MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Honoring the enduring legacy of the country’s National Artists for Music, the University of the Philippines Manila Chorale (UPMC), in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), proudly presents the restaging of Tanglaw: Pamana ng Himig (Guiding Light: Legacy of Music) concert with the special collaboration of National Artist for Music Ramon P. Santos, at the historic Metropolitan Theater Manila this coming March 29, 2026.
Tanglaw: Pamana ng Himig seeks to illuminate and celebrate the richness of Philippine cultural heritage by bringing to life the timeless works of the country’s National Artists for Music, offering audiences a deeper appreciation of their lasting contributions to Filipino artistry.
The initiative was conceived during the 2025 observance of Buwan ng Wika, continuing UPMC’s commitment to celebrating Filipino heritage through performance. From here, the Chorale gave life and harmony to the works of the National Artists for Music as the bedrock of the country’s musical tradition — an enduring tribute to their profound influence on Filipino cultural identity.
At the heart of the concert’s artistic narrative is the theme of creation, conveyed through the metaphor of light. Through this lens, the performance illuminates how himig (music) becomes a vessel through which pamana (legacy) is both perceived and continually shaped, offering audiences a deeper reflection on the evolving nature of Filipino musical heritage.
The concert will feature a repertoire presented under various themes, including “Dinggin Mo. O Yahweh,” “Kaslonon,” and “Tuksuban” by Ramon Santos; “Digdiwi,” “Ay Kalisud,” and “Kaming Magmamani” arrangement by Antonio Buenaventura; “Purihin si Yahweh” by Lucrecia Kasilag; “Umawit Kang Masaya” by Lucio San Pedro; “Ang Pagpapala” by Francisco Feliciano; “Buligi and O Bayan Ko” by Ryan Cayabyab; “Lagi Kitang Naalala” by Leopoldo Silos with arrangement by Noel Velasco; “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” by Ernani Cuenco, Levi Celerio with arrangement by Mark Anthony Carpio; “Kenkoy” by Nicanor Abelardo with arrangement by Ruben Federizon; “Galawgaw” by Levi Celerio with arrangement by Fidel Calalang Jr.; and lastly, “Payapang Daigdig” by Felipe de Leon with arrangement by Lucio San Pedro.
In bringing these works to the stage, Tanglaw: Pamana ng Himig underscores the lasting significance of the country’s National Artists for Music, emphasizing how their compositions remain significant in preserving and advancing the nation’s music scene and shared heritage.
For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Chief Administrative Officer and Head, Public Affairs and Information Office, through [email protected] or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.
