Philippine Music Heritage

  Vatican II and Liturgical Music: Tradition, Participation, and a Call for Respectful Dialogue I. Understanding Vatican II as a Whole The  Second Vatican Council  (1962–1965), known as  Vatican II , was one of the most significant events in the modern Catholic Church. Convened by  Pope John XXIII  and concluded under  Pope Paul VI , its aim was to address how the Church could engage more deeply with the changing world, renew its internal life, and make the message of the Gospel more accessible and alive for the faithful. The Council produced  16 documents , including four major constitutions, that addressed doctrine, the nature of the Church, the role of the laity, religious freedom, and the renewal of liturgical worship. One of the most influential of these is the  Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy ,  Sacrosanctum Concilium —the document that guided the Church’s liturgical reform. II. Vatican II on Music in the Liturgy In  Sacros...

“ He  was offered a hotel, but he declined. Instead, he found an empty spot in the kitchen and slept there on the floor....  Just to be near the students. That’s Raul—no complaints, no airs. That simple gesture told us everything about his heart.” — Dr. Herminigildo Ranera More Than a Virtuoso: A Life Woven Into Music and Service In every era, there are artists who shine—and there are artists who shape the era itself. For Dr. Herminigildo “Hermie” Ranera, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra resident  conductor, composer, and professor at the UST Conservatory of Music, few names loom larger than Dr. Raul Sunico. But in their decades of friendship and collaboration, the Maestro was never just a figure of prestige. He was a constant, a compass, and in many ways, a quiet revolution. “He’s my boss in every chapter of my life,” Ranera begins with a chuckle. “At UST, at CCP, at St. Paul University. We always end up working together. Sometimes I ask, is he following me or am I ...

  RAUL SUNICO A Pianist for the Filipino Soul In every generation, there are artists whose impact goes beyond applause—who use their craft not merely for performance, but to  shape national identity and preserve cultural memory . For the Philippines,  Dr. Raul Sunico  is one of those rare individuals. Through decades of artistry, scholarship, and cultural leadership, he has become a powerful voice not only in concert halls, but in the very heart of the Filipino. A Mind for Precision, A Heart for Music Dr. Sunico’s journey is a testament to both brilliance and balance. He earned degrees in  Music ,  Mathematics , and  Statistics  from the  University of the Philippines , and later completed his  Master’s and Doctorate in Piano Performance  from the  Juilliard School  and  New York University —two of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Equally at home with logic and lyricism, his unique combination of academ...

A Cello. A Story. A Moment to Remember. As part of the celebration of the  80th anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music , everyone is warmly invited to a very special music event titled  Soliloquy , happening on  May 16, 2025 , at  6:00 PM  at the  UST Museum . Admission is  free . This one-of-a-kind concert will feature  Professor Renato B. Lucas , one of the Philippines’ most respected  cellist and conductor , with over  40 years of performance experience . In  Soliloquy , Professor Lucas will perform  alone on stage , playing beautiful and expressive music for  solo cello —with no piano or orchestra, just the rich sound of the cello filling the room. What is “Soliloquy”? In drama, a  soliloquy  is when a character speaks their thoughts out loud while alone on stage. It’s a moment of truth—personal, honest, and from the heart. This concert takes that same idea, but uses music instead ...

  The Life and Influence of Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ A Legacy in Liturgical Music At the heart of Filipino Catholic liturgical music stands the enduring influence of  Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ . Fondly known as  "Fr. Honti,"  he is regarded as the  “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music”  for his pioneering work in composing hymns that transformed the way Filipino Catholics worship. His music, deeply rooted in faith and Filipino culture, continues to shape the liturgical experience of generations. Early Life and Jesuit Formation Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros was a Jesuit priest whose vocation extended beyond the priesthood into the realm of music. His deep love for both the Church and the Filipino people led him to compose hymns that seamlessly integrated  liturgical texts with the melodies and rhythms of Filipino music.  At a time when Vatican II encouraged the use of vernacular languages in the Mass, Fr. Honti took this as an opportunity to compose...

The Piano Teachers' Guild of the Philippines , in collaboration with San Carlos Seminary , presented a remarkable evening of music featuring the legendary Raul Sunico in a Thanksgiving Concert . Mr. Anthony Say, PTGPFI President The distinguished pianist captivated the audience with his masterful performance of seven Filipino classics , each piece showcasing the richness of our musical heritage. His artistry and deep musical expression resonated throughout the venue, leaving attendees in awe. Sunico’s generosity extended beyond the stage as he indulged the enthusiastic audience with multiple encores upon request. His passion for sharing music was evident not only in his performance but also in his warm engagement with attendees after the concert. He graciously accommodated photo opportunities and personal requests, making the evening even more memorable for fans and fellow musicians alike. The concert was a celebration of gratitude and artistry, a testament to the enduring beauty ...