born on November 5, 1935 in Hinunangan,
Southern Leyte. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music,
major in Composition, at the Conservatory of Music,
University of the Philippines in 1964.
In 1968, he went to the USA on a study observation
grant from the Music Promotion Foundation of the
Philippines. While there, he received a full scholarship grant from the United
Presbyterian Church of USA from 1969 to 1971. During that time, he obtained his
Postgraduate Diploma in Composition at the Mannes College of Music in New York,
USA. Upon his return to the Philippines in 1971, he taught composition, ear training,
and orchestration at the Sta. Isabel College of Music in Manila.

Dadap started composing when he was still studying at Silliman University in the
southern city of Dumaguete. Among his numerous compositions are The Passionate and
the Wild (1960), Mangamuyo I (1976) and Mangamuyo II (1977), The Redemption
(1974), Five Little Fingers (1975), Tubig ng Buhay (1986), Dakilang Pagpapatawad
(1986), Andres Bonifacio, Ang Dakilang Anak, Pawis, Ang Pag-ibig ng Diyos, Balitaw
Nos. 1-7, Lamang Epic, Lorenzo Ruiz, Chorale Symphonic Ode Nos. 1 and 2, Aniway
at Tomaneg, Song Cycle, Nos. 1-4, Choral Cycle Nos. 1-3, and Diyos Ama ay Purihin.
His major works as composer -conductor were performed at the concert “LAHI” that
featured works by local major composers.

4. FR. MANUEL P. MARAMBA, OSB (1936)

Fr. Manuel Perez Maramba, OSB is one of the most accomplished musicians and
liturgists in the Philippines emerging during the second half of the 20th century. He was
born on July 4, 1936 in Pangasinan.

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 When he was 11 years old, he gave his first public
performance at the Bamboo Organ in Las Piñas. He became
the official accompanist of the Las Piñas Boys Choir at 14
years old. He was the youngest finalist to participate in the
National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA)
piano competition in 1978. Immediately after high school,
he was sent on full scholarship to the University for Music
and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria.
He has composed operas like Aba!, Sto. Nino, La Naval, and Lord
Takayama Ukon. His other major compositions are the music for Awakening which was
commissioned by Ballet Philippines and music for Philippine Ballet Theater’s production
of Seven Mansions; three masses – Papal Mass for World Youth Day, 1995; Mass in
Honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and the Mass in Honor of the Sto. Nino; three cantatas
– St. Lorenzo Ruiz, St. Benedict, and St. Scholastica; Three Psalms; A hymn in
honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and the official hymn of the 1996 National Eucharistic
Congress; a za rzuela entitled Ang Sarswela sa San Salvador, and three orchestral
works – Pugad Lawin, The Virgin of Naval, and Transfiguration.

Assessment
Directions: Match the composer’s name in column B to his/her composition in column
A. Choose the correct answer and write it on the space provided before each
number.

Column A Column B

________ 1. La Naval A. Jerry Dapdap

________ 2. Aba! B. Lucrecia A. Kasilag
________ 3. Lam-ang Epic C. Fr. Manuel P. Maramba
________ 4. Dularawan D. Jose M. Maceda
________ 5. Cassettes 100
________ 6. Ugnayan
________ 7. Mangamuyo II
________ 8. The Legend of the Sarimanok
________ 9. Song Cycle
________ 10. Lord Takayama Ukon

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 Lesson
Contemporary Music: New
2 Music Composers (Part II)

