Mga Awit ng Himagsikan - A Lecure Concert in the UK
Pietro E Reyes, III
Tanggapin ang aking wagas na pag-ibig. Marubdob na ningas na taglay sa
dibdib sang the the revolutionaries of Bulacan as they strode into battle.
"Jocelynang Baliwag" was the most famous song of the Philippine Revolution
of 1896-1898. Better known as the Kundiman of the Revolution, this
expression of "total love" for Josefa "Pepita" Tiongson, a beautiful
Bulacan maiden, came to symbolise the Filipinos longing for their freedom
from Spain. The kundiman, a song which expresses love and heroism set in a
melancholy mood, then as now, suits our romantic disposition. Rather than
martial tunes and marches, it was love songs that inspired the patriotic
fervour of the Filipinos.
"Jocelynang Baliwag" as well as other songs first composed and sung during
the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1898 will be performed by Raul M Sunico,
one of our finest international concert pianists, on 17 May at the Royal
College of Music. Together with renowned painter Manuel D Baldemor, Sunico
will be presenting a Lecture-Concert and Exhibit entitled "Mga Awit ng
Himagsikan" to the Filipino community in London. A project of Tawid
Publications of Manila, this unique event has been sponsored by the
Department of Foreign Affairs to allow Filipinos abroad to participate in
one of the most engaging Philippine Centennial projects.
Archival research and personal interviews conducted by Tawid producer,
Evelyn Cabanban, have rediscovered for the Filipino nation the words and
music that expressed out country's struggle against colonial rule.
Cabanban's efforts to preserve a vital part of our cultural heritage spurred
Raul Sunico to compose new musical arrangements for voice and solo piano.
These include hauntingly memorable songs like "Kundiman ni Rizal." Written
and composed by national hero, Jose Rizal, its words lament the silenced
tongue and heart of the Philippines. Another poem by the "Supremo" of the
Katipunan, Andres Bonifacio has been set to original music by Sunico. Bold
and fierce, "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" proclaims Bonifacioąs
uncompromising ideology.
Although his friendship for Sunico ensured Baldemorąs early involvement in
the project, as it unfolded the painter found his imagination stimulated by
the richness and diversity of Cabanban's discoveries. One of the
Philippines' most gifted artists, Baldemor has created an oil painting for
each of the songs. The London tour will be a rare opportunity to view this
unique record of the revolution.
The "Mga Awit ng Himagsikan" Lecture-Concert is currently on a nation-wide
tour of the Philippines. Bringing to our school children the story of our
countryąs struggles towards nationhood has been an exhilarating and humbling
experience for Sunico.
Last October, during launch ceremonies for the Concert and Exhibition, Dr
Salvador Laurel, Chairman of the Philippine Centennial Commission, paid a
handsome tribute to Sunico and Baldemor. To noted author and historian,
Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, the Concert "combined music and history in
felicitous proportions, tickled the mind, aroused the emotions; in short,
was a rare delight."
On 17 May in the presence of Baldemorąs vibrant paintings and with Sunico,
lecturing and demonstrating on the piano, our community, particularly
children and students, will be encouraged to participate and explore the
historical background to these songs.
Net proceeds from the London Concert will help finance an infant feeding
programme in Payatas, a 3000 hectare slum district in Quezon City and
Montalban. Jose Rizal called the youth of the Philippines the "Fair hope of
the Fatherland." A century after his death, hunger and deprivation continue
to haunt too many young Filipinos.
"Mga Awit ng Himagsikan" Lecture-Concert and Exhibit, Sunday, 17 May at the
Royal College of Music Concert Hall, Prince Consort Road, London SW7
Exhibition preview from 6:30 pm, Concert at 7:15 pm. Interested parties
please contact Pepot Noche of Optima Travel at 0171-734-9200.
Tickets are priced at Ł20.00 and Ł10.00 each.