Notes on Himig Mindanao Repertoire

1        Sa Ngalan Ng Ama – I only heard this song once in a radio by Freddie Aguilar and since then I wasted no time arranging it. The timeless message of the song is simply plausible and could easily relate with audience and I feel it is the most suited opening number in an album and concert specially for Himig Mindanao.

 2 Pambansang Awit – originally in Key of F but I have transposed to make the necessary balance for SATB voice. The arranger of the song as I have it on my file is not indicated. I’m recommending this arrangement because it is very easy to learn.

3 Bayan ko/Mindanao – This popular song completes Part I of opening numbers. Arrangement is by Prof. Lina Abrio (RIP). The arrangement is typical Abrio – balanced, simple and powerful. I was his last student in piano and just missed one (1) meeting before his untimely death in 2000. Mindanao is my banner song and portion of which was added to Bayan ko as an adlib to provide local color.

4 Duyog Kaniya – A song for people empowerment inspired by the beauty of Kalatungan Range and Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon. Composed early morning while the leader in Dawn Rosary blared in a megaphone “Mata namo brother and sisters kay magsugod na ta!” in San Vicente Ferrer, Forchacu 3, Kalilangan, Bukidnon. The area is within the 16,000 hectares enclave carved out from 43,000 Military Reservation. The rare colorful double rainbow in the afternoon over the two mountains make it the perfect place for rainbow hunting and viewing in the Region.

5 Manggagawa – a tribute to all workers specially the laborers, farmers to be steadfast in their work and taking care very well their health, one of their most prized possession given by God.

6 Tulad ng Ibon – a reflection on the comparison between a bird and man showing that their similarity in many aspect specially their longing for freedom. A kulasisi left hanging by the window brought all the way from La Paz, Agusan del Sur the rest died from cat’s attack, suicide and nature’s unpredictability led to this composition. Man differed to as many species of birds there is. Ibong Mandirigma from the song refers to alien though driven out from Subic still caught many Filipinos captive.

7 Magsasaka – first song written when I was assigned as MARO in Veruela, one of the rivertown in Agusan del Sur. This composition won 3^rd Prize in 1991 National Songwriting Contest sponsored by DAR Central Office. The award inspired me to write more songs thus completing my Himig Mindanao album.

8. Maguindanao Massacre–Tribute to the victims of Maguindanao Massacre of Nov. 2009 killing 57 innocent people 34 of whom were from Media sectors. Actually two of whom were my buddies then  at Mindanao Gold Star Daily before I transferred to Sunstar Daily writing column in Mindaview since January 2010. Buluan is actually where I graduated elementary 1970. And never was its peace blown out and destroyed than when such infamy was perpetrated in Nov. 2009.

9. Mindanao -is the summary of my impression of the hostile environment in Agusan del Sur gathered from experience and those directly suffering from the continuing hostility on late 80’s to early 90’s particulary in Bunawan, San Luis, Veruela and the rest of the rivertowns of La Paz and  Loreto. Listeners depending on where they stand varied in their reactions. Masyadong masakit tell the military and the progressive ones. They are right because of the option of violence taken leading to excesses committed against the civilians mostly of whom sacrificed as they were caught in the crossfires. When would we ever learn? While there is still  time to talk of peace or when we ourselves are blown into pieces! Listen to the longing of a son celebrating birthday of his father whose life vanished into thin air never heard of again after conducting a missionary work in the hinterlands. When would his waiting in perpetuity ends?.

10 Pagsuyo – was deliberately treated kundiman’s way. The song tells the story of two lovers, the man wanting to be reconciled to his erstwhile sweetheart who because he had been living underground before Power in EDSA tried in swooning back her heart qualifying that what happened is merely a stage they have to pass through that somewhere out there still lies bright future for them, a metaphor for the country where freedom was regained after the harrowing experience under dictatorship.

11 Mang Andres – is Andres Bonifacio, one of Philippine hero representing the working class. Admittedly, this song was the hardest among the compositions in Himig Mindanao. Among others, I conducted research on the life of Bonifacio (at Medina, Municipal Library at Misamis Oriental) on top of making relevant music of the past (rondalla) using banduria. But the result is worth the effort as many listeners confide that this work is one of what they like best.

12 Malitbog Hymn – composed for Malitbog, Bukidnon, my third assignment  as Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer. The lyrics of the song simply speaks the beauty of this municipality. Music was adapted from RFM March.

13 Let’s  Get It On (Tribute to Pacman)- written right after winning the Grand Finale (Performed by Mike, John Rafael and Boboy) on Nov. 19, 2006.

14   Kalikasan/Masdan – a song born out of disgust over unsightly rare traffic jam in Agusan del Sur River – countless logs clogging in the river. This bad experience was further aggravated by similar scene showing hundred of logs neatly filed inside Dominirog forest in Bukidnon early 90’s. Masdan of course is Asin’s Masdan ang Kapaligiran, actually the first social protest song against destruction of environment. I have it remixed here with Kalikasan as descant to highlight amazing drama of destruction going on unabated more than two decades later.

15 Ale Maria Maganda – a song dedicated to all women. She could be your mother, friend, wife or lover. The gospel portrays her as important historical figure dear to Jesus. The awakening I had from the reading of Holy Blood and Holy Grail and Da Vinci Code resulted to this composition. Guess who is she.

16   Eli, Eli – was the youngest among ten children orphaned by on-going hostility. He was rocked in a cradle when I arrived in Sampaguita, a barrio in Veruela, Agusan del Sur. Forsaken like Christ on the cross crying Eli, Eli Sabachtani for My Fod, My God, why have you forsaken me, Eli was left to the care of his uncle just like the rest of his sisters and brothers and don’t know what the future has in store for him. In the world of hostility, Eli simply represents the great majority of the excesses on the  continuing hostility between military and perceived enemies.

17         Buhay – stresses the importance life. It is not ours to spend, but God’s. We’re just here to share His love to each one. This work was written with Renenio Cagang in mind. He was my bosom friend back then at College at Xavier University sharing the same extracurricular activities – Catechism – among pupils at Central Elementary School. That was the last time I remember him as he later joined the underground movement becoming top commander in Bukidnon with P500,000.00 for his capture. The ceasefire during Pres. Aquino’s term ironically ended his life as he became victim of double cross after negotiation.

18         RFM March – is originally an Alma Mater song for Malitbog Agriculture School requested by Mrs. Yee, the school’s principal for 2006 Graduation. It could also be good courtesy writing it for Romblon Agricultural College, Odiongan, Romblon, my Alma Mater which provided a break at my early age.  Playing it however as arranged for a band, makes it very appropriate marching piece; hence, RFM March.

19 Magtulungan Tayo – This Tagalog adaptation of The Greatest Love of All was included as fitting closing song for Himig Mindanao. The message calling for unity, helping one another tells it all.

20 The Lord’s Prayer…I Believe – finally sealed Himig Mindanao what with Christ himself enjoining all us to love one another as much as possible delivering us from evil in whatever form it manifests.