3rd Quarter MUSIC

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE MUSIC

According to National Artist Ramon Santos, PhD, “contemporary music in the Philippines
refers to compositions that have adopted ideas and elements from 20 th century art music in
the west, as well as the latest trends and musical styles in the entertainment industry.”
20TH CENTURY TRADITIONAL COMPOSERS
1. FRANCISCO B. BUENCAMINO SR. (1883 – 1952)
- Buencamino’s compositions include Harana, Pandanggo ni Neneng, Collar de
Sampaguita, Dulces las Horas, Mayon (Fantasia de Concierto), My Soul’s Lament,
Larawan, Mazurka, Boholana, Mi Bandera, Princesa ng Kumintang, Maligayang
Bati
- Many of his piano works have become a staple part of the Philippine repertoire of
today’s young students, especially Mayon, Larawan, and Maligayang Bati. He also
wrote several zarzuelas and kundimans. He passed away on October 16, 1952 after
which a posthumous award honored him with the title “Outstanding Composer.”
2. FRANCISCO SANTIAGO (1889 – 1947)
- “Father of the Kundiman”
- belongs to the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers.”
- Santiago’s music was Romantic in style, incorporating Western forms and
techniques with folk materials. He composed several works such as kundiman,
symphonies, piano concertos, and other music pieces for the piano, violin, and
voice.
- Among his famous works are Pakiusap, Madaling Araw, Sakali Man, Hibik ng
Pilipinas, Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran, and Kundiman (Anak Dalita). This piece was
sung before the Royal Court of Spain upon the request of King Alfonso II. He was
also a musical director for films. Among the films whose music he supervised are
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.
- Pilipinas Kong Mahal
3. NICANOR ABELARDO (1893 – 1934)
- one of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers” which includes Antonio Molina and
Francisco Santiago.
- Abelardo developed a style that combined European romanticism with
chromaticism. His compositions contain hazy tones, dissonance and unusual
chordal combinations found in such works as Cinderella Overture, Panoramas, and
a violin sonata. Although a 20th century modern composer in style, he is also
considered a composer in the Romantic style. His best-known compositions
include Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog, Cavatina for Violoncello, and Magbalik Ka
Hirang.
4. ANTONIO J. MOLINA (1894 – 1980)
- The first National Artist for Music, one of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers”
- Molina was a product of both the Romantic and Impressionist schools of thought.
He was fascinated by the dynamics and harmonies of Debussy, but retained much
of the Romantic style in his melody. A characteristically impressionist work is his
piano work Malikmata (Transfiguration). The mysteriously exotic chords of this
piece gradually lead to a lyrical melody, with the traditional harmonies abruptly
returning to the initial mood. Molina wrote several compositions for piano, violin,
and voice as well as a Spanish-style opera form known as the zarzuela.
- He is best known for his poignantly romantic serenade for violin and piano
Hatinggabi. Subsequent transcriptions of this piece were written for the cello,
flute, piano, and guitar. Other works by Molina include orchestral music - Misa
Antoniana Grand Festival Mass, Ang Batingaw, Kundiman-Kundangan; chamber
music - String Quartet, Kung sa Iyong Gunita, Pandangguhan; and vocal music -
Amihan, Awit ni Maria Clara, and Larawan Nitong Pilipinas. He received the
National Artist for Music award in 1973. He passed away on January 29, 1980.
5. 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.
- Rubio’s compositions include: Bulaklaken, Theme and Variations for Band, Dance
of the Nymphs Rondo, Florente at Laura (overture), Halik, Danza, Unang Katas,
Twopart Invention (piano), Ang Konsyerto (ballet), Ang Magsasaka, Bukang
Liwayway, Concertino in C (marimba and piano), Filipinas Kong Mahal, Hatulan Mo
Ako, Ginintuang Araw, In a Tropical Sea, Light, Narra, Mutya ng Silangan, To the
Filipino Youth, Nela, National Heroes Day Hymn, and Salamisim. He passed away
on December 28, 1985.