5. RAMON P. SANTOS (1941 – present) National Artist for Music

Ramon P. Santos was born in Pasig on February 25,
1941. He completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the College
of Music, University of the Philippines. He finished his Master of
Music degree at Indiana University, USA. He received his Doctor
of Philosophy degree in Composition at the State University of
New York, USA. He had also pursued graduate studies in
Ethnomusicology at the University of Illinois, USA.
Santos’ compositional style features chromaticism, music seria, and electronic
components, combined with indigenous Philippine music elements. His works include
Ding Ding Nga Diyawa, Nabasag na Banga at Iba’t iba pang Pinag-ugpongugpong
na Pananalita sa Wikang Pilipino para sa Labing Anim na Tinig, and L’BAD.
He had done extensive research on the gamelan music of Java as well as the
traditional music of the Ibaloi, Maranao, Mansaka, Bontoc, Yakan, and Boholano tribes
in the Philippines.
Santos held the position of Dean of the UP College of Music from 1978 to 1988. At
present, he is the head of the UP Center of Ethnomusicology and was appointed Professor
Emeritus of the same institution. He was conferred the title of National Artist for Music in
2014.
Here are some sample songs on YouTube that you can listen to:
a. “Klintang” - The piano piece "Klintang" as composed by Prof. Ramon Santos
got its inspiration from the kulintang which is a row of 5 to 9 graduated pot
gongs, horizontally laid upon a frame with the lowest pitched gong found to
the player's left.

b. “Du’a” (1986) - Du’A represents the highly spiritual atmosphere which

permeates the life-cycle of the Yakan people from the island of Basilan in
Mindanao – from birth, through childhood and the various forms of initiation,
courtship and marriage, death and other ritual practices.

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6. FRANCISCO F. FELICIANO (1942 – 2014) National Artist for Music
Francisco F. Feliciano, avant garde composer and conductor
for band and chorus, was born on February 19, 1942 in Morong,
Rizal. His first exposure to music was with the Morriz Band, a brass
ensemble established and owned by his father, Maximiano Feliciano.
He started his music career in the high school band where he had
played the cymbals and the clarinet.
Feliciano obtained his Teacher’s Diploma in Composition and
Conducting at the Conservatory of Music, University of the Philippines (UP) in 1964, and
a Bachelor of Music degree major in Composition in 1967. Subsequent degrees include a
Master in Music Composition from the University of the Philippines, a Diploma in Music
Composition from the Hochschule der Kunst in Berlin, Germany, and a Master of Musical
Arts and Doctorate in Music Composition from Yale University School of Music, USA. He
studied composition with Jacob Druckman, Isang Yun, H.W. Zimmerman and Krystof
Penderecki.
Among his other large works are Transfiguration and Missa Mysterium for
orchestra and large chorus. He has composed several prizewinning works such as Pokpok
Alimpako, (a favorite piece of choirs in international choral competitions), Salimbayan,
Umiinog, and Walang Tinag (Perpetuum I mobile) which was premiered at the ISCM
Festival in New York City, USA. His latest choral works, Pamugún and Restless, have
been performed by Filipino choirs in various choral festivals in Europe. In 1977, he was
given a John D. Rockefeller III Award in Music Composition. He was conferred the title of
National Artist for Music in 2014. He died on September 19, 2014.

7. JOSEFINO TOLEDO (1959 – present)

Josefino “Chino” Toledo is a recognized figure in the Asian
contemporary art music scene. He received his Master of Music degree
from the Cleveland Institute of Music, USA. Among his awards are the
following: “Ten Outstanding Young Men” (TOYM); “International
Award for the Arts”; “Civitella Ranieri Fellowship in Italy”; and the
“Chancellor Awards for Outstanding Musical Works,” University of the
Philippines.
Toledo served at the Pangkat Kawayan (a bamboo orchestra) from 1966 to 1979
and the Philippine Youth Orchestra (PYO) in 1977-1978. A principal percussionist of the
Manila Symphony Orchestra in 1980-1983, he later became music director and principal
conductor in 1985. He attended the 1984 International Computer Music Conference in

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France. He was the country’s representative to the 1980 Young Composers Conference in
Hong Kong, the ASEAN Composers Forum on Traditional Music in 1989 (Philippines) and
1993 (Singapore), the 1995 ASEAN Composers Workshop (Indonesia), and the 1996
International Composers Workshop (Gaudeamus, Amsterdam). He was also a fellow at the
1990 Pacific Music Festival and Pacific Composers Conference (Japan).
Toledo is a Music Professor at the College of Music, University of the Philippines
(UP). He is the founding music director of the Metro Manila Community Orchestra, the
UP-Festival Orchestra, and the Cross-wave Symphony Orchestra. He is noted for
conducting the premiere performances of the works of Filipino composers as well as other
Asian composers. His own music, including works for chorus, orchestra, chamber
ensemble, solo instrument, and music theater has been performed by well-known
international artists and ensembles. Alitaptap, Santo Sanctus, and Te Deum Laudamus
are some of his famous works.

