Maturation

Rosendo’s output flourished as his confidence strengthened, and his opportunities likewise accumulated. Many of his peers at the University of the Philippines themselves would become influential in building musical institutions in the postwar years, which continue to resonate in their contributions in our own time. It is remarkable to recognize the energy that these young artists fostered in their collaborations in this promising new era of opportunity, and to acknowledge the impact they each had in their individual careers. We all are grateful that Rosendo’s inclination to save newspaper articles, programs, and other artifacts affords us a unique view of these personalities as they all begin creating their own momentum.

KZFM Music Hour:
When World War II was over, KZFM was the first radio station to return on the air. It reopened in 1945 and was operated by the US Army Office of War Information. The station became the nucleus of the Philippine Broadcasting System. A regular program was “The Music Appreciation Hour,” conducted by the legendary Felipe Padilla de Leon. Rosendo’s music was featured on October 24, 1948 from 2-3 o’clock p.m. The featured vocalists for this program were Adoracion Musa (1928-2006), soprano and Aristeo Velasco, tenor. Miss Musa performed Rosendo’s Bituin ng Panaginip, Dreams of Spring, and The Nightingale. Musa (later married to Francisco Orara) was an opera and folk singer featured on wartime radio programs and in “golden years” of cinema. In her best-known performance, she sang the opening song and theme for the classic Filipino film “Mutya ng Pasig” (1950). In the United States, the homemaker and foster mother was founder of the Filipino American Women’s Club of NY.

Announcement of the KZFM Music Appreciation Hour, featuring Rosendo’s music. The Sunday Times, October 24, 1948

On Sunday, August 28, 1949, the Music Appreciation Hour featured Rosendo’s songs, Paraluman and Dreams of Spring, sung by vocalist Nenita Gorosin.

UP Conservatory of Music Joint Graduation Recital:
Much fanfare preceded this major event featuring the pianist (and swimmer!) Andrea C. Ofilada and Rosendo E. Santos, Jr. The recital took place at the Villamor Hall on Saturday, December 4, 1948 at 5 o’clock p.m. Assisting the featured artists was the U.P. symphony conducted by Maestro Ramon Tapales. Ofilada (Veneracion) (1928-2013) would graduate with degrees in Piano and Voice from UP-Diliman, accompanist for Jovita Fuentes, receive her master’s degree in Voice at Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana, and then return to UP to found the UP Madrigal Singers (Madz) in 1963. In 1999, she was named National Artist for Music, the highest cultural award bestowed by the Philippine government for an individual.

Andrea C. Ofilada (Veneracion) in The Manila Chronicle, Friday, December 3, 1948.
Announcement of the joint graduation recital of Andrea Ofilada and Rosendo E. Santos, Jr. in The Evening News. Thursday, December 2, 1948.
Joint Graduation Recital: Andrea C. Ofilada, piano and Rosendo E. Santos, Jr., composer. Saturday, December 4, 1948.

Provincial Capitol Dedication Ceremony:
Rosendo would compose music for special occasions, organizations, and individual people throughout his life. At the dedication of the new Provincial Capitol Building completed and occupied by June 1, 1948, he composed his Provincial Capitol March, in addition to having his song The Nightingale performed at this event held on December 11, 1948. This was attended by dignitaries as honorable as Elpidio Quirino, President of the Philippines.

A Brief History of the Provincial Capitol. December 11, 1948
Rosendo’s music was featured at this historic dedication ceremony to the new Provincial Capitol Building in Cavite. December 11, 1948.

DZRH Moments of Philippine Melodies Hour
Established on July 15, 1939, DZRH is the oldest private radio station, and the second oldest radio station in the Philippines, after the government-owned DZRB. Rosendo’s music was occasionally featured on the weekly program Moments of Philippine Melodies Hour, Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Broadcasted on July 18, then again on July 25, 1954, three artists featured his music. Mrs. Margaret S. Dailey, mezzo-soprano, and soloist of the Sangley Point Station Choir performed, “Peace” and “Answer” and American mezzo-soprano Angelina London performed “Ikaw Lamang” and “Linda” with Rosendo accompanying at the piano. Also, pianist Eloida Samoy performed his entire 3 movement “The Mountain City Suite” for piano”: I. Bontok Ili, II. Birds on the Pines, III. Igorot Wedding Feast which are all based on Igorot themes and written in the modern idiom.

Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor (1952):
Rosendo by his 30s was already composing music for larger ensembles and longer forms, demonstrating maturity in his writing and availability of opportunities to write for established professional ensembles. His Piano Concerto in G minor was completed and already receiving multiple performances in the 1950s: the first performance in March of 1952 at Rosendo’s own graduation recital in the UP Conservatory of Music, and the second during a commencement concert also at UP. One of the most notable was this performance on November 28, 1954 for the Graduation Recital of pianist Virginia Lapus y Luno, candidate for Bachelor of Music at Holy Ghost College Music Department. The full orchestra accompaniment was performed by the Manila Concert Orchestra, under the direction of Lt. Col. Antonino Buenaventura. This performance was preserved via recording, which previously only existed on a vinyl disc, but now has been uploaded with the condensed score for 2 pianos in Rosendo’s own penmanship.

Graduation Recital program (1954) for Virginia Lapus y Luno, piano.
Virginia Lapus y Luno with the Manila Concert Orchestra under the direction of Lt. Col. Antonino Buenaventura. She performed the entire Concerto in G Minor for piano in the second half.
Announcement of Virgina Lapus y Luno’s Graduate Recital in the Manila Bulletin, Nov. 22, 1954.
Announcement of Virgina Lapus y Luno’s Graduate Recital in The Manila Times, Nov. 25, 1954.