Contemporary Philippine Music and Composers

New music or avant-garde is the most important development in music during the
second half of the twentieth century. In employing the avant-garde techniques,
contemporary composers would reject the basic premises on which music is
traditionally based.

Avant-Gard Music Composers

Avant-garde music can be done in several ways:
It may use harmonies that are explainable by the conventional tonal system.
It may not contain melody in some or all parts.
It may not have a clear meter.
It may be played with newly created music instruments.
It may require traditional instruments to be played in new ways.
Some avant-garde composers in the Philippines are Jose M. Maceda, Lucresia R.
Kasilag and Ramon P. Santos.
Jose M. Maceda
The first avant-garde composer of the Philippines, Dr. Jose M. Maceda, was born on
January 31, 1917 in Manila. He studied composition, piano and musical analysis in
Paris, France. He also studied anthropology and ethnomusicology at the University of
Chicago and Indiana University respectively. In 1963, he earned his Doctorate in
Ethnomusicology from the University of California in Los Angeles.
Dr Maceda dedicated himself in promoting Philippine music after his first trip to
Mindoro in 1953. From 1952 to 1990, he was a professor of Piano and
Ethnomusicology at the University of the Philippines. In 2004, he became professor
emeritus and served as an executive director of the UP Center for Ethnomusicology
from 1997-2004.

Some for his major avant-garde works are the following:

Pagsamba – a ritual music
Agungan – a composition for six gong families
Ugnayan – a music for several radio stations in Manila
Kubing – a composition for bamboo percussion and men’s voices
Cassettes 100 – a composition for one hundred cassette tape recorders
Ugma-Ugma II – first composition and for Asian musical instruments and
voices
 Udlot-Udlot – a composition premiered at the CCP parking lot with eight
hundred peformers

Lucresia R. Kasilag
Dr. Lucresia R. Kasilag was born in San Fernando, La Union on August 31, 1918. He
was the daughter of a civil engineer, Marcial Sr. and a violinist, Asuincion Roces.
Aside from her mother’s instruction on solfeggio, Dr. Kasilag was taught by her first
piano teacher, Doña Concha Cuervo. She received a Music Teacher’s Diploma major
in Piano from St. Scholastica’s College and a Bachelor of Music from Philippine
Women’s University (PWU). She finished Master of Music at the University of
Rochester in New York. She was awarded a Doctor of Music degree, honoris causa,
by the Centro Escolar University.
She started composing during the Second World War. Her works had reached over
250 compositions ranging from arrangements for folk songs, solo instrument pieces
for piano and organ or a combination of violin and piano, chamber, theater and
orchestra works. She is regarded as the “First Lady of Philippine Music.”
Ramon P. Santos
Dr. Ramon P. Santo, was born on February 25, 1914 in Pasig, Rizal. He was the
youngest child of lawyer Jose Santos and pianist-singer Amada Pagayon. His
grandmother, Josefa Andrada Pagayon, taught him basic piano and solfeggio.
He finished his Teacher’s Diploma and Bachelor of Music Degree at the UP
Conservatory of Muisc in 1965. In 1969, he graduated with the degree of Master of
Music major in Composition through a Fullbright-Hays grant at the Indiana University.
In 1972, he graduated Doctor of Philosophy major in Composition and minor in
Musicology at the State University of New York.
Although Dr. Santos was trained outside the country, this had not prevented him from
composing works that included Philippine native instruments. His avant-garde
compositional style includes free serialization, electronic music and controlled
improvisation. Among his avant-garde composition are:
 Ding Ding Nga Diyawa – a fusion of Western and Eastern percussion instruments
 Siklo – includes vocal utterances and synthesizer-generated heartbeats that signify
simple cycles pf life
 Nabasag ang Banga – choral composition for sixteen performers seated or standing
with the audience
 Contemporary Music Composers
A characteristically good song:
 Has a catchy phrase.
 Arouses a sympathetic response. It appeals to people from different walks of life.
 Has a well-crafted structure. A listener can easily identify the beginning, middle and
end parts of the song.
 Use figurative language or phrases that produces distinct mental images. For
example, “You are the bright sunny day when clouds are gray.”