8. JONAS BAES (1961 – present)

Jonas Baes was born in Los Baños, Laguna in 1961. He
enrolled at the College of Music, University of the Philippines (UP) in
1977 as a student of Ramon P. Santos.While at UP, he encountered
the works of Jose Maceda and attended several seminar-workshops
of visiting lecturers. He researched on the music of the Iraya-
Mangyan people of Mindoro, which later became the inspiration for
his compositions. From 1992- 1994, he studied with Mathias
Spahlinger in Freiburg, Germany.
Baes is known for writing music utilizing unorthodox musical instruments such as
bean pod rattles, leaves, iron-nail chimes, and various Asian instruments such as bamboo
scrapers, bamboo flutes, and vocal music using Asian vocal techniques. His early works
in the 1980s were influenced by Maceda in the use of large numbers of performers.
Some of Baes’ musical compositions include: Imagined Community, after
Benedict Anderson for four bamboo scrapers, bamui trail caller, sarunai for oboe, khaen
for mouth organ, and about a hundred iron nail chimes distributed among the audience;
1997/2001; WALA (Nothingness) for seven or hundreds of men’s voices 1997/2001;
DALUY (Flow)interval music for five animator-percussionists and about a hundred bird
whistles distributed among the audience, 1994; IBO-IBON (birdwoman) for dancer
wearing small bells, two large wind chimes passed around the audience, four animator
callers, and iron nail chimes played by the audience (1996); SALAYSAY, for solo voice,
three percussionists, and pairs of pebbles distributed among the audience; PATANGIS-
BUWAYA (and the crocodile weeps) for four sub-contrabass recorders or any blown
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instruments 2003; PANTAWAG (music for calling people) for 15 bamboo scrapers, 15 palm
leaves, and 20 muffled “forest” voices 1981; and BASBASAN (blessing) for 20 bean-pod
rattles and 20 muffled men’s voices 1983.
Baes received the Gawad Chancellor para sa Pinakamakusay na Mananaliksik (Hall
of Fame, 2003) from the University of the Philippines. He is currently an Associate
Professor in Composition and Theory at the UP College of Music as well as an
ethnomusicologist, cultural activist, and writer.

Assessment

I. Directions: Matching Type: Match the composer’s name in column A to his/her

composition in column B. Choose the correct answer and write it on the space
provided before each number.

Column A Column B

________ 1. Josefino Toledo a. Daluy

________ 2. Francisco Feliciano b. Sigaw

________ 3. Ramon Santos c. L’BAD

________ 4. Jonas Baes d. Auit

________ 5. Josefino Toledo e. Umiinog

II. Direction: Read carefully and identify what is asked from each sentence.

_______________ 1. He was given a John D. Rockefeller III Award in Music Composition.

_______________ 2. He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Composition at the State
University of New York, USA.
_______________3. He was known for writing music utilizing unorthodox musical
instruments.
_______________ 4. Among his awards are, “Ten Outstanding Young Men” (TOYM) and the
“Chancellor Awards for Outstanding Musical Works,” University of the Philippines.
_______________5. He received the Gawad Chancellor para sa Pinakamakusay na
Mananaliksik (Hall of Fame, 2003) from the University of the Philippines.

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 Lesson
Contemporary Philippine Music:
3 Song Composers

The 20th century Filipino song composers/lyricists include Levi Celerio,

Constancio de Guzman,Mike Velarde Jr., Ernani Cuenco, Restie Umali, George
Canseco, Angel Peña, Leopoldo Silos Sr., Santiago Suarez. Together, they had produced
a memorable output of traditional Filipino love songs, music for the movies, and materials
for contemporary arrangements and concert repertoire.

