Songs from our Homeland
Friday 29 August, 6.00pm – Ian Hanger Recital Hall
INTRODUCTION
Mindanao Orchids Ramon Tapales (1906 -1995)
NATIONALISM IN MUSIC
Mutya Ng Pasig Nicanor S. Abelardo (1893-1934)
Magandang Diwata Bonifacio Abdon (1876 - 1944)
LOVE LOSS AND HOPE
Nasaan Ka Irog Nicanor Abelardo (1893-1934)
Arr. for duet by Lucio D. San Pedro (1913 - 2002)
Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran Francisco Santiago (1889-1947)
Madaling Araw Francisco Santiago Arr. Ryan Cayabyab (b. 1954)
Amad-Ha (Canción Morisca) Juan de S. Hernandez (1881-1945)
Usahay Gregorio Labja (1932-1991)
LANDSCAPE
Mayon Francisco Buencamino (1883 -1952)
PHILIPPINE THEATRE
Huwag Mong Dulutan from “Walang Sugat” Fulgencio Tolentino (1872 - 1940) arr. Josefino Toledo (b. 1959)
Kay Tamis Ng Buhay Sa Sariling Bayan Felipe Padilla de Leon Sr. (1912 -1992)
FOLK
Leron-leron Sinta Lucio D. San Pedro (1913-2002)
Katakatka Santiago S. Suarez (1901-1964)
Arr. for duet by Redentor L. Romero (1929 -2001)
Mindanao Orchids
Mindanao Orchids (1933) by Ramon Tapales is an impressionistic interpretation of Mindanao dances resembling the form of the orchids. at times take the form of orchids. It tries to translate into music the spell of the surrounding beauty of nature.
Mutya Ng Pasig
Kung gabing ang buwan sa langit ay nakadungaw,
Tila ginigising ng habagat sa kanyang pagtulog sa tubig
Ang isang larawang puti at busilak, na lugay ang buhok na animo'y agos
Ito ang mutya ng Pasig
Ito ang mutya ng Pasig
Sa kanyang pagsiklot
Sa maputing bula
Kasabay ang awit
Kasabay ang tula
Dati akong paraluman
Sa kaharian ng pag-ibig
Ang pag-ibig ng mamatay
Naglaho rin ang kaharian
Ang lakas ko ay nalipat
Sa puso't dibdib ng lahat
Kung nais ninyong ako'y mabuhay, Pag-ibig ko'y inyong ibigay
Dati akong paraluman
Sa kaharian ng pag-ibig
Ang pag-ibig ng mamatay
Naglaho rin ang kaharian
Ang lakas ko ay nalipat
Sa puso't dibdib ng lahat
Kung nais ninyong ako'y mabuhay
Pag-ibig ko'y inyong ibigay
Kung nais ninyong ako'y mabuhay
Pag-ibig ko'y inyong ibigay!
Nymph/Maiden/Muse of Pasig
As the moon peers down from the night sky,
As if awakened by a southern breeze from her slumber on water
A vision pure and radiant, loose tresses flowing like water
She is the Nymph of Pasig
She is the Nymph of Pasig
As she ripples
Through the white foam
With a song
With a lament
I was once a beauty
In the kingdom of love.
But when love died, The kingdom vanished too
My strength was passed on
To every heart and soul
If you wish for me to live again, Give me your love.
I was once a beauty
In the kingdom of love.
But when love died, The kingdom vanished too
My strength was passed on
To every heart and soul
If you wish for me to live again, Give me your love
If you wish for me to live again, Give me your love!
Mutya ng Pasig is a kumintang which is originally a war song or dance from Batangas. It evolved into a lyrical and expressive form often used in a musical drama. This aria is a lamentation of the loss of love for and decline the once-beautiful Pasig River, and had become a Philippine icon for patriotism and care for nature.
