Angelo Favis | Philippine Treasures Vol. 1

Angelo Favis
Philippine Treasures Vol. 1

The roots & culture of Filipino folksongs and serenades, soulfully interpreted on classical guitar (solo) for a universal audience.

  1. Dolores Paterno: Sampaguita (refers to the fragrant national flower)
  2. Restituto Umali: Saan Ka Man Naroroon (Wherever You May Be)
  3. Traditional: Doon Po Sa Amin (In Our Town)
  4. Traditional: Ay Kalisud (Oh, How Hard It Is)
  5. Contancio de Guzman: Maalaala Mo Kaya (Will You Remember)
  6. Contancio de Guzman: Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig (My True Love)
  7. Miguel Velarde, Jr.: Buhat (When)
  8. Leopoldo Silos: Lagi Kitang Naaalala (I Always Remember You)
  9. Miguel Velarde, Jr.: Minamahal Kita (I Love You)
  10. Antonio Molina: Hatinggabi (Midnight)
  11. Nicanor Abelardo: Mutya Ng Pasig (muse of the Pasig River - which runs through Manila)

“This is music that simply must be heard, and once heard, cherished and listened to again and again. The warmth and sentimentality of it softly beckons the listener. While it is culturally and historically important as the 19th and early 20th century roots of contemporary Filipino music, it is the emotion and the colors of the times from which the music sprang that gives us story and lesson about what was and is Filipino. Most certainly Lolas and Lolos will give endless blessings to the thoughtful child or grandchild who gifts her or him with these precious sounds.

But here as well is the beautiful solitude of the way the music is played: so intimately that the very soul of the song can be felt and understood acrossgenerationsandcultures- so delicately that the softest ring of even one string of the guitar resonates color and meaning.

So listen, truly listen and enjoy the wordlesspoetry of Philippine culture as song. Take pride as well in knowing that Angelo Favis, the musical artist, is -like the music- also Filipino.”

Daniel Phil Gonzales JD
Assoc. Prof. Asian American Studies
San Francisco State University