Constancio de Guzman Sr.

A renowned music director and movie composer, Constancio de Guzman Sr. was
born on November 11, 1903 in Guiguinto, Bulacan, his parents were Higino and
Margarita Conseco. He studied piano and composition under Nicanor Abelardo in
Manila. However, his father wanted him to study law, so he shifted to commerce and
in 1931, he was able to finish business administration. He passed the board
examination for public accountants in 1932. He started to work in movies as the
music director of Sampaguita, LVN, Royal, Lea, Excelsior and Tagalog Ilang-ilang.
His notable compositions include the following:
 Maalala Mo Kaya (tango)
 Bayan Ko (nationalistic song)
 Pamaypay ng Maynila (balitaw)
 Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig (dansa)
 Ang Langit Ko’y Ikaw Sinta (dansa)
 Nasaan Ngayon ang Sumpa Mo sa Akin (Kundiman)

Levi Celerio
A very prolific songwriter and the 1997 National Artist for Music and Literature, Levi
Celerio was born on April 0, 1910 in Tondo, Manila. He studied at the Academy of
Music in Manila. He was the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s youngest member. He
died on April 2, 2002 at the age of 91 and was buried with full military honors at the
Libingan ng mga Bayani.
 Celerio’s compositions range from Philippine folk songs, Christmas songs, love
songs to patriotic songs. He wrote more than 4,000 songs and among them are the
following:

Christmas Songs
 Misa de Gallo Patriotic Songs
 Pasko na Naman
Tinig ng Bayan
 Ang Pasko ay Sumapit
Lupang Pangarap
Love Songs Ang Bagong Lipunan
Bagong Silang
 Ikaw
Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
 Kahit Konting Pagtingin
Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak
 Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan
O, Maliwanag na Buwan
 Saan Ka Man Naroroon?
Sapagkta Kami’y Tao Lamang
 Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal

Mike Velarde
Guided by the principle “Think Filipino Write Filipino, and Sound Filipino,” “Miguel
Mike” Velarde Jr. did not stop composing songs and movie scores that would reflect
the richness of our musical heritage. He was born on October 23, 1913 in Manila, but
after a year his family moved to Zamboanga. He is the second son of Miguel Velarde
Sr., a medical doctor and Dolores Guison, who could sing well an also play the piano.
At age 6, Velarde received his first training in music from his mother who taught him
piano and violin lessons. During high school, he was member of the orchestra of
Zamboanga Normal School. In 1931, he went to Manila to study medicine. However,
music being his calling, he decided to study music, which did not please his father. He
supported his own studies by even working as a bus conduct.
Exposing him to the works of Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco Santiago, Velrado
received his first lessons in composition and harmony from Antonio Molina and
Ariston Avelino. When he already learned basic principles of music, he continued to
study music all by himself. His first hit song titled “Ugoy-ugoy Blues,” which he played
on radio, was very popular. Some of his major works include the following:

Songs
 Habang Buhay, 1938 Amor Santo, 1935
Lahat ng Araw, 1939 Ulilang Puso, 1936
Minamahal Kita, 1940 Ala-ala Kita, 1938
Titibok-tibok, 1948

Movies Sa Hira at GInhawa, 1954

Diwa ng Karagatan, 1935
Madaling Araw, 1938
Nasaan Ka Irog, 1936
Ang Dating Sumpaan, 1939
Bituing Marikit, 1938
Niña Bonita, 1940