Magandang Diwata
Sa tapat ng laging palangiting araw; Na lumalaganap sa dagat Silangan, May Mutyang masuyo't libid kayamanan, Na Giliw ang handog sa pusong may damdam;
O bayang maligaya ng aking pag-giliw, Pusong lakanbini kalong salamisim.
Ang iyong pag-luha'y sandaling pigilin, Ang kundimang ito Mutya, iyong dinggin.
Bulaklak ng aking laging pinithaya, Ang ikaw makitang may sariling laya!
Sa dagat Silanga'y, butihing Diwata, Mayama't mapuri bihis sa Dalita!
Magandang Diwata!
Beautiful Maiden
Facing the ever-smiling sun; Burgeoning across the Eastern seas, There dwells a Muse, gentle and gilded Offering solace to hearts in sorrow;
O blissful land I hold so dear, A noble heart cradles longing. Hush the weeping for a moment, Hear me, Muse, in this soft song.
Flower of my constant yearning, To witness your own freedom!
In the Eastern sea, gracious Spirit, Rich and praised, though clothed in poverty! Beautiful Maiden!
Bonifacio Abdon’s Kundiman, also known as Magandang Diwata (1920) is a patriotic song that echoes strains from folk kundimans like Kundiman de 1800 Awit ng Pulubi and Kundiman 1850 Jocelynang Baliwag. Kundiman in Filipino means “if it were not so.” It is part of the Philippine oral tradition in a form of a love song. It existed in the early 19th century from the Tagalog speaking regions in the Batangas province of the Philippines and was strongly associated with pursuit for freedom and independence and eventually became a cultural and national identity in the early 20th century. Its significance goes beyond romance the Beloved often as Beloved Woman as Irog, Sinta, Mutya, Diwata is symbolized by Philippines itself. The underlying message is burning love for the country and its longed-for freedom.
Nasaan Ka, Irog
Nasaan Ka, Irog
Nasaan ka, Irog at dagling naparam ang iyong pag-giliw
Di baga sumpa mong ako'y mamahalin
Iyong itatangi, iyong itatangi magpahanggang libing
Subalit nasaan ang gayong pagtingin
Nasaan ka Irog at natitiis mong ako'y mangulila
At hanap-hanapin ikaw sa alaala
Nasaan ang sabi mong ako'y iyong ligaya't Ngayong nalulungkot, ngayong nalulungkot ay di ka makita.
Irog ko'y tandaan
Kung ako man ay iyong ngayo'y siniphayo, Mga sumpa't lambing pinaram mong buo, Ang lahat sa buhay ko ay hindi maglalaho't magsisilbing bakas ng nagdaan 'tang pagsuyo.
Tandaan mo Irog, Irog ko'y tandaan.
Ang lahat sa buhay ko ay hindi maglalaho't magsisilbing bakas ng nagdaan 'tang pagsuyo.
Nasaan ka irog! Nasaan ka Irog?
Where Are You, Beloved
Where are you, Beloved?
Where are you, Beloved that suddenly your affection for me waned
Did you not vow to love me always
To hold dear, to cherish me till death
But where now is that tender gaze
Where are you beloved that you can bear my grief
Longing for you in memory. Where is the word you gave I was your joy
Now in sorrow, now in sorrow for I no longer see you.
Remember, my beloved
Even now with the anguish you've left me
The vow of tenderness you gave entirely
All of it, all my life, shall remain Traces of a love that once was.
Remember, beloved remember, my beloved. All of it, all my life, shall remain Traces of a love that once was. Where are you, beloved? Where are you, beloved?
Nasaan Ka Irog is a famous kundiman composed by Nicanor Abelardo in 1923, with lyrics by Narciso S. Asistio1. It is considered one of Abelardo’s most iconic and emotionally powerful works and referred to as his “immortal piece.”
Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran
Dito sa mundo'y walang kasing tamis
Gaya ng umawit ng sariling himig
Bawat taginting, ang wika'y pag-ibig
Siyang humahabi ng pusong nagiliw
Mahirap nga palang umirog, sinta'y dalhin-dalhing may lunos
Araw-gabi, ang puso Ang tibok ay siphayo
Ano kaya ang kapalaran ng aba't imbing lagay
Asahan mo't 'di palad kakamtan mo'y saklap
Ah! Araw-gabi, ang puso ang tibok ay siphayo
Ah! Ng aba't imbing lagay
Asahan mo't 'di palad, kakamtan mo'y saklap
Ah, kakamtan mo'y saklap!
What Might Fate Hold
In this world, nothing is sweeter Than singing one’s own melody Each gentle note speaks of love Weaver of hearts of joy
But loving is not easy to carry love is to carry sorrow Day and night, the heart Beats with woe
What might fate hold for one so lowly and uncertain Hope not for grace, bitterness awaits
Ah! Day and night, the heart beats with woe
Ah! For one so lowly and uncertain Hope not for grace, bitterness awaits Ah, bitterness awaits!
Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran (1938) by Francisco Santiago, known as the Father of the Kundiman. The waltz rhythm depicts a dry treatment of the gloomy tone in the text. This is a favorite piece for light sopranos and coloraturas.
Madaling Araw
Irog ko'y dinggin ang tibok ng puso
Sana'y damdamin hirap nang sumuyo
Manong, itunghay ang matang mapungay
Na siyang tanging ilaw ng buhay kong papanaw
Sa gitna ng kadimlan, magmadaling-araw ka
At ako ay lawitan ng habag at pagsinta
Kung ako'y mamamatay sa lungkot niyaring buhay
Lumapit ka lang, lumapit ka lang, at mabubuhay
At kung magkagayon mutya, mapalad na ang buhay ko
Magdaranas ako ng tuwa ng dahil sa iyo
Madaling-araw ka sinta, liwanag ko't tanglaw
Halina irog ko at mahalin mo ako
Mutya'y mapalad na ang buhay ko
Ng dahilan sa ganda mo
Liwayway ng puso ko't tanglaw
Halina irog ko at mahalin mo ako
Manungaw ka, liyag
Ilaw ko't pangarap
At madaling-araw na!
Dawnbreak
My beloved, listen to the beating of my heart
May you feel my pain in loving you
Please, lift your gentle eyes
The only light in my fading life
In the midst of darkness, be my dawn
And shower me with mercy and love
If I die from the sorrow of this life
Come near me and I will live again
And if that happens, my beloved treasure, my life will be blessed
My heart shall bloom with joy for you
You are my dawn, my light and guide
Draw near me and love me
My life is graced
By your radiance
Dawn of my heart, be my light
Draw near me and love me
Take a peek, my darling
My light, my dream
It is now dawn!
Madaling Araw is a kundiman originally composed by Francisco Santiago in 1917. This version was arranged by Ryan Cayabyab, one of the Philippines' most esteemed and celebrated composers and a National Artist for Music in 2018.
Amad-Ha (Cancion Morisca)
Dinggin ang awit sa Kamorohan Ah!
Dito sa bayan ko at lupang Sinibulan, Ay saganang sagana sa lahat ng bagay
Dito ang babae ay mahinhin ang asal
Ang kinis ay wangki sa sikat ng araw
Dito ang isibol kung di man bayani, ay babae namang may wagas na puri
Dito ang isilang kung mga lalaki
Dakila ang puso
May tapang na iwi.
Ang mga diwata ng sinta kong lupa
Sing dilag ng buwan at sing ningning ng tala
Ang tampo ay pag-irog ang lungkot ay biyaya
Ang pagkasi'y langit
Ang higanti ay luha.
Sa mga katihan
Sa bundok sa bukid
Sa dalampasigan
Doon ay naguguhit
Doon ay nakikintal
Doon ay natititik
Ang ganda ng pusong timtimang umibig.
Ito ang awit sa kamorohan Ah!
Iyan nga!
Amad-Ha (Cancion Morisca)
Hear the song of Kamorohan , Ah!
