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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Cultural Center of the Philippines) |
There is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs called kundiman which began as a means of serenading and expressing one's admiration for a lass in rural areas in the Philippines. It emerged as an art song in the 19th century and in the early 20th century, its musical structure was formalized by supreme Filipino composers such as Francisco Santiago and Nicanor Abelardo where the lyrics became musical poetry complemented by a smoothly blending and gentle melody with dramatic intervals. In 1931, Santiago, who is dubbed as The Father of Filipino Musical Nationalism, described kundiman as a "love song par excellence of the Filipinos, a plaintive song which goes deepest into their hearts and brings them untold emotions."
The genre was later popularized by the sound medium of radio and performed on live stage entertainment. In the 90s, there was a late night television program aired on GMA Network named "Aawitan Kita" where some of the country's finest classical singers and artists have performed these songs, literally seneraded viewers to their hearts' content and delight and introduced them to the traditional genre. Today, with the continuing evolution of everyday life and amidst the continuing threat of the global public health crisis, today's generation of Filipino music lovers are set to discover and become immersed in kundiman through the power of digital technology in CCP's newly launched weekly musical series "Kung Hindi Man".
Produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines - Office of the President (CCP-OP) and streams until December 2021 on CCP-OP's official Facebook page, "Kung Hindi Man" aims to bring back the traditional song genre for the enjoyment and cultural enrichment of young and old Filipinos. Under the helm of award-winning and multi-talented theater, film and television director and writer Dennis Marasigan, each episode of the series will feature the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the cream of the crop among today's top performing artists including acclaimed opera singer Arthur Espiritu, accomplished soprano Nerissa De Juan, award-winning Filipino soprano-songwriter Lara Maigue, Awit awardee and top musical theater talent Gian Magdangal, prime balladeer and theater artist Harry Santos, international pianist Mariel Ilusorio, and top pop-rock band Orange & Lemons as well as multi-awarded actor Cesar Montano.
“Nahan, Saan Ka Man Naroroon,” “Magbalik Ka Na,” “Mahal,” “Mutya ng Pasig,” “Bituing Marikit,” “Panaginip” and Montano's award-winning song "Aking Ama" are some of the songs that will be featured in these episodes and are seeking to bridge the generational gap among Filipino music lovers wherever they may be. According to CCP President Arsenio "Nick" J. Lizaso, the idea behind the series is to acquaint and enrich the cultural knowledge of Filipinos, especially the young generation, while being entertained. Viewers will be delightedly entertained about the early beginnings of the genre and how it has evolved into modern pop kundimans that are sung by today's celebrated performing musical talents. Indeed, "Kung Hindi Man" is a musical feast that will surely delight grandparents and their grandchildren sitting side by side in front of their screens.
