Cultural community pays tribute to Lucrecia Kasilag

MANILA, Philippines - It appeared like a colorful celebration, and her compositions were vigorously presented in the obsequy. And despite her relatives and friends’ bereavement, everyone was in high spirits as they paid tribute and bid their last goodbye to the music genius Lucresia Roces Kasilag. In her report in GMA News’ 24 Oras, Ruth Cabral said Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, chief of the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, considered Kasilag as the Ninoy Aquino of Philippine music since she used her music as an instrument of peace. "Ipinakita mo kung paano ang musika ay talagang mahalagang daan para tayo'y magkaisa, makaroon ng kapatiran, hindi hidwaan,"Alvarez said. Also present in the ceremony were other national artists F. Sionil Jose, Arturo Luz, and Virgilio Almario who offered flowers to Kasilag's remains. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, Kasilag's student in Philippine Women’s University, described Kasilag as someone who was beyond compare. "Tita King was an outstanding human being, outstanding artist, outstanding friend," Mrs. Marcos said. “Tita King”, as Kasilag was fondly called by her friends, was tagged as the First Lady of Philippine Music and was named National Artist for Music in 1989. Kasilag was about to turn 91 this Aug. 30 when she died of pneumonia last Aug. 17. The television report said Kasilag, who was already blind and was partially deaf, still managed to compose an opera in line with the celebration of the National Women’s Month last March. As a composer and a leader in music education, Kasilag was famous for fusing ethnic music with Western influences, leading many Filipino composers to experiment with the approach. She has over 250 compositions and earned recognition for using indigenous musical instruments. Some of her major works were “Love Songs," “Legend of the Sarimanok," “Sisa," “Philippine Scenes" and “East Meets Jazz Ethnika." - GMANews.TV