Philippine Treasures Vol. 4

Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal (How Much I Love You) - Ernani Cuenco (1936-1988) Arranged by Jose Valdez
It is a ballad that was composed in 1979 with lyrics by Levi Celerio. The ballad won best musical direction in the Urian Award as theme of the 1980 movie of the same title starring Lito Lapid.

“Having left its mark on local movie music and on the Filipino music world in general, the song, which expresses genuine and undying love and faithfulness, is considered as a true Filipino classic.”
(From the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, vol. 6, p. 236)

Sa Batis ng Ligaya (The Stream of Happiness) - Angel Matias Peña (1921-2014)
The kundiman was composed during Angel Peña’s stint with pianist Bobby Enriquez in the island of Maui. He felt homesick and sad especially when his dear wife Josefina left for Honolulu after visiting him. At that point, he thought of writing a kundiman and dedicates it to his beloved wife. As he composed the piece and wrote its lyrics, a feeling of relief embraced him making him realize the significant role Josefina has played in his life since they first met. This song also expresses his sincere love for her and the gratitude he has for God for giving him a wife such as Jo.

Sa Kabukiran (In the Farmlands) - Manuel Velez Arranged by Jose Valdez
Sa Kabukiran (In the Farmlands) was originally written for soprano and first introduced in Cebu in 1928. Its gay and happy melodies reflect life in the farms without sadness. (www.himig.com.ph)

Sa Kabukiran was a Spanish song that was translated to Cebuano. The Tagalog lyrics was written by the National Artist for Music and Literature Levi Celerio and was popularized in a recording by Sylvia La Torre in 1940s that it became a movie in 1947.