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Ruben Tagalog
Born(1922-10-17)October 17, 1922
La Paz, Iloilo City, Philippine Islands
OriginPhilippines
DiedMarch 5, 1985(1985-03-05) (aged 62)
GenresKundiman, Philippine folk music[1]
Occupation(s)Actor, singer
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar

Ruben Tagalog (October 17, 1922 – March 5, 1985) was a Filipino actor and musician, famous for his works in the kundiman style. He was also one of the founders of the singing group Mabuhay Singers. He is known as the Father of Kundiman. He was a member of the US Army during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

Later career

He first caught the attention of radio listeners in the 1940s when he hosted his own radio program, Harana ni Ruben Tagalog. His baritone voice filled his songs "Ramona", "O Ilaw", Sayang, Azucena, and Nasaan Ka Ngayon with emotion. He revived danzas and balitaws like Nahan Kaya Ikaw, Bakit Ka Lumuluha, Barong Tagalog, Dalagang Pilipina, and Caprichosa. He was the first artist to record Bayan Ko and Ang Pasko ay Sumapit. Tagalog is also known for Harana or serenade songs such as Dungawin Mo, Hirang and Kay Lungkot Nitong Hatinggabi.[2]

In spite of his last name being "Tagalog", he was born in the city of Iloilo in the Visayas[3] and thus was a speaker of Hiligaynon or Ilonggo. He released at least two albums in the Cebuano language: Ruben Tagalog Sings Visayan Songs and a duet album with Cebuana singer Nora Hermosa called Duet in Visayan.

In the early 1950s, he became the first to popularise the Tagalog version of the 1933 Visayan Christmas carol "Kasadya Ning Taknaa" as "Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit". The Tagalog lyrics were written by Levi Celerio. He is also famous for performing Panahon 'tang Nagdaan, a kundiman composed by Ambrosio del Rosario.

Death

He died on March 5, 1985, in Orange County, California. He is laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial in California.

Legacy

Today, after Ruben's death, his legacy is also known as the Philippines Father Of Kundiman or Hari ng Kundiman (King of Kundiman)[4][5] and the King of Ballads.[6]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Director Production Company
1955 Sintu-Sinto Artemio B. Tecson Deegar Pictures, Freedom Pictures

Awards

Year Award Giving Body Category Nominated Work Results
1969 Awit Awards Male Recording Artist of the Year — Won[7]

Popularity

His posthumous songs were featured on Yesterday and Remember When on DZMM every Sunday, and also featured on Moonlight Serenade every weekdays the following mornings on DZMM.

DWIZ882 radio show 'Bella Filipina' (heard every Sunday evening) honored Ruben Tagalog's centennial for the entire month of October 2022, and continues to air his recordings of balitaws, danzas and novelties.

References

  1. ^ "UST Writing Center, Mabuhay Singers Pay Tribute To Levi Celerio". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 16 June 2002. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  2. ^ Varona, Rae Ann (5 February 2020). "Remembering Harana: A lost Filipino tradition of courtship through song —". Asian Journal News. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  3. ^ San Diego Jr., Bayani (4 September 2005). "A not-so trivial pursuit". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  4. ^ Sergio, Leo P. (1 April 1988). "The 'kundiman' in Philippine cinema". Manila Standard. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  5. ^ Trinidad, Luis Maria (15 June 1963). Tagalog Brings Filipino Tears. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  6. ^ "Pinoy Singer Set To Perform In New York International Music Festival". The Manila Times. 29 April 2005. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  7. ^ "Mareco, Filipinas Records Take Lion Share of Philippine Awards". Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 19 April 1969. Retrieved 22 February 2022.

External links

Authority control databases: Artists
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