Here in my country and native land, There is abundance in all things Here, women are modest in their ways, Their smoothness shines like the sun’s rays. Here, those born if not heroes Are women of pure virtue. Here, those born as men Have noble hearts, With courage of their kin.
The fairies of my beloved land Are as lovely as the moon and as bright as the stars.
Their sulking is affection, their sadness a blessing, Their love is heaven, Their vengeance is tears.
In the plains, In the mountains, in the fields, On the shores, There is drawn, There is etched, There is inscribed The beauty of a heart tenderly in love.
This is the song of Kamorohan, Ah! Indeed!
Amad-ha (1904) is a song in the zarzuela Mutya ng Silangan by Juan de Sahagun Hernandez. Amad-ha is often performed as a solo piece and due to its theme of Muslim mysticism, the song was sometimes sung in later productions of his most popular zarzuela Minda Mora.
Usahay
Usahay nagadamgo ako
Nga ikaw ug ako nagkahigugmaan
Nganong damguhon ko ikaw
Damguhon sa kanunay sa akong kamingaw.
Usahay magamahay ako
Nganong nabuhi pa ning kalibutan
Nganong gitiaw-tiawan
Ang gugma ko kanimo, kanimo da.
Usahay nagadamgo ako
Nga ikaw ug ako nagkahigugmaan
Nganong damguhon ko ikaw
Damguhon sa kanunay sa akong kamingaw
Usahay magamahay ako
Nganong nabuhi pa ning kalibutan
Nganong gitiaw-tiawan
Ang gugma ko kanimo kanimo da.
Sometimes
Sometimes I dream
That you and I are in love with each other
Why do I dream of you
Dream of you always in my loneliness.
Sometimes I regret
Why I was even born in this world
Why do you make fun of my love for you, truly for you
Sometimes I dream
That you and I are in love with each other
Why do I dream of you
Dream of you always in my loneliness.
Sometimes I regret
Why I was even born in this world
Why do you make fun of my love for you, truly for you
Usahay is a very popular Cebuano song which was misattributed to Nitoy Gonzales for many years until 2010, when the rightful composer, Gregorio Responso Labja was legally recognized. Labja composed Usahay for Noemi Ortega, whom he later married.
Mayon
Mayon by Buencamino is composed based on the Filipino folksong condansoy. The music evokes the majesty of Mayon Volcano, renowned for its near-perfect conical shape and dramatic beauty.
Minamahal Kita Ng Tunay (Huwag Mong Dulutan)
O Diyos kong maawain Tulungan mo ako ang hirap ko'y lunasan mo, 'di ako papayag kaylanman, mahal ko'y mapaibang kandungan mabuti pang ako'y tuluyang mamatay.
huwag sanang dulutan ng dusa't pasakit, ang pusong nangungungila sa aking pag-ibig wala na akong magulang na palagi kong karamay at malayo pa sa akin ang aking minamahal umasa ka't magbabalik hahanguin ka sa hapis hahamakin kong kamatayan mailigtas kita lamang ng dusa't pasakit sa aking pagibig wala na akong magulang na palagi kong karamay at malayo pa sa akin ang aking minamahal umasa ka't magbabalik hahanguin ka sa hapis hahamakin kong kamatayan mailigtas kita lamang
O Diyos kong maawain Tulungan mo ako
I Truly Love You (Do Not Bring Me Sorrow)
O my merciful God, help me, relieve me from this hardship.
I will never allow my beloved to be embraced by another, better that I die completely.
Do not bring sorrow and pain to this heart longing for my love.
I no longer have parents to comfort me, and my beloved is far from me. Have faith, I shall return, and rescue you from grief.
I will defy death itself, if only to save you from sorrow and pain, through my love.
I no longer have parents to comfort me, and my beloved is still far from me. Have faith, I shall return, and rescue you from grief.
I will defy death itself, if only to save you.
O my merciful God, help me.
