DID YOU KNOW: Ernani J. Cuenco

Today, May 10, is the 81st birth anniversary of 1999 National Artist for Music Ernani J. Cuenco. A composer, film scorer, musical director and music teacher, he earned a music degree in piano and cello from University of Santo Tomas, where he also taught for decades until his death on June 11, 1988. His songs and ballads include “Inang Bayan,” “Kalesa,” “Bato sa Buhangin” and “Gaano Kita Kamahal.” —Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research