6. COL. ANTONINO BUENAVENTURA (1904 – 1996) National Artist for Music
- was a renowned composer, conductor, and teacher. His father Lucio was the chief
musician of the Spanish artillery band in Intramuros and founder of Banda
Buenaventura. As a young boy, he had already demonstrated a passion for music
while learning the rudiments of music and solfeggio and becoming a proficient
clarinet player.
- Involved with various military bands which earned him his military rank of Colonel.
He was a music instructor and band conductor of the Philippine Military Academy
(PMA). Later, 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 also founded the San Pablo Music Academy in Laguna
- As a multi-awarded musician, he composed Minuet, Mindanao Sketches,
Divertimento for Piano and Orchestra, Variations and Fugue, and Greetings based
on Philippine folk music. Pandanggo sa Ilaw, one of his most popular compositions,
remains a favorite performance repertoire of many folk dance companies. He was
declared National Artist for Music in 1988 and passed away in 1996.
7. 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 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 compositional output includes A la Juventud
Filipina, Bailes de Ayer, Caprice on a Folksong, Cello Sonata, Ibong Adarna,
Kandingan, Malakas at Maganda, Overture, Okaka, Oriental Fantasy, Ibong
Adarna, Piano Concerto Nos. 1,2,3, Ruby, and Song of the Miners.
8. FELIPE PADILLA DE LEON SR. (1912 – 1992) National Artist for Music
- De Leon wrote piano compositions, hymns, marches, art songs, chamber music,
symphonic poems, overtures, band music, school songs, orchestral works, operas,
kundiman, and zarzuelas.
- He was known as a nationalist composer who expressed the Philippines' cultural
identity through his compositions. Two operas which are considered his
masterpieces are the Noli Me Tangere (1957) and El Filibusterismo (1970). These
two operas have been staged in the Philippines and abroad. He also wrote a march
during the Japanese regime entitled Tindig, Aking Inang Bayan, and another march
Bagong Lipunan during the martial law. He wrote the popular Christmas
carolsPayapang Daigdig (1946), Noche Buena, and Pasko Na Naman, both in 1965.
Felipe de Leon received a posthumous award as National Artist for Music in 1997.
9. LUCIO SAN PEDRO (1913 – 2002) National Artist for Music
- He studied the banjo which inspired him to become a serious musician. He later
pursued his music degree at the University of the Philippines and the Juilliard
School in New York, USA. Upon returning to the Philippines, 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, as represented in his well-loved Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, a
lullaby melody sung by his mother.
- Suite Pastorale (1956), a poetic aural description of Angono
- Lahing Kayumanggi, nationalistic symphonic poem
10. ROSENDO E. SANTOS JR. (1922 – 1994)
- As a UNESCO scholar, Santos was awarded the “Philippine Composer of the
Century” after receiving the “Composer of the Year Award” in Manila in 1956 and
1957.
- A prolific composer, he had composed several piano concerti, sonatas,
symphonies, symphonic poems, five operas in Filipino, numerous band overtures,
and more than 200 marches. He had also written 50 masses in Latin and 20 in
English. He has more than 1,000 musical compositions in the library of the
University of the Philippines. Santos’ last musical work and only ballet
composition, Melinda’s Masquerade, was performed in 1995, a year after his
 death. Santos passed away on November 4, 1994 in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania,
USA.
11. ALFREDO BUENAVENTURA (1929- )
- He was one of twenty boy sopranos of Tiples at Sto. Domingo Church from where
he received his first significant musical training. At that time, he also wrote his first
composition, Danza.
- 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 music. His compositions and
other creative works have transcended territorial, racial, and language barriers as
these have been performed abroad by internationalvirtuosi 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.
- Some of his major works include the operas 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, and symphonies such as Dakilang Lahi (1971), Gomburza (1981), and
Rizal, the Great Malayan Antagonist (1990).
12. CIPRIANO ‘RYAN’ CAYABYAB (1954-)
- His compositional style makes much use of syncopation, extended chords, and
chromatic harmony
- Among his numerous compositions are the award-winning Kay Ganda ng Ating
Musika (1978), as well as the modern zarzuela Alikabok (2003), the opera
Spoliarium with libretto by Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, and a variety of choral pieces
and song cycles. He also produced a number of recordings, including the
memorable album One, where he personally sang the unaccompanied songs on
different tracks to produce 16 voices.
