DID YOU KNOW

Today, Dec. 26, is the 123rd birth anniversary of National Artist for Music Antonio J. Molina. A known musician, composer and music educator, Molina learned playing the violoncello at an early age and it did not take long before he performed as an orchestra soloist for Manila Grand Opera House. He also taught at the University of the Philippines Conservatory and mentored many musical personalities, including Lucrecia Kasilag and Felipe de Leon. Molina was named a national artist in 1973. He died on Jan. 29, 1980. —MARIELLE MEDINA, INQUIRER RESEARCH