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This is music that simply must be heard, and once heard, cherished and listened to again and again. The warmth and sentimentality of it softly beckons the listener. While it is culturally and historically important as the 19th and early 20th century roots of contemporary Filipino music, it is the emotion and the colors of the times from which the music sprang that gives us story and lesson about what was and is Filipino. Most certainly Lolas and Lolos will give endless blessings to the thoughtful child or grandchild who gifts her or him with these precious sounds. But here as well is the beautiful solitude of the way the music is played: so intimately that the very soul of the song can be felt and understood across generations and cultures - so delicately that the softest ring of even one string of the guitar resonates color and meaning. So listen, truly listen and enjoy the wordless poetry of Philippine culture as song. Take pride as well in knowing that Angelo Favis, the musical artist, is -like the music- also Filipino. Daniel Phil Gonzales JD Assoc. Prof. Asian American Studies San Francisco State University