Himig ng Kasaysayan: Melody Of History

By Rosette Correa

“Himig ng Kasaysayan” (“Melody of History”), the headline concert of the Himig Kabataan Cultural Society on September 7, 2025 at  2PM at the Surrey Arts Centre, is a vibrant, musical journey through Philippine history—tracing the rhythm of a nation from its earliest days to contemporary creativity.

The performance begins with reconstructed precolonial chants—kulintang and agung melodies used in rituals and community gatherings—demonstrating music’s early role in social cohesion and spiritual life. As the Spanish colonial era unfolds, expect dramatic shifts: corridos and pasyon narratives infused devotional fervor, accompanied by melodic harana serenades that embodied courtship and cultural fusion. Indigenous folk traditions such as the tinikling and kundiman also emerge, showcasing the resilient blend of local melody with foreign instruments.

The concert then transports audiences to the Philippine Revolution, featuring patriotic anthems illustrating how song galvanized national identity and resistance. During American occupation, the rise of kundiman popularized romantic expression, while “Manila Bombada” ragtime numbers illustrated western influence.

PostWorld War II modern composers—Lucresia ReyesUrtula, Levi Celerio, Ryan Cayabyab—usher in a renaissance of classical, choral, and film music, reflecting rebuilding and hope. Finally, today’s vibrant pop, hiphop, and indie scenes underscore a culturally dynamic youth, engaging global trends while fiercely asserting Filipino identity.

Through “Himig ng Kasaysayan,” the Himig Kabataan Cultural Society weaves history and heritage using music as a storytelling thread—celebrating how melody shapes memory, community, and nationhood. (Rosette Correa)