MAKATI CITY — The University of Makati recently became a gathering place for Filipino culture and musical talent as the city held Kundiman sa Makati 2026, a singing competition featuring students and barangay representatives. Organized by the Museum and Cultural Affairs Office (MCAO), the event gave young Makatizens an opportunity to perform one of the country’s most recognized traditional musical forms while celebrating its connection to Filipino history and identity. Beyond the competition itself, the activity showed how traditional music can remain relevant when younger generations are given opportunities to learn, perform, and appreciate it.
Keeping the Kundiman Tradition Alive
Known for its expressive melodies and emotional themes, the kundiman is a traditional Filipino love song that developed into an art-song form during the late 19th century. Its musical structure is often marked by a gentle, flowing melody, dramatic intervals, and a movement from a minor key toward a major resolution. The genre was further developed by prominent Filipino composers such as Francisco Santiago, widely recognized as the “Father of the Kundiman Art Song,” and Nicanor Abelardo, known as the “King of Kundiman.” While commonly associated with romantic love, the kundiman also carried deeper meanings during the colonial period, with songs of longing and devotion sometimes expressing love for the country through metaphor and symbolism.
Young Performers Take the Spotlight
Kundiman sa Makati 2026 featured two competition categories: High School and Barangay. The divisions allowed participants from different communities to demonstrate their singing abilities while connecting with an important part of the country’s musical heritage. In the School Category, Daniela Joyce A. Biay took the championship, followed by Jan Gabriel R. Cabangon in second place and Andrei Nicole Macasieb in third. For the Barangay Category, Bea Daphne B. Baylon emerged as champion, while Arvin M. Baco and Alexander Trevor A. Lopez secured second and third place, respectively. Their performances brought renewed attention to the emotional character of kundiman and demonstrated how traditional Filipino songs can continue to find an audience among younger performers.
A Community Celebration of Filipino Identity
The event also served as an avenue for bringing students, barangay representatives, and residents together through music. By incorporating traditional Filipino songs into a city-led cultural activity, Kundiman sa Makati 2026 provided participants with a space to develop their artistic abilities while gaining a deeper appreciation of the country’s cultural heritage. Through programs organized by the MCAO, Makati continues to provide opportunities for residents to engage with Filipino arts, history, and traditions. Kundiman sa Makati 2026 highlights how cultural preservation can extend beyond museums and historical materials, allowing traditions to remain alive through performance and community participation.
