Philippine Guitar

I decided to revisit the guitar after seeing some books on the Philippine Guitar at National Bookstore.

Got a copy of Selected Philippine Music for Classical Guitar (with Tablature Notations), arranged by Maestro Jose Valdez.

It is published by Faithful Servant Marketing Printers and Publishers, and they're located at:

121-B Molave St., Project 3,
1102 Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax +63.2 421 3402 or +63.2 927 6054
Mobile +63.919 843 0548 or +63.919 335 7158
Email: faithfulservant28 [at] yahoo [dot] com

The songs contained in this book are:

Aking Bituin (O Ilaw)
Ang Tangi Kong Pag-Ibig
Bituing Marikit
Buhat
Dahil Sa Iyo
Hatinggabi
Pakiusap
Sampaguita
Sapagkat Kami'y Tao Lamang
Dinggin
Huling Awit
La Bella Filipina
Naraniag Ti Bulan
Rosas Pandan
Ako'y Kampupot
Tunay na Tunay
Minamahal Kita
Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak
Hindi Kita Malimot
Mutya Ng Pasig
Saan Darating Ang Umaga
Saan Ka Man Naroroon
Ugoy Ng Duyan
Usahay
Diyos Lamang Ang Nakakaalam
Kapantay Ay Langit
Matud Nila
Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal
Maalala Mo Kaya
Ako'y Isang Ibong Sawi
Kundiman
Nasaan Ka Irog
Madaling Araw
Sapagkat Mahal Kita
Sarungbanggi
Bakya Mo Neneng

The inside back cover features luthier or guitar-maker Leonardo Apa, whose guitar shop is located in Block 53, Lot 13, Zontaville Sub., San Isidro, Antipolo City (traveling along Marcos Hiway, go past Cogeo and Masinag).

His telephone number is +63.2 639 5114 and
his mobile number is +63.916 385 1573.

He also delivers some of his guitars to Maestro Jose Valdez' school in Project 3, so I'm hoping some of his more affordable, local guitars are available there. (Although my dad says stick with better known brands such as Yamaha.)

I called Mr. Apa and inquired about his classical guitars, and the ones he had available were in the P40,000 (about US$800) and below price range. When I balked and reiterated that I'm a beginner, he said he can introduce me to a P25,000 (about US$500) guitar (rosewood, cedar).

He said they were priced that way because the materials are imported.

Perhaps I'll go and learn to play a few songs first on an RJ "pang-masa" (for the masses) guitar, and then later decide whether it will be worth investing in a guitar that's worth about as much as a clone PC here in the Philippines.

In the meantime, I'll go practice a few kundimans on the guitar...

[ First posted on 01/14/2007 by Manuel Viloria ]