1. LEVI CELERIO (1910 – 2002) National Artist for Literature and Music
Prolific lyricist and composer Levi Celerio were named National
Artist for Music and Literature in 1997. Also, a violinist, he had
written the lyrics for over 4,000 songs in his lifetime, including
many for film. A great number of kundimans and Filipino love songs
have lyrics written by him, most notable of which are Dahil sa Iyo,
Buhat, and Ang Pasko ay Sumapit. Celerio was known for
creating music with a mouth-blown leaf
Celerio was born in Tondo on April 30, 1910. He studied at the
Academy of Music in Manila under a scholarship. Later, he went on to join the Manila
Symphony Orchestra. Aside from writing his own lyrics, he also translated and re-wrote
the lyrics of folksongs to traditional melodies like Maliwanag Na Buwan from Ilocos,
Ako ay May Singsing from Pampanga, and Alibangbang from the Visayas.
His achievements include a citation in the Guinness Book of World Records for being
the only person to make music with a mouth-blown leaf. He will forever be remembered
through his lyrics for songs such as Ang Pipit (music by Lucio D. San Pedro); Bagong
Pagsilang (music by Felipe Padilla de Leon); Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (music by Lucio D. San
Pedro); Misa de Gallo (music by J. Balita); Itik-itik (folk song); Tinikling (folk song),
among others. Celerio passed away on April 2, 2002.

2. CONSTANCIO DE GUZMAN (1903 – 1982)

He was born on November 11, 1903 in Guiguinto, Bulacan. He grew up in Manila
where he studied piano and composition under Nicanor Abelardo. At the prodding of his
father, he went to law school but switched to pursue and finish a BS Commerce degree at
Jose Rizal College in 1928. He passed the certified public accountants (CPA) board

17
 examinations in 1932. After he took the CPA board exam, he started
working for the movies.
Acknowledged as the “Dean of Filipino Movie Composers and
Musical Directors,” De Guzman became the music director of
movie production companies like Sampaguita, LVN, Royal, Excelsior,
Lea, and Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions. His “unexpected” hit
music, Panaginip, paved the way for him to record hundreds of
songs, principally under Villar and Columbia Records.
In 1948, his song Ang Bayan Ko and Kung Kita’y Kapiling won the gold medal
at the Paris International Fair. Bayan Ko was later adopted as the symbolic song of the
People Power Movement of 1986. The same song won for him the Awit Award for Best
Filipino Lyricist. Some of De Guzman’s notable compositions include Babalik Ka Rin,
Ang Tangi Kong Pagibig, Birheng Walang Dambana, Maalaala Mo Kaya, and Sa
Piling Mo. De Guzman passed away on August 16, 1982.

3. MIGUEL “MIKE” VELARDE JR. (1913 – 1986)

Miguel “Mike” Guison Velarde Jr, composer, conductor,
movie actor, and musical director was born in Manila on October
23, 1913 as the second of two children of Dr. Miguel Velarde, Sr.
and Dolores Guison. His family moved to Zamboanga when he was
only one year old and where he spent the succeeding eighteen
years of his life. His exposure to the unaffected and unpretentious
environment of Basilan and Zamboanga had influenced his
creative imagination, mainly nurtured by his mother who became his first music teacher
in piano and violin when he was six years old.
In subsequent years, Velarde created his own style as he composed highly
melodious and romantic songs such as Ikaw, Lahat ng Araw, Habang
Buhay,Minamahal Kita , Ikaw ay Akin, and Dahil Sa Iyo. In 1970, he won the Best
Conductor award at the First International Popular Song Contest in Japan with his
composition As Long as Forever.
He received the Cultural Achievement Award in Popular Music from the Philippine
Government Cultural Association in 1975 and the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining in 1986.
His other compositions include Buhat, Ikaw, Bituing Marikit, Minamahal Kita, Dating
Sumpaan, Dalisay, Eternally Yours, and Gabi at Araw. Velarde passed away in 1986.

