Ma.Gabrielle M.

Trinilla
2-MT
PHIL. POPULAR CULTURE
MODULE 6

MODULE 6 – KUNDIMAN
OVERVIEW
In this module, the student will search on the development of kundiman and present samples of
these love songs
LEARNING OUTCOME
At the end of this module, the student should be able to:
1. Describe what is a kundiman
2. Identify some of the well known singers who promoted the kundiman
3. Sing and interpret a kundiman
CONTENT
A. Research on what is a kundiman. When was kundiman very popular?
 Kundiman is a type of traditional Filipino love ballad. Kundiman lyrics are composed in
Tagalog. A fluid, flowing, and soothing beat with dramatic intervals characterizes the
melody. In the Philippines, kundiman was the traditional form of serenade.
 The kundiman began as an art song towards the end of the nineteenth century, and its
musical structure was codified by Filipino composers like as Francisco Santiago and
Nicanor Abelardo in the early twentieth century; they sought poetry for their lyrics,
merging verse and melody in equal parts.

B. Who are the well known singers in this period?

 Ruben Tagalog (1922-1985) (dubbed as the "King of Kundiman")
 Ric Manrique Jr. (1941-2017)
 Larry Miranda
 Danilo Santos
 Cenon Lagman
 Armando Ramos
 Rudy Concepcion (1915-1940)
 Sylvia La Torre (b. 1933) (dubbed as the "Queen of Kundiman")
 Conching Rosal
 Dely Magpayo (1920-2008)
 Cely Bautista
 Carmen Camacho (b. 1939)
 Rosario Moreno
 Mabuhay Singers
 Diomedes Maturan (1941-2002)
  Eva Vivar
 Rhodora Silva
Who is Ruben Tagalog? Sylvia La Torre?
 Ruben Tagalog, better known by the Family name Ruben Tagalog, was a popular Actor, singer.
he was born on October 18, 1922, in La Paz, Iloilo City, Philippine Islands. Iloilo City is a
beautiful and populous city located in La Paz, Iloilo City, Philippine Islands Philippines. Ruben
Tagalog entered the career as Actor, singer In his early life after completing his formal education.
Ruben Tagalog was a Filipino actor and musician, famous for his works in the Kundiman style.
He was also one of the founders of the singing group Mabuhay Singers. He is known as the
Father of Kundiman. He performed for the Japanese during their occupation of the Philippines.
 Sylvia La Torre, known as "The Queen of Kundiman", is a Filipina singer, actress, and radio star.
La Torre is the daughter of Filipino artist Leonora Reyes and director Olive La Torre. She is the
mother of actor Bernie Pérez and actress Cheche. Based in California for many years now, Sylvia
is a pioneering performer in the Philippines. She is the first Filipino talent to enjoy a very
successful career in all major entertainment fields in the Philippines: radio, television, record,
stage and film.
 Life and Career
A coloratura soprano, she graduated from the University of Santo Tomas
Conservatory of Music with a degree in Music major in Voice and minor in Piano. She
began singing in 1938 at the age of five, when she entered a singing competition in
Manila. She started performing in theater during World War II. In 1948, she joined the
Manila Grand Opera House. Her first song release was "Si Petite Mon Amour" under the
Bataan Records label in 1950. She later moved to Villar Records. She was known as "The
Queen of Kundiman" in the 1950s and 1960s.She began to make films in 1941 (Ang
Maestra), moving to Sampaguita Pictures, the studio her father worked at as a director.
She now lives in Los Angeles.
C. Collect samples of kundiman.
 Minamahal Kita (1940) Mike Velarde Jr.
 Dahil sa Iyo (1937) Mike Velarde Jr.
 Bituing Marikit (1926) Nicanor Abelardo
 Pakiusap (1921) Francisco Santiago
 Ang Maya (1905) Jose Estrella
 Usahay
 Mutya ng Pasig (1926) Nicanor Abelardo
 Madaling Araw (1938) Francisco Santiago
 Buhat (1939) Mike Velarde Jr.
 Irog Ako Ay Mahalin Ric Manrique Jr.

D. Choose one kundiman and be ready to sing and interpret the song. You will prepare a video of
yourself singing a kundiman and explain the message of the song.
E. Submit your research and song in pdf file at lhidalgo_2ndsem2021_2022@yahoo.com on March
7, 2022