In Search of Katipunan's Regimental Music in the Visayas

Leon Kilat Monument at Bacong town plaza




 

Many have raised their eyebrows upon hearing me label the Katipunan's regimental music, one of which eventually became our national anthem. Currently, we can only definitively identify two such compositions, though I firmly believe there could be more — who knows?

The "Marcha Nacional Filipina" (Marcha Magdalo) by Julian Felipe, now known as Lupang Hinirang, distinctly carries the spirit of Caviteños, while "Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan," later transformed into Salve Patria, composed by Julio Nakpil, serves as the anthem of Manileños (or the "Hymn ng mga Manila Boys," as I sometimes jest). However it was largely unheard and unplayed , even though the suppose anthem is identified with the leadership of Bonifacio, whose influence extends further to the Tagalog pueblos bordering Manila and even into the then province of Morong, encompassing present-day Metro Manila and Rizal Province.
The Cavite march is infused with themes that unmistakably resemble the royal and plebeian marches of Enlightenment-era Europe. Interestingly, initial listeners of the anthem might find faint echoes of some famous tunes of struggle in its melodies in the recesses of their minds. Nonetheless, it's important to clarify that the musical composition isn't an imitation; rather, it signifies a desire to stand on par with that illustrious tradition. But where do we find the distinct Filipino elements in the music? Even its original Spanish lyrics suffer from a phenomenon known as "prosodia," where syllables, accents, and articulations don't seamlessly align with the melody.
On the other hand, Nakpil's "Marangal Na Dalit ng Katagalugan," though also crafted within the Western musical tradition, introduces melodies that seem refreshingly novel. Its most prominent uniqueness, however, lies in its lyrics. The piece proudly introduces the term "Katagalugan" — the Tagalog nation — positioning it as a leading force in the struggle against Spain. Much like Lupang Hinirang, the Marangal na Dalit also grapples with the challenge of "prosodia."
Yet, amidst these discussions, I often find myself wondering about the music associated with other Katipunan units. What are the regimental compositions of the Bicolanos, Kapampangans, and Ilocanos? Similarly, I'm curious about the Katipunan outside of Luzon — the Bisaya. What form does the regimental march of the Visayan Katipunan take? Do they ever had one?
When we delve into the Bisaya's revolutionary history against Spain, our attention naturally turns to the likes of General Francisco del Castillo and Candido Iban of Aklan and of course General Pantaleon Villegas of Cebu, also known as "Leon Kilat." -- It is said that General Villegas was brought into the Tagalog-founded Katipunan by a Bisayan circus impresario, perhaps a reflection of the omnipresent musical fanfare found in circuses."
The intrinsic connection between Bisayan individuals and their love for music is often remarked upon, and it is considered a fundamental aspect that resonates with the age-old qualities inherent in their culture and ethnicity. Throughout various emotional junctures encompassing joyous, sorrowful, and triumphant occasions, the Bisayan populace, akin to numerous other ethnicities within the Philippines, has consistently asserted its distinctive identity through musical expressions.
An illustrative encounter comes to mind, wherein I had the privilege of engaging with a guitarist hailing from the province of Cebu. This musician notably captivated my attention through his adept rendition of melodies utilizing an unconventional tuning system. The distinctive musical calculations and equations inherent to this particular system reverberated in a manner that exuded a discernible and captivating resonance. Regrettably, temporal constraints hindered a more exhaustive exploration and in-depth study of this artist. Nonetheless, this instance encapsulates the essence of my inquiry regarding alternative regimental music—namely, the endeavor to uncover and comprehend the unique musical manifestations arising from the struggles and experiences of a given populace.
What is the regimental music of the Bisaya to put side by side with the Tagalog's "Lupang Hinirang" and "Marangal na Dalit"?
What is the regimental music of Leon Kilat?


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