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 4. SANTIAGO SUAREZ (1901 – 1964)
Santiago Suarez was born in Sampaloc, Manila. He
learned how to play the piano from his grandmother who was also
a competent harpist, while his grandfather played the flute. He
attended the Conservatory of Music, University of the Philippines
and the Ateneo de Manila in Intramuros. He took private music
lessons from Caetano Jacobe, Pedro Floriaga, and Nicanor
Abelardo.
Suarez’s compositions are a mixture of the soulful
kundiman style and the lively strains of the countryside. The melodies are tonal and
catchy, while the rhythms follow the regular meter with minimal tempo changes. His
harmonies follow the traditional classical progression, making his compositions easy to
understand without the complexities of form and structure. Some of his works are quite
popular and heard even with today’s classical singers, pop singers, and choral groups.
They include the following: Ligaya Ko,Pandanggo ni Neneng, Dungawin mo
Hirang, Bakya Mo Neneng, Caprichosa, Sa Libis ng Nayon, Harana, Kataka-taka,
Labandera Ko, Lakambini, Kamia, Ikaw ang BuhayKo!, Kay Lungkot nitong Hating-
Gabi, and Mutya Niyaring Puso. Suarez passed away in 1964.

5. RESTITUTO “RESTIE” UMALI (1916 – 1998)

Restituto Aquino Umali was born in Paco, Manila on June
16, 1916. His early exposure to music was due to the influence of
his father who taught him violin as well as his exposure to the
regular family rondalla. He was also taught solfeggio and score
reading at the Mapa High School where he became an active
member of the school glee club and orchestra.
Umali arranged the Philippine national anthem and the
local classic Kataka-taka for the Boston Pops Orchestra when it
performed for the Philippine Independence Night in Boston in 1972. He composed
approximately 120 movie theme songs and more than 250 scores for movies. His musical
scoring career was capped by a Universal Pictures’ production of No Man Is An Island
starred by Jeffrey Hunter and Barbara Perez. His musical scores for the movies Sa Bawat
Pintig ng Puso (1964), Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969), Mga Anghel na Walang Langit
(1970), and Ang Alamat (1972) won for him “Best Musical Score” honors at the Filipino
Academy of Movies Arts and Sciences (FAMAS Awards). He also garnered the “Best Music
Awards” for Bitter-Sweet at the 1969 Manila Film Festival and Ang Agila at Ang Araw
at the 1973 Olongapo Film Festival.

19
 Among Umali’s most popular songs are Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Alaala ng
Lumipas, Ang Pangarap Ko’y Ikaw, Sa Libis ng Barrio, Di Ka Nag-iisa, and Paano
Kita Lilimutin. He had arranged the performance of Maestro Federico Elizalde’s Manila
Little Symphony aired on radio stations DZRH and DZPI, apart from his stint as musical
director of Sampaguita Pictures.

6. ANGEL PEÑA (1921 – 2014)

Angel Matias Peña is a classical and jazz composer, arranger,
and bass player. He is widely considered by modern Filipino jazz
musicians as “one of the founders of traditional jazz in the
Philippines.”
He was born was born on April 22, 1921 to a musical family.
Peña learned solfeggio from his mother Rosario Velarde Matias. His
mother was a school teacher who studied voice at the University of
the Philippines. His father, Gregorio Cid Peña, played the violin. His grandfather was a
respected guitar player. He grew up in Malabon which was then famous for its musicians
and marching bands. At the age of 11 when his mother passed away, he was discouraged
by his father to continue his musical pursuits. But, the boy persisted and proceeded to
study music theory and composition.
Among Peña’s most popular songs are; Bagbagtulambing, a landmark in Philippine
music, Igorot Rhapsody, won first prize in University of Santo Tomas launched a national
symphonic composition contest in 1959. Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra,
Concerto for Jazz Quartet and Orchestra. In 1998, the Jazz Society of the Philippines-
USA further gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Third Annual FilAm Jazz
Festival in Hollywood. Pena passed away on December 22, 2014.

7. ERNANI CUENCO (1936 – 1988) National Artist for Music

Ernani Joson Cuenco, composer, film scorer, musical
director and music teacher, was conferred the National Artist Award
for Music in 1999. His works embody a Filipino sense of musicality
that contain the classical sound of the kundiman.
Cuenco was born on May 10, 1936 in Malolos, Bulacan. As a
boy, he was encouraged to learn the violin. He was mentored by his
mother, his godmother Doña Belen Aldaba Bautista, and his first
teacher, Jovita Tantoco. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music,
major in Piano at the UST Conservatory of Music in 1956. A UST scholarship grant in the
same year enabled him to study the cello under Professor Modesto Marquiz, which he
finished in 1965. In 1968, he completed his Master of Music degree at the Sta. Isabel

20
College. Aside from being a composer and musical director, he was also a faculty member
at the UST Conservatory of Music until his death on July 11, 1988.
To this day, Cuenco’s compositions are popular and well-loved, especially Gaano
Ko Ikaw Kamahal and Bato sa Buhangin which he composed for films in honor of his
wife. Aside from these signature pieces, Cuenco’s other songs include Nahan, Kahit na
Magtiis, Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, Pilipinas, Inang Bayan, Isang
Dalangin, and Kalesa.

