DID YOU KNOW ( National Artist in Music Antonio J. Molina )

Today, Jan. 29, is the 40th death anniversary of National Artist in Music Antonio J. Molina. He was born in Quiapo, Manila, on Dec. 26, 1894. Known as the “Dean of Filipino composers,” he wrote over 500 musical compositions, including “Hatinggabi” and “Awit ni Maria Clara,” and taught some of the country’s musical icons like Lucresia Kasilag and Felipe de Leon. Named a national artist in 1973, Molina died of heart failure in 1980. —Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research