Huwag Mong Dulutan is from a Tagalog zarzuela Walang Sugat (Without Wound) written by by Severino Reyes. Zarzuela is a musical theater that has Hispanic roots in the 17th century and was later adapted in the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. Walang Sugat refers to the wound which bears no visible injury refers to the emotional and psychological wound caused by war, oppression and love.
Kay Tamis Ng Buhay Sa Sariling Bayan
Kay tamis ng buhay sa sariling bayan
Lahat doon ay ating pawang kaibigan
Ang simoy sa bukid ay tunay na buhay
Kamatayan ay langit, higit ang suyuan
Halik na magiliw sa labi ng ina
Sa bunso’y pumupog sa pag-uumaga
Mga munting bisig ay ikakawil na Sa leeg na pitang may ngiti sa mata
Kay lugod ng mamatay nang dahil sa bayan
Lahat doon ay ating pawang kaibigan
Ang simoy ng hangin ay isang kamatayan
Sa wala ngang bayan, ina’t kasintahan
Sa wala ngang bayan! ina’t kasintahan
Kay tamis ng buhay sa sariling bayan
How sweet is life in one’s native land
How sweet is life in one’s native land
Surrounded by kindred friends
The breeze in its field breathes life itself
Death is heavenward, replete with love
A gentle kiss from a mother’s lips, Showers the youngest at the break of dawn
Tiny arms reach out to softly entwine, Around a neck that longs, with beaming eyes
How sweet to die for the native country
Surrounded by kindred friends
*Death is the breeze for him who has no country, no mother, and no love!
For him who has no country! no mother, and no love!
How sweet is life in one’s native land
*the verse Death is the breeze...no love! is taken from Nick Joaquin's The Song of Maria Clara
Maria Clara sings of a burning and ardent love for one's country in Kay Tamis Ng Buhay sa Sariling Bayan, an aria in Act 2 of the opera Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) based on Jose Rizal's novel. Premiered in 1957, Noli Me Tangere is the first full-length Filipino 3-act opera created by two National Artists Felipe Padilla de Leon Sr (music) and Guillermo Tolentino (libretto). The aria echoes themes from Rizal's original poem Canto de Maria Clara.
Leron Leron Sinta
Leron Leron sinta, ha ha
Buko ng papaya, ha ha
Dala-dala'y buslo, ha ha
Sisidlan ng sinta, ha ha
At pagdating sa dulo'y
Nabali ang sanga, Ah!
Kapos kapalaran
Humanap ng iba, ha-ha!
Gumising ka Neneng
Tayo'y manampalok
Dalhin mo ang buslo
Sisidlan ng hinog
Pagdating sa dulo
Ay! lalamba-lambayog
Kumapit ka Neneng
Baka ka mahulog!
Leron Leron sinta
Buko ng papaya
Dala-dala'y buslo
Sisidlan ng sinta
At pagdating sa dulo'y
Nabali ang sanga,
Kapos kapalaran
Humanap ng iba,
Humanap ng iba
Leron leron sinta
Leron leron sinta
Leron Leron sinta, ha ha
Buko ng papaya, ha ha
Dala-dala'y buslo, ha ha
Sisidlan ng sinta, ha ha
At pagdating sa dulo'y
Nabali ang sanga, Ah!
Kapos kapalaran
Humanap ng iba, Ha-ha!
Leron Leron, My dear
Leron, Leron my dear, ha ha Climbed a papaya tree, ha ha Carrying a basket, A vessel of love, ha ha.
But when he reached the top, The branch suddenly broke, Ah! Such misfortune Go and find another, ha-ha!
Wake up, young lady, Let’s go pick tamarind, Bring your basket along, For ripe ones we might find
But when we reach the end, Ay, the branch swings low and wide Hold on tight, young lady You might just fall and cry!
Leron, Leron my dear Climbed a papaya tree Carrying a basket, A vessel of love, ha ha.
But when he reached the top, The branch suddenly broke Such misfortune Go and find another Go and find another
Leron, Leron my dear Leron, Leron my dear
Leron, Leron my dear, ha ha Climbed a papaya tree, ha ha Carrying a basket, A vessel of love, ha ha.