George Canseco
An applauded composer of memorable songs, George Canseco was born on April
23, 1934 in Naic, Cavite. He was the youngest of the three children of Dr. Jose
Conseco. He graduated from the University of the East with a Liberal Arts degree. He
did not have any formal training in music. But he studied piano on his own and was
able to write, notate and compose songs at an early age. When Martial Law was
declared on 1972, Canseco started to write music and Imelda Marcos commissioned
him to compose “Ako ay Pilipino,” he national tribute hymn.
His compositions included the following:
 Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng tagak, 1978
 Langit at Lupa, 1988
 Pieta, 1983
 Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita, 1989
 Magdusa Ka!, 1986
 Imortal, 1989
 Iyo ang Tondo, Kanya ang Cavite, 1986
 Ngayon at Kailanman, 1992
 Kailan Tama ang Mali, 1986
 Paano ang Ngayon Kung Wala ang Kahapon, 1995
 Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat, 1987
 Muling Ibalik ang Tamis ng Pag-big, 1998
 Informative Materials on Local Adaption of the Global Initiative
from the Local Health Center
There are international programs, strategies and initiatives that are related to health
and the protection of all persons. Such global initiatives are essential to ensure people’s
safety, health and welfare.
Global health initiatives can be adopted to local and national context in different ways.
The Philippines supports global health and development initiatives as guiding principles in
developing local policies and programs.

Millennium Development Goals (MDG)

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the eight international development
goals established after the United Nations (UN) Millennium Summit in 2000. The MDGs,
with concrete targets and indicators, originated from the Millennium Declaration of the
United Nations. All the 193 UN member-states, including the Philippines, signified their
commitment in achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
2. Achieve universal primary education.
3. Promote gender equality.
4. Reduce child mortality.
5. Improve maternal health.
6. Combat HIV or AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
7. Ensure environment sustainability.
8. Development global partnership for development.
The Millennium Development Goals focus on human capital, infrastructure and human
rights with the aim of increasing the standards of living of every citizen, thereby increasing
their capabilities to a more productive life.
a. Human capital – it focuses on improving nutrition, health care and education.
b. Infrastructure – the emphasis are on the environment, safe drinking water, information
technology, source of energy, transportation and sustainable agriculture.
c. Human rights – the emphasis are on empowering women, reducing violence,
increasing political voice and equal access to public service.
World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
(FCTC)
Tobacco consumption is the leading preventable cause of death globally. Thus, the
World Health Organization (WHO) came up with a framework on tobacco control during
the 56th World Health Assembly in 2003. It aims to protect the present and future
generations from the harmful effects of tobacco to health, society and environment.
Provisions in the treaty include rules that govern the production, sale, distribution,
advertisement, taxation and limitation of use in all forms of tobacco all over the world. The
framework is an effective tool in preventing non-communicable disease, such as
cardiovascular and lung diseases, cancer and diabetes.

Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013 to 2020

Recognizing the serious threats to the health of children and adults with mental health
disorders, the WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 was adopted
during the 66th World Health Assembly in May 2013. This global mental health in
achieving equity through universal health coverage with four major goals.
1. Strengthen effective leadership and governance for mental health.
2. Provide comprehensive, integrated mental health and social care service in
community-based settings.
3. Implement strategies for promotion and prevention in mental health.
4. Strengthen information systems, evidence-based practices and research for mental
health.

The provision for community-based care is an important direction set in the mental
health action plan that includes the person’s recovery, employment, education, housing
and social services. These will empower people with mental health disabilities, develop a
strong civil society and prevent any activities that may lead to such disabilities.

Global Strategy to Reduce to Harmful use of Alcohol

In 2010, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a resolution on public health
problems caused by the impact of alcohol use as global strategy. The strategy includes
interventions and policies for implementation at the national level, such as:
1. Leadership and commitment through development and strengthening of strategies for
reducing harmful use of alcohol.
2. Health services response that strengthens the health and social welfare systems for
implementation, prevention and treatment.
3. Community action on the ability of the local authorities to enhance actions in providing
information on effective community-based interventions.
4. Drinking and driving countermeasures like setting maximum limits for alcohol
concentrations and conducting random inspection.
5. Regulation availability of alcohol through its production and distribution and setting of
minimum legal drinking age.
6. Regulating and consistently monitoring the marketing of alcoholic beverages.

Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations The

Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) is a global partnership of public
and private sectors dedicated to immune every child. It was launched in the year 2000
when there was shortage of vaccines to children in developing countries. It was a joint
effort by WHO, UNICEF, World Bank and Melinda Gates Foundation and research and
technical agencies not only to finance the vaccines but also to make it more affordable to
the people.
The mission of GAVI is saving children’s lives and protecting people’s health by
increasing access to immunization in poor countries. Therefore, it helps in strengthening
the healthcare system capacity to delivery immunization and other health services in a
sustainable manner.

Tobacco Control The

Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) considers smoking as a national menace. Tobacco
consumption continuously increases, putting ling cancer as the second most common
cause of cancer deaths in the Philippines (Globocan,2018). Much greater and sustained
efforts are required to reinforce educational programs on the harmful impacts of tobacco
use on health.
Smoke should quit as soon as possible. The following are helpful tips for those who
want to quit successfully:
1. Set a realistic timeframe to achieve your goal.
2. Smoke one less cigarette each day.
3. Do not quit suddenly to avoid withdrawal effects.
4. Utilize alternatives to cigarettes, such as chewing gum.
5. Tell family and friends that you want quit to gain support.
6. Keep all objects that will remind you pf smoking, such as ashtrays and lighters.
7. Consult a doctor to assist you in quitting and also to help you manage withdrawal
effects.
Mental Health Action Plan The
goal of health education is to help individuals adopt or maintain health-enhancing
behaviors. Adoption of global mental health action plan must be implemented effectively
with the coordination of various government and nongovernmental agencies and private
partners. On the next page are some of the possible healthy behaviors related to
promoting mental and emotional health.
1. Be empathetic towards others.
2. Express feelings in healthy way.
3. Carry out personal responsibilities.
4. Seek help for troublesome feelings.
5. Establish and maintain healthy relationship.
6. Engage in activities that are mentally and emotionally healthy.
7. Prevent or manage internal conflict and stress in healthy ways.
8. Use self-control and impulse-control strategies to promote health.

Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol

According to the WHO Comparative Assessment of Risk Factors for Global
Assessment of Risk Factors for Global Burden Disease (2000), alcohol consumption
ranked as the fifth most important risk factor worldwide. WHO estimated that 2.5 million
people all over the world died of alcohol-related causes, such as vehicular accidents, liver
and heart disease and cancers. Such harm from alcohol affects public health and is one
of the main risk factors of poor health globally.
One strategy to reduce the harm brought by alcohol is to make it more inaccessible
especially to teenagers. Pricing policies can be used to reduce underage drinking
beverages is one of the most effective interventions to reduce harmful use of alcohol. This
is the reason behind House Bill 1026: Sin Taxes of the 18 th Philippine Congress. The bill
increases excise tax on alcohol products.
Furthermore, help to protect teenagers from the harm of alcohol use, peer counselling,
inclusion of the curriculum and promotion of better communication between parents and
children must be strengthened. You should also consider the effects that advertisements
have on you.

Vaccines and Immunization

In 2016, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) that was established in 1976
transitioned to become the National Immunization Program (NIP). It already included
immunizations of other populations, such as senior citizens, school-age children and
adolescents. The overall goal of NIP is to reduce the morbidity and mortality among
children and vulnerable groups against the most common vaccine-preventable diseases.
The original EPI ensured that infants and children had access to routinely
recommended vaccines that would protect them from six vaccine-preventable diseases:
tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles. The table shows
the vaccines included in the National Immunization Program. They are the following:

DISEASES PREVENTED OR TARGET

VACCINES
OR TARGET PATHOGENS
BCG (bacillus calmette-guérin) Tuberculosis
Monovalent Hep B Hepatitis B
Pentavalent vaccine (DTwP-Hib-HepB) Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis; Haemophilus influezae type
b; and Hepatitis B
Bivalent OPV (oral polio vaccine) Poliomyelitis
IPV (Pnemococcal conjugate vaccine) Streptoccal pneumonia
MMR Mumps, measles and rubella (Herman measles)
MR Measles and rubella
Td Tetanus and diphtheria
HPV Human papilloma virus that causes cervical cancer
JE Japanese encephalitis