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<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/francisco-santiago-t.webp"  alt="Francisco Santiago" />
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(Commemorative stamp bearing the likeness of Francisco Santiago)
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Poverty did not stop him from pursuing his studies in piano. He became a piano instructor in 1916 when the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music was established during the same year.
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Notably, Santiago's most famous piece, "Kundiman (Anak-Dalita)," was sung upon the request of King Alfonso XIII before the Royal Court of Spain in 1917.
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His other compositions include: "Sakali Man," "Hibik ng Filipinas," "Pakiusap," "Ang Pag-ibig," "Suyuan," "Alaala Kita," "Ikaw at Ako," "Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran?", "Hatol Hari Kaya?", "Sakali't Mamatay," "Dalit ng Pag-ibig," "Aking Bituin," "Madaling Araw" and "Pagsikat ng Araw."
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His masterpiece “Concerto in B flat Minor” for piano forte and orchestra was presented at the Chicago Music School, where he received his doctorate degree in 1924.
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He also directed the music for such films as "Manileña," "Madaling Araw," and "Pakiusap."
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Santiago became director of the U.P. Conservatory of Music from 1930 to 1946, and was subsequently named U.P. Emeritus Professor of Piano on May 25, 1946.
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He died on September 28, 1947 at the age of 58.
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Source:
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<ol class="article-sources">
<li>
Philippine News Agency archives
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January 29, 1889: Francisco Santiago was born in Santa Maria, Bulacan