SUMMARY
With the European and American influences brought by our colonizers, it was inevitable that
the musical styles of 20th century Western composers found their way into Philippine
compositions.
Francisco Buencamino founded the Centro Escolar de Señoritas, Conservatory of Music. He
also created the Buencamino Music Academy in 1930. Nicanor Abelardo was one of his
students. Expanding his career, Buencamino also ventured into musical direction and scoring,
composing music for Sampaguita Pictures, LVN, and Excelsior. He also wrote several zarzuelas
and kundiman. Francisco Santiago is known as the “Father of the Kundiman” and belongs to
the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers.”
Nicanor Abelardo developed a style that combined European romanticism with
chromaticism. He belongs to the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers” together with Francisco
Santiago and Antonio Molina. The Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Abelardo Hall of the College of Music, University of
the Philippines are named after him.
Antonio Molina came to be known as the “Father of Philippine Impressionist Music,” while
composer Lucio San Pedro integrated indigenous musical forms, conventions, and
instruments in his works in the modern nationalistic style.
Hilarion Rubio was a Filipino composer, music teacher, conductor, and clarinetist. His name
was closely identified with his works for the orchestra, conductor for opera, ballet, dance
recitals, and music for movies.
Col. Antonino Buenaventura promoted Philippine music by extensively using folk materials
in his works. He recorded folk and dance music around the country with Ramon Tolentino and
National Artist for Dance Francisca Reyes Aquino. Buenaventura composed the music and did
the notations for the folk dances as researched by Aquino.
Rodolfo S. Cornejo was considered “the first Filipino composer who received an honory
degree from a government recognized music school in the United States.” He was known for
his “pianistic and compositional talent” by extemporizing a piano composition at the spur of
the moment.
Felipe P. de Leon wrote piano compositions, hymns, marches, art songs, chamber music,
symphonic poems, overtures, band muic, school songs, orchestral works, operas, kundimans
and zarsuelas. He was known as a nationalist composer who expressed the Philippines'
cultural identity through his compositions.
Lucio 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, as represented in his well-loved Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,a lullaby melody sung
by his mother.
Rosendo Santos Jr. is listed in the “New Groves Dictionary of Music and Musicians.” A prolific
composer, his works include concerti, sonatas, symphonies, symphonic poems, five operas in
Philippine dialect, numerous band overtures, and more than 200 marches. He wrote 50
masses in Latin and 20 in English. He has more than 1,000 musical compositions in the library
of the University of the Philippines.
Alfredo Buenaventura is among the few composers in the Philippines who composed five full-
length operas. He has his own set of ideas about music and composition. He created a
combination of contemporary and conventional, kept his melodies simple and
understandable, but he used contemporary harmonies to suit the intellectuals.
Contemporary composer and conductor Ryan Cayabyab spans both popular and classical
worlds with his pop, ballads, operas, zarzuela, orchestral, and choral compositions.
 NEW MUSIC COMPOSERS
1. JOSE MACEDA (1917 – 2004) National Artist for Music
- 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; an
- Considered as the first Filipino avant garde composer, he also worked at a
recording studio in Paris in 1958 which specialized in musique concrète. During
this period, he met Pierre Boulez, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Iannis Xenakis,
considered the musical giants of this musical genre. Maceda served as Professor
of Piano and Musicology at the College of Music, University of the Philippines from
1952 to 1990. He was appointed Executive Director of its Center for
Ethnomusicology in 1997. In the same year, he was conferred the honor of
National Artist for Music. He passed away in Manila on May 5, 2004. Udlot udlot
2. LUCRECIA R. KASILAG (1918 – 2008) National Artist for Music
- She went to Manila to pursue a degree in Music at the Philippine Women’s
University. She then obtained her Master’s degree from the Eastman School of
Music in New York, USA.
- Her compositions were influenced by her professors Irving McHose and Wayne
Barlow. Kasilag’s compositions 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.
