MANILA, Feb. 7 — On February 7, 1893, Nicanor Abelardo, one of the greatest Filipino musicians and considered as Father of the "Kundiman," was born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan.
At a tender age of 8, Abelardo was able to compose his first work, a waltz entitled, "Ang Unang Buko," after his father taught him the "solfeggio" and the "banduria" at age 5. His mother also belonged to the family of artists in Guagua, Pampanga.
At 15, he was already teaching in barrio schools in San Ildefonso and San Miguel, Bulacan.
In later years, he took up courses at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music in 1916 and was subsequently appointed in the Conservatory's composition department.
His famous Kundiman works include "Nasaan Ka, Irog?" (Where Are You, Beloved?), "Mutya ng Pasig" (Goddess of Pasig), "Magbalik Ka Hirang" (Come Back, My Love), and "Himutok" (Lamentation).
Notably, he used to run a boarding school for young musicians, and among his students were National Artist Antonino Buenaventura, Alfredo Lozano and Lucino Sacramento.
Abelardo composed the melody of the University of the Philippines' official anthem, "UP Naming Mahal" (Our Beloved UP).
He died on March 21, 1934 at the age of 41, leaving a prolific collection of more than 140 works.
Also on this same day in 1986, the snap election for the presidency and vice presidency was held. Then incumbent President Ferdinand E. Marcos and former Senator Arturo M. Tolentino ran against the opposition team of Corazon C. Aquino and Salvador H. Laurel.
Marcos called the election to show that he still had the mandate of the people after staying in power for two decades.
The historic election led to what is now called People Power Revolution which installed Mrs. Aquino as the country's 11th president. (PNA)
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