The Musical Heritage of Cebu

One thing Cebuanos and Visayans in general are remarkable for is their culturally rich and diverse music. Their inherent love for music was observed by the Spanish Jesuit missionary Francisco Alzina in the 17th century (1668) who described it best: “A Visayan is hardly seen ceasing to sing, unless sick and when he is asleep.” He pointed out that not only Visayans appeared to be constantly singing, but that they were notably skilled in playing indigenous musical instruments, from the kudyapi (lute) to the korlong (fiddle) that they “speak and make love to one another.”

Of course, the Cebuanos have folk songs aptly depicting the local life of the region. Remember children singing “Pakitongkitong” or “Si Pilemon” while at play? And then neighbors would relax and farmers would take a break to sing or whistle songs, such as “Ang Lungsod sa Buenavista”. Songs were sung for a variety of reasons and occasions. Cebuanos have a number of laylay (lullabies), occupational songs, balitaw (debate songs), harana (love and courtship songs) and even drinking songs. All songs tell a story, whether sad, anxious, or happy. And for these folk songs, nobody could tell who sang them first. It seemed all were born with a song in their hearts.

The Spanish colonial period brought about Western influences that added enduring texture to Cebuano music traditions. Take, for instance, the local lute, which evolved and became the sista (spanish guitar). Now, Cebu is recognized not only as home to gifted guitar players but excellent guitar makers, as well. Eventually, the so-called 20th century Cebuano classics found their way to the booming music recording industry, at a time when sarswelas were already a big hit on stage theaters. Soon after, songs would be frequently heard from 45 rpms to Long-Playing (LP) vinyl records played in phonographs. These were also aired on radio stations where, interestingly, most of the prolific and creative composers worked. Finally then, everybody watched them in modern times through film and television.

Topping the list of Cebuano classics often played until now are “Matud Nila” (1941), “Kasadya Ning Taknaa” (1933), “Sa Kabukiran” (1941), and “Rosas Pandan” (1938). Composed by the likes of Ben Zubiri, Vicente Rubi, Manuel Velez, and Minggoy Lopez, these composers had produced musical legacies like no other. However, as noted by Filipino musician Gary Granada, (who produced The Music of Gyud, a salute to 20th century Cebuano classics, with the National Commission for Culture & the Arts), these priceless masterpieces of Cebuano music “seem bound to be erased from the hearts and habits of an otherwise dynamic and proud people.” In a global era of foreign-induced mainstream culture, Filipinos and perhaps the Cebuano in particular, tend to veer off from their own, and easily adapt to things and thoughts Occidental, sometimes sacrificing local identity. Thus, the need to go back and re-awaken in the Cebuanos the love for their own conscious past oftentimes belatedly appreciated until someone unveils it.

Recently, Cebu’s music scene has steadily increased in terms of promotional activities that encourage musical creativity and performances. Indeed foretelling is the presence of a Visayan music museum, the Jose R. Gullas (JRG) Halad Museum, a brainchild of Dr. Jose “Dodong” Gullas. As the lines from the museum’s theme song go, titled Awit Ni Dodong, written by Leo Lastimosa and composed by the late Maestro Mil Villareal, “tugoting akong buntogon / ang kabangis sa panahon / bisan sa limot motabon / ikaw kanunayng handumon.” More than a cultural attraction, the JRG Halad Museum has made aggressive efforts in preserving music, renewing appreciation, and deepening the learning of Cebu’s musical past. By bringing together memorabilia of Cebuano composers and artists, these works and artifacts celebrate the imaginative Visayan folk life and language.

Music, as an intangible art form, and Cebuano songs, vanishing with the passage of time, are given a “tangible platform to preserve and disseminate these works” at the JRG Halad Museum. Visitors are treated to a musical delight and transported to a time of rural lifestyles, serenades and tartanillas (horse-drawn carriage) highly evoking nostalgic images. Adults, duly assisted, may put on vinyl records on a modern turntable. Children are provided tactile experiences to touch (and even play) musical instruments from the indigenous to the classical. Everyone has the chance to listen to and sing along with original Cebuano songs via mp3s and music booths. The songs deserved to be heard by all especially the younger generation, after all, “Cebuano songs are the most melodious,” declared Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales. Visayan music is veritably about striking verses and is teeming with appealing rhymes and rhythms of love.

In addition, Halad Museum has expanded its collections to include indigenous music and instruments which are integral in understanding the Filipino legacy. Without cultural and indigenous heritage, we are like living in a vacuum. To look back at history is to become grounded in culture and, so, proud of our inheritance, hence, a better appreciation and concern for our nation.

Come May 31, 2013, the JRG Halad Museum will celebrate International Museums Day and Heritage Month by participating in the annual Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage) organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI). Together with 33 other destinations, JRG Halad Museum will open its doors to the public from 6 p.m. to midnight on May 31 (Friday) to encourage visitors to understand and appreciate these destinations as venues for cultural understanding, fun and dynamic learning.

The Gabii sa Kabilin ticket worth Php 150 is an admission ticket for all destinations, unlimited Gabii sa Kabilin-designated bus rides, and one tartanilla trip within the city’s old district. Admission is free for children aged seven and below. Tickets are available at any of the participating museums.

For more information about the JRG Halad Museum, please contact (032) 268-2579 or like its Facebook page, www. facebook.com/JRGHalad Museum . For your Gabii sa Kabilin ticket needs, you may also call the JRG Halad Museum or email halad. museum@gmail.com.

For more information about Gabii sa Kabilin, please contact (032) 418-7234 loc. 703, or visit www. facebook.com/rafi.org.ph or follow @rafi orgph on Twitter. To reserve your tickets, you may also visit www.rafi. org.ph/event/2013-gsk-reserve.

Know your roots. Experience music at the JRG Halad Museum!