Kuwentong Peyups by Atty. Dennis Gorecho
I grew up in the 1970s to ‘80s watching classic Philippine cinema in a black-and-white family TV set that frequently featured traditional Filipino love songs called kundiman.
The film “Bituing Marikit” (1937) takes both its title and its iconic theme song from the famous 1926 kundiman composed by Nicanor Abelardo.
With Elsa Oria and Rogelio de la Rosa as the main cast, the film is a milestone in Philippine cinema, recognized as the first full-length feature film produced by the legendary studio Sampaguita Pictures.
Some of the Filipino artists associated with kundiman include Diomedes Maturan, Sylvia La Torre, and Pepe Pimentel as well as Armida Siguion Reyna with her artist-guests in “Aawitan Kita.”
I also usually hear my father sing kundiman songs with a classical guitar.
“Bituing Marikit” was likewise featured in two entries in the recent Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival – “Apol of my Ai” and “Beast”.
Kundiman is characterized by a melancholic, soulful melody with dramatic intervals that builds to an emotional crescendo.
The songs are traditional Filipino art songs that express courtship, irrevocable affection and deep romantic love, often with underlying themes of nationalism and devotion to the country.
When natives’ patriotic expression was deemed taboo under Spanish rule, revolutionaries used these romantic melodies to safely express love for the Philippines without raising suspicion.
Kundiman emerged around the late 19th and early 20th centuries during a movement against western musical traditions.
Key composers like Francisco Santiago and Abelardo acted as pioneers, writing songs that borrowed elements from traditional folk music and texts which served as platforms for reclaiming nationalist Pilipino identity.
According to Nicanor Tiongson in Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, the kundiman plays up the essential roots of Pilipino psyche: “sentimentality, yearning for freedom from want and deprivation, and the aspiration for a better future.”
In 1916, Abelardo entered the newly-established University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music. During his studies, he composed the melody of the university’s official anthem, UP Naming Mahal, in 1917.
“Apol of My Ai” is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that explores first love, family dynamics, and classic kundiman music.
The film follows 10-year-old Apolinario “Apol” Medina Jr. (Zion Cruz), whose mother passed away and whose single father, Poli (Zanjoe Marudo), recently returned from working abroad as a folk singer in Japan to take care of his son.
The movie weaves classic Filipino kundiman music into the narrative, using it to help the young boy process grief, family changes, and his relationship with his father. It also touches on the emotional toll of being away from family to make a living.
Father and son struggle to connect after years of separation. However, both found it difficult to connect to each other as father and son.
Having lived without him for most his life, Apol believed that he did not need his father anymore and shunned his father’s efforts to establish rapport with him. Poli recognized that owing to his long absence, earning his son’s trust back would not be an easy process.
Complications arise when Apol develops an innocent crush on his substitute music teacher, Ma’am Ai (Rochelle Pangilinan), unaware that his father is also falling for the same woman.
Poli performs kundiman and other Filipino classics as part of an OFW band. His experience offers a striking parallel to Apol’s introduction to the same music through his school chorale, connecting father and son through songs written long before either of them was born.
Music became one of the bridges between Poli and Apol when words alone are not enough.
Among the songs featured are Abelardo’s “Bituing Marikit,” Santiago’s “Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran” and Rick Manrique’s “Ikaw ang Ligaya Ko”.
Poli again had to leave Apol to join a cruise liner as one of its onboard entertainers.
Filipino seafarers, musicians, and singers are world-renowned for providing vibrant top-tier musical entertainment. performing in lounges, theaters, and dining rooms across nearly every major international cruise line.
Many crew members—working primarily as hospitality staff, waiters, or marine officers—surprise guests with world-class vocal talents during onboard crew shows, guest interactions, and passenger karaoke events. They form the backbone of onboard live entertainment.
Starring John Arcilla, the movie “Beast” centers on an old farmer named Omeng who embarks on a whimsical road trip from Bulacan to Manila with his loyal carabao, Bob.
The connection to the song occurs when the farmer suddenly discovers that his carabao can talk—and the very first thing the carabao does to reveal this magical ability is sing “Bituing Marikit”.
The film “Apol of My Ai” won Best Actor for Marudo, Best Child Performer for Cruz, and Best Musical Scoring.
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