Ernani Cuenco: Ang Pambansang Alagad ng Sining mula sa Malolos

Article by: Francesca_E

On May 10, 1936, Feliz Cuenco (father) and Maria Joson (mother) gave birth to Ernani Joson Cuenco in Malolos, Bulacan, who has a burning passion for music and is notable for being a Filipino songwriter and film scorer. He became a remarkable singer in the Philippines and was honored as one of the National Artists in 1999. Cuenco finished his degree in music, where he majored in piano and cello at his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas (UST), in 1956. With his burning passion, he also taught music at the university. He gained his Master's Degree in Education of Music at the College of Sta. Isabel (1968).

Ernani Cuenco wholeheartedly showed his musical talent to the world by playing the violin in the Manila Symphony Orchestra (1960–1968) and in the Manila Chamber Soloist that Professor Oscar Yatco and Basilio Manalo organized. In 1977, the University of Santo Tomas labeled him its most outstanding alumnus. Cuenco died on June 11, 1988, after such a fantastic journey as a significant contributor to the music industry.

Cuenco Sounds

Cuenco is a songwriter—a person who composes the melody of the song, the lyrics, the music notes, and the accompaniment. He is also a film scorer who composes music for a specified film. As a result, he wrote numerous songs that became the greatest hits in our country. Ernani Joson Cuenco did not earn the title "National Artist" for nothing. His musical style labeled him as one, where his compositions are not just pure ballad love songs, but he also inserted Kundiman elements in his musical pieces. This is Cuenco's secret about why Filipinos still enjoy his music.

A few of the remarkable pieces of Ernani Cuenco:

• " 'Kalesa'" is one of the famous Filipino Folk Songs in Contemporary Philippine Music.
• " 'Nahan'" is a Kundiman song whose lyrics are by Levi Celerio and music made by Ernani Cuenco.
• " 'Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa (1975)'" is the original soundtrack of the movie titled "Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, acted by Joseph Estrada, Gloria Diaz, Paquito Diaz, and Vic Silayan.
• " 'Bato sa Buhangin (August 13, 1976)'" is the original soundtrack of the movie "Bato sa Buhangin," starring Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos-Recto.
• " 'Bakya Mo Neneng (1977)'" is the movie's original soundtrack titled "Bakya Mo, Neneng" starring Nora Aunor.
• " 'Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal (1979)'" is a ballad song written for Ernani Cuenco's beloved wife, Magdalena Noel Marcial, and was first played on December 30, 1904, to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the execution of Rizal.
• " 'Desperado (1983)'" is the original soundtrack of the movie "Desperado" starring Lito Lapid.
• Isang Bala Ka Lang! (1983) is the original soundtrack of the movie "Isang Bala Ka Lang!" starring Fernando Poe Jr. and Julie Vega.

Awards and Recognitions of Ernani Joson Cuenco

Ernani J. Cuenco gave his whole heart and life to contribute to Philippine Contemporary Music. As a result of his dedication, he gained tons of awards and recognition that he truly deserves.

Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards

• Best Music: Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa (1976 Winner)
• Best Theme Song: Bato sa Buhangin (OST for Fernando Poe Jr’s Movie titled “Bato sa Buhangin” – 1976 Movie) (1977 Winner)
• Best Music: Bakya Mo Neneng (1978 Winner)

Gawad Urian Awards

• Best Music: Tahan na Empoy, Tahan (1978 Nominee)
• Best Music: Aliw-Iw (1980 Winner)

Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards

• Best Music: Ang Panday (1980 Winner)
• Best Music: Ang Panday: Ikatlong Yugto (1982 Winner)
• 7th MMFF Best Musical Scoring: El Vibora
• 8th MMFF Best Musical Scoring: Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko
• MMFF (1971 and 1974 Winner)

Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Awards

• Best Musical Score: Pedring Taruc (1983 Winner)
• Best Original Song: Desperado (1984 Winner)
• Best Musical Score: Isang Bala Ka Lang! (1984 Winner)

Family of Ernani Joson Cuenco

• Father: Feliz Cuenco (from Calumpit, Bulacan)
• Mother: Maria Joson (from Tikay, Malolos, Bulacan)
• Wife: Magdalena Marcial
• First Son: Manuel Cuenco
• Second Son: Ernani “Jong” Cuenco, Jr.
• Grandson: Ernani Manuel E. Cuenco III
• Granddaughter: Rihanna Rouzzel R. Cuenco

References:

• Awards of Ernani Cuenco (1990-2023) by IMDb.com, Inc. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191097/awards/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
• Cuenco, Ernani Joson. (2015). In V. Almario (Ed.), Sagisag Kultura (Vol 1). Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/cuenco-ernani-joson/
• Ernani Cuenco. (2023, March 17). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernani_Cuenco
• Facebook. (n.d.) https://www.facebook.com/70807070898/posts/awardsmetro-film-festival-awards-1971rajah-soliman-award-19727th-manila-film-fes/10151016043520899/
• Facebook (n.d.) https://images.app.goo.gl/wiFhsSBPdjEoAZEe9

References:

(n.d.). List of National Artists of the Philippines. GOVPH. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/lists/national-artists-of-the-philippines/