But when he reached the top, The branch suddenly broke, Ah! Such misfortune Go and find another, ha-ha!
Leron Leron Sinta is a Filipino folk song. The origin is unclear but it is highly associated with the fruit papaya which is abundant in the Philippines. Its text had different interpretations such as the pursuit for love symbolized by the gathering of fruits and unfulfilled and disappointing love symbolized by the broken branch. It gained international popularity with its various choral arrangements for competitions. Lucio San Pedro's arrangement is for a coloratura soprano which ingeniously and playfully set the folk tune into a splendid aria.
Katakataka
Katakatakang mahibang
ang katulad ko sa iyo
Biro-biro ang simula, ang wakas pala ay ano Aayaw-ayaw nga ako ngunit iyan ay 'di totoo. Dahil sa iyo, puso kong ito'y binihag mo
Alaala ka maging gabi't araw Alipinin mo'y walang kailangan Marinig ko lang sa labi mo, hirang Na ako'y iibigin lagi habang buhay
Ah, katakataka!
It's Puzzling
It's puzzling how someone like me could fall for you What began in jest, now ends in surprise I say I resist, yet that is not true For you have enslaved this heart of mine
I think of you day and night To be bound to you is all I desire. I need only to hear, my beloved That your love will never end
Ah, how puzzling!
In this Filipino love song by Santiago Suarez, the narrator wonders how a trivial relationship blossoms into true love. Suarez composed more than 400 pieces of harana, balitaw, danzas and ballads. Among these include Bakya Mo Neneng Neneng’s Wooden Clogs, Sa Libis ng Nayon In the Meadow, Caprichosa Capricious Woman, Tapis Mo, Inday Your Overskirt, Inday, and Bulaklak at Paruparo Flower and Butterfly.
Program Notes written/Translated and adapted by Maria Sherla Najera
Acknowledgment on the Use of Generative AI Tool: Microsoft Copilot, GPT-4 turbo version was used to aid in writing these program notes. The basis is ultimately the music compositions and publicly available literature.
References:
Anderson, Q. N. (2015). Kundiman love songs from the Philippines: Their development from folksong to art song and an examination of representative repertoire. The University of Iowa.
de Juan, Nerissa. (2017, June 12). Kay Tamis Ng Buhay (from the opera 'Noli Me Tangere' by F. P. de Leon, Sr.) - Nerissa De Juan, PPO [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zw-qEOiqqA
Dioquino, Corazon (1994). Composers. CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art Vol. 6, Music
Im Walde. August 2, 2020. Juan Hernandez - Amad-ha (1904) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_35IySpSb0
Leron, Leron Sinta. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved August 26, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leron,_Leron_Sinta
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Ochoa, C. C. (2016, October 28). Ryan Cayabyab brings 100 years of Filipino music to Los Angeles. INQUIRER.net. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/148206/ryan-cayabyab-brings-100-years-of-filipinomusic-to-los-angeles
PianoStreet. (n.d.). Mayon by Buencamino. PianoStreet Forum. https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=43009.0
Pineda, A. (n.d.). Kundiman: The soulful love songs of the Filipino people. Pinas Culture. https://pinasculture.com/kundiman/
TagalogLang. (n.d.). Santiago Suarez. TagalogLang. https://www.tagaloglang.com/santiago-suarez/ thenameisgarci. (2016, August 25). Bonifacio Abdon – "Kundiman" for voice and piano (audio + sheet music) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGL-Cs1V98o thenameisgarci. (2018, August 27). Francisco Santiago - Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran (audio + sheet music) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hof7VbfdUjo
Im Walde (2021, August 24) Ramon Tapales - Mindanao Orchids (1939) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BZHAjbWZFo
University of the Philippines Alumni and Friends Rondalla. (n.d.). Recordings. UPAF Rondalla. https://www.upafrondalla.org/record.html
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