Dr. Francisco Santiago

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 29, 1889

Dr. Francisco S. Santiago (January 29, 1889 - September 28, 1948), the Father of Kundiman Art Song, was born to Felipe Santiago and Maria Santiago in Santa Maria, Bulacan. 

He pursued his studies in piano although they were poor. In 1916, he became a piano instructor just when the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music was established. 

His most famous piece Kundiman (Anak Dalita), was sung upon the request of King Alphonso XIII before the Royal Court of Spain in 1917. 

Santiago along with Nicanor Abelardo and Antonio Molina came to be known as the musical triumvirates of the Philippines. 

Among his compositions were “Sakali Man," "Hibik ng Filipinas," "Pakiusap," "Ang Pag-ibig," "Suyuan," "Alaala Kita," "Ikaw at Ako," "Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran?,” “Hatol Hari Kaya?,” "Sakali't Mamatay," "Dalit ng Pag-ibig," "Aking Bituin," "Madaling Araw" and "Pagsikat ng Araw." 

The “Concerto in B Flat Minor” for piano and orchestra, considered his masterpiece, was presented at the Chicago Music School where he also received his doctorate degree in 1924. 

He was the musical director for the films “Manileña," "Madaling Araw” and "Pakiusap." 

From 1930-1946, he was the director of the U.P. Conservatory of Music, and was named U.P. Emeritus Professor of Piano Forte and Orchestra on May 25, 1946.

His “Anak Dalita” was popularized by Honorata “Atang” dela Rama, National Artist for Theater and Music, and the first Filipina Film actress. “Pilipinas Kong Mahal" was composed by Santiago and written by Ildefonso Santos in 1931 during the American colonial period. 

Dr. Francisco Santiago died on September 28, 1947.

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