- 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), a musical drama combining a dance solo with a
chorus and an ethnic orchestra. Her other works include compositions for piano,
instrumental ensemble, and chorus.
3. RAMON P. SANTOS (1941 – ) National Artist for Music
- 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-ugpong-
ugpong 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.
4. FR. MANUEL MARAMBA, OSB (1936 – )
- 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.
- 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 ofSeven 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 zarzuela entitled Ang Sarswela sa San Salvador, and three
orchestral works – Pugad Lawin, The Virgin of Naval, and Transfiguration.
5. JERRY DADAP (1935 – )
- the first Filipino composer to conduct his own works at the Carnegie Recital Hall in
New York City. In 1968, he went to the USA on a study-observation grant from the
Music Promotion Foundation of the Philippines.
6. FRANCISCO F. FELICIANO (1942 – 2014) National Artist for Music
- avant garde composer and conductor for band and chorus, was born on February
19, 1942 in Morong, Rizal.
- He was the musical director of the movie Ang Bukas ay Atin and provided
orchestration for a number of musical productions including My Fair Lady and
various Philippine productions. Feliciano composed more than 30 major works,
including the musical dramas Sikhay sa Kabila ng Paalam, Ashen Wings, and the
monumental three-act opera La Loba Negra (1984). He also wrote music for the
orchestra such asPrelude and Toccata(1973),Fragments(1976),Life of Wartime
Filipino Hero Jose Abad Santos, and the ballet Yerma (1982).
- Among his other large works are Transfiguration and Missa Mysterium for
orchestra and large chorus. He has composed several prize winning works such as
Pokpok Alimpako, (a favorite piece of choirs in international choral competitions),
Salimbayan, Umiinog
- He founded the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM) in Quezon City, a
school for church musicians, and supervised the publication of a new Asian hymnal
containing mostly works of Asian composers. He was conferred the title of
National Artist for Music in 2014. He died on September 19, 2014.
7. JOSEFINO TOLEDO (1959 – )
- is a recognized figure in the Asian contemporary art music scene.
- He is the founding music director of the Metro Manila Community Orchestra, the
UP Festival Orchestra, and the Crosswave 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 have been performed by
well-known international artists and ensembles.
 8. JONAS BAES (1961 – )
- Baes is known for writing music utilizing unorthodox musical instruments such as
beanpod 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.
- 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.
SUMMARY
Jose Maceda’s 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.
Lucrecia Kasilag’s 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.
Ramon Santos’ compositional style features chromaticism, music seria, and electronic
components, combined with indigenous Philippine music elements.
Fr. Manuel Maramba OSB, one of the most accomplished musicians in the Philippines, is best
known as a liturgical composer whose body of works lean towards religious figures and
events. His versatility as a pianist, composer, arranger, theorist, and teacher is widely
recognized in the local musical scene.
Jerry Dadap, the first Filipino composer to conduct his own works at the Carnegie Recital Hall
in New York City,
Francisco Felicianois one of Asia’s leading figures in liturgical music, having composed
hundreds of liturgical pieces, mass settings, hymns, and songs for worship. At the Asian
Institute for Liturgy and Music, a school for church musicians which he founded, he supervised
the publication of a new Asian hymnal containing mostly works of Asian composers.
Josefino Toledo is the founding music director of the Metro Manila Community Orchestra,
the UP Festival Orchestra, and the Crosswave 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 has been performed by well-known international artists and
ensembles.
Jonas Baes, Associate Professor in Composition and Theory, ethnomusicologist, cultural
activist, and writer, has explored innovative territories and unusual musical treatments in his
works.
 SONG COMPOSERS
1. LEVI CELERIO (1910 – 2002) National Artist for Literature and Music
- Mouthblown leaf
- 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)
- 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.
3. MIGUEL “MIKE” VELARDE JR. (1913 – 1986)
- Velarde eventually went into writing Tagalog songs, composing the song Ugoy-
Ugoy Blues which opened opportunities for him in the movies. He had a jazz band
known as “Mike Velarde’s Jazztocrats.” He became editor of the Literary Song
Movie Magazine.
