Album Notes

The Philippines which has won worldwide recognition as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas” is incontestably rich in folk songs and dances that bear, since her discovery by Magellan in 1521, different influences—Malayan, Spanish, Hindu, Arabian, Chinese and Javanese. These many different types and variations of folk songs and dances depict the Philippine story. They tell all the people who came to those pearl-encrusted shores down through the centuries, as traders, invaders, visitors and wanderers. In dramatic fashion, therefore, a collection of native songs and dances will unfold in many ways to the ordinary layman the indigenous culture of the Philippines.
Of the colorful and inexhaustible Philippine songs and dances,such as the “pandanggo,” “kundiman,” “valse,” “jota,” “kuratsa,” and the “balitaw,” the latter is considered as the most enchanting, graceful, lilting, fluid and entertaining. The unique and distinctive appeal of the ancient rhythm and movement of the “balitaw” is vividly captured in this album, starring that popular and talented singing luminary of Philippine stage, screen and radio, Sylvia La Torre, on the vocals, with the brilliant string accompaniment of Leopoldo Silos.