Advisories & News
Press Release
PCG Toronto Presents a Webinar on Kundiman, the Philippine National Art Song
2022-03-01
PR-2022-05
Toronto, 28 February – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto is pleased to inform that in celebration of the Philippine National Arts Month in February, the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto held a webinar presentation on 28 February 2022 at 6:30 PM (EST) with the subject “Kundiman: Examining the Philippine National Art Song,” which was conducted by Mr. Antoniel Roca of York University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Music Program.
Mr. Roca shared part of his ethnomusicology doctoral study which touched on the kundiman music genre, and the ways it was utilized as propaganda during both the revolution against Spain and the United States. He enlightened the audience on the differences between the Kundiman and the Philippine’s other musical forms, the Kumintang and the Awit. Mr. Roca also presented on the Kundiman’s foremost creators —- Francisco Santiago, the father of Kundiman; and Nicanor Abelardo, who became known as the king of Kundiman. The presentation was made more enriching and enjoyable with the playing of samples of Philippine music, which were chosen to bring to life and better understanding the points that were underlined during the webinar presentation.
The one-hour webinar was capped by a question and answer portion wherein the participants were able to direct questions for Mr. Roca’s answer and clarification. Sentro Rizal-Toronto hopes that the webinar will encourage the curiosity and more interest in Filipino music. Consul General Orontes V. Castro also presented Mr. Antoniel Roca with a certificate of appreciation for his generosity in sharing his learnings and research findings on the Philippine national art song, the Kundiman.
The webinar was attended by 52 participants from all over Canada and other countries, who are interested to learn about Philippine music, its origins, historical impact and development to its current forms. Most of them are also regular followers of Sentro Rizal-Toronto’s webinar offerings on Philippine history, culture and heritage which are held throughout the year. Consul Mary Grace Villamayor served as the Moderator of the webinar. The webinar will be made available through the Consulate General’s Facebook page after its live presentation to allow later interested viewers. END—
#Sentro Rizal