- Velarde composed musical scores for Sampaguita Films’ movie productions and
managed its advertising department. Among his most important works were
Luksang Tagumpay, which received the FAMAS (Filipino Movie Arts and Sciences)
Award for Best Picture (1960) and for which he wrote its story and screenplay, and
Alaala Kita for Best Director (1961). He attributes substantive influence from
American composer and songwriters Irving Berlin and Cole Porter.
4. SANTIAGO SUAREZ (1901 – 1964)
- 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 Buhay Ko!, Kay Lungkot nitong
Hating-Gabi, and Mutya Niyaring Puso. Suarez passed away in 1964.
5. RESTITUTO “RESTIE” UMALI (1916 – 1998)
- 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 andAng Agila at
Ang Araw at the 1973 Olongapo Film Festival.
- 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 fof Sampaguita Pictures.
6. ANGEL PEÑA (1921 – 2014)
- 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.”
- Peña wrote his first original jazz composition just before World War II erupted. He
also wrote kundimans for the young women he would be courting. After the war,
he became one of the most sought-after musical arrangers in Manila. He had also
switched from guitar to bass. This switch led him to write orchestral background
music for various musical ensembles.
- He also wrote musical scores for film companies, most notably LVN Pictures. As
his interest in classical composition grew more intense, he formed a big band in
1956 for the Upsilon Sigma Phi’s traditional concert at the University of the
Philippines. During that time, he composed Bagbagtulambing, a landmark in
Philippine music
7. ERNANI CUENCO (1936 – 1988) National Artist for Music
- was a composer, film scorer, musical director, and music teacher. He was hailed
as a National Artist in Music in 1999. His works embody the Filipino sense of
musicality. The classical sound of the kundiman is evident in some of his ballads.
- To this day, Cuneco’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 includeNahan,
Kahit na Magtiis, Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, Pilipinas, Inang Bayan,
Isang Dalangin, and Kalesa
8. GEORGE CANSECO (1934 – 2004)
- Canseco was considered as “a nationally acclaimed composer of numerous
popular classics.”
- One of his best-known compositions was Child, the English-language version of
Freddie Aguilar’s signature song Anák.
9. LEOPOLDO SILOS Sr. (1925 – 2015)
- 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 longrunning
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
SUMMARY
Song composers became popular with their musical compositions used as musical background
or theme songs in movies and films.
Levi Celerio made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only person to make
music with aleaf. Hereceived numerous awards forhis musical achievements in film.
Constancio de Guzman was acknowledged as the “Dean of Filipino movie composers and
musical directors.” He is the composer of the nationalistic song Bayan Ko.
Mike Velarde Jr. was a composer, conductor, and musical director. He composed the popular
song Dahil Sa Iyo in 1938. In 1975 the Philippine Government Cultural Association awarded
him the Cultural Achievement Award in Popular Music. He received the Gawad CCP Para Sa
Sining in 1986.
Ernani Cuenco was a composer, film scorer, musical director, and music teacher. He was
hailed as a National Artist in Music in 1999. His works embody the Filipino sense of musicality.
The classical sound of the kundiman is evident in some of his ballads. Up to this day, his
compositions are popular and well-loved.
Restie Umali was a composer, teacher, and musical arranger. He 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 wrote a total of more
or less120 movie theme songs. He composed more than 250 scores for movies which was
capped by a Universal Pictures production of No Man Is An Island starred by Jeffrey Hunter
and Barbara Perez.
George Cansecowas considered “a nationally acclaimed composer of numerous popular
Filipino classics.” He composed songs for Filipino singers and movie stars.
Angel Peña is a classical and jazz composer, musical arranger, and bass player. He is widely
considered by modern Filipino jazz musicians as “one of the founders of traditional jazz in
the Philippines.”
Leopoldo Silos Sr. was a composer, singer, and musical arranger. He composed and recorded
romantically soulful songs. He was the award winning musical director of the television
musical Aawitan Kita. Santiago Suarez was an accomplished composer of traditional Filipino
love songs. His popular works include Dungawin Mo Hirang, Bakya Mo Neneng, Caprichosa,
Sa Libis ng Nayon, and Kataka-taka.