KUNDIMAN NG LUHA (cover by Reuben Laurente) Composer: Nicanor Abelardo /Piano by Sir Arne Lubasan

In 1987, I did my first vocal recording session for the Cultural Center of the Philippines' first theater production of Bienvenido "Boy" Noriega's "BITUING MARIKIT", which was directed by Sir Pio De Castro, and starred in by Ward Luarca. The Musical Director was Mr. Sonny Angeles with some arrangements by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. I remember doing the recording session at the main theater of the CCP.

I would like to thank Sir Arne Lubasan for allowing me to use his piano recording which I discovered from his youtube channel which I would like for you to check out as well https://youtu.be/ea1MWm1b5b0 . Sir Arne who is an Ilonggo like myself, is an accomplished singer, pianist, and music director of the University of San Agustin's TROUBADORS which represented the Philippines in various international choral festivals and won for our country numerous awards. He is also an advocate of the arts being part of the Arts Council of Iloilo City, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, among others.

So here is my take on the song 34 years after.

#KundimanNgLuha
#NicanorAbelardo
#BituingMarikit
#SirArneLubasan