8. GEORGE CANSECO (1934 – 2004)

George Masangkay Canseco was born on April 23, 1934 in
Naic, Cavite. He graduated with a Liberal Arts degree at the
University of the East. After graduation, he worked for the
Philippines Herald and the Associated Press as a journalist. He also
worked as a “free-lance scriptwriter for hire” in Manila.
Canseco was considered as “a nationally acclaimed composer
of numerous popular classics.” He was commissioned by Former
First Lady Imelda R. Marcos to compose a national tribute hymn
entitled Ako Ay Pilipino (I Am A Filipino). He wrote the classic
Kapantay Ay Langit, a theme from the award-winning motion picture of the same title,
sung by Amapola. Its English version entitled You’re All I Love containing some Tagalog
lyrics was sung by American singer Vic Dana. The song won the Manila Film Festival “Best
Song of the Year Award” in 1972.
One of his best-known compositions was Child, the English-language version of
Freddie Aguilar’s signature song Anák. He wrote songs for the country’s top popular
singers such as Sharon Cuneta, Basil Valdez, Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pilita
Corrales, Martin Nievera, and Kuh Ledesma.
His legacy as a composer include approximately 120 song titles including Ikaw,
Kailangan Kita, Dito Ba, Hiram, Tubig at Langis, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang
Hanggan, Sinasamba Kita, Kastilyong Buhangin, Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang
Nakaraan, Ngayon at Kailanman, Saan Darating ang Umaga, Sana Bukas Pa ang
Kahapon, Dear Heart, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, Paano kita Mapapasalamatan,
and Kahapon Lamang. He passed away on November 19, 2004 in Manila.

9. LEOPOLDO SILOS Sr. (1925 – 2015)

He was born on March 6, 1925. He was a composer, singer, and arranger. He
composed and recorded a number of romantic songs, the most famous of which were two
of his well-known hits, Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak (Because Of One Flower) and Hindi
Kita Malimot (I Can’t Forget You). He was also the award-winning musical director of the

21
 long running television musical program, Aawitan Kita, which
starred Armida Siguion-Reyna.
Accordingly, the music of Silos touches the sentiment quite
deeply. His lyrical melodies are complemented by exotic harmonies.
His melodies were made more appealing through their extended
chords, diminished intervals, and secondary dominants. Thus, that
enriched the otherwise basic chordal patterns accompanying a tonal
melody. Although not as widely performed as other mainstream love
songs and kundimans, his music always impresses the listeners with its melodic sincerity
and elegantly crafted accompaniments. The other notable compositions of Silos include
Aling Kutsero, Ay Anong Saklap, Basta’t Mahal Kita, Diyos Lamang ang
Nakakaalam, Hindi Ko Malilimutan, Lagi kitang Naaalala, Langit sa Lupa, Halina
Halina, Lihim na Pag-ibig, and Mundo Ma’y Mawala. He died on March 10, 2015.

Assessment

Directions: Matching Type: Read carefully what is asked from column A and choose the
letter of the correct answer from column B. Write your answer on the space provided.

Column A Column B

_____ 1. Levi Celerio a. Saan Ka Man Naroroon

_____ 2. Constancio De Guzman b. Dungawin Mo Hirang

_____ 3. Miguel “Mike” Velarde c. Dahil sa Iyo

_____ 4. Santaigo Suarez d. Maalaala Mo Kaya

_____ 5. Restituto Umali e. Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
_____ 6. Leopoldo Silos Sr. f. Hindi Kita Malimot

_____ 7. Ernani Cuenco g. Bato sa Buhangin

_____ 8. George Canseco h. Igoror Rhapsody

_____ 9. Angel Peña d. Ako ay Pilipino

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