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The “queen of zarzuela and the kundiman,” Honorata “Atang” de la Rama, was born in Pandacan, Manila, on Jan. 11, 1902. She became the lead star in around 50 zarzuelas and performed in locally renowned venues such as the Manila Grand Opera House, Manila Hotel and Metropolitan Theater. She also popularized kundiman songs like “Bituing Marikit” and “Mutya ng Pasig.” She was conferred the National Artist Award for Theater and Music on June 11, 1987. She died of a lingering illness on July 11, 1991.—Schatzi Quodala, Inquirer Research