Music
Original Piano Arrangements of Filipino Music
waray waraycomposed by Juan Silos Jr., arr. Anthony Ty
my story with waray warayThe term “Waray” refers to the Waray people from the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, including the islands of Samar, Leyte, and Biliran. Before I started my research, most of my understanding of Filipino culture was shaped by Metro Manila and other well-known vacation spots. Learning about the Waray people opened up a deeper appreciation of the country’s diverse geography, dialects, and history.
What struck me most about Waray-Waray was its message. The song portrays a strong, fearless woman; one who is generous but never intimidated. She faces life’s challenges head-on, refusing to back down.
This idea deeply resonated with me. Throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded by strong women who have shaped who I am. My mother, my grandmother, my aunts — all of them have shown me what resilience and strength look like.
And of course, if you know my wife, you know that she embodies this spirit completely. She moved to the U.S. alone for college, leaving her family in Manila. She has faced loss, hardship, and uncertainty, yet she continues to move forward, never letting anything hold her back.
That’s why my arrangement of Waray Waray is a tribute. A tribute to my wife, my mother, my grandmother, my aunts, and to all the strong women who have shaped my life. Their courage and unwavering determination inspire me every day.
Anthony Ty
Founder and Pianist
kundiman (anak dalita)composed by Francisco Santiago, arr. Anthony Ty
my story with kundimanA “Kundiman” is a traditional Filipino love song, often carrying romantic yet longing themes. As a classical pianist, I see them as Filipino “art songs”, similar to the Italian Art songs, German Lieder, and French Mélodie that I would study in university.
Francisco Santiago, the composer of this Kundiman, “Anak Dalita,” is nicknamed “The Father of the Kundiman.”
My first encounter with Francisco Santiago was back in 2018, when I was a music director for my local church’s Simbang Gabi event. We sang many Filipino songs, and one of them was Santiago’s arrangement of Ave Maria.
At the time, I had no understanding of who he was or his importance. It was in 2024, doing more research for Tugtog Pilipino, that I learned about the genre of Kundiman and Francisco Santiago, and I finally connected the two together.
After even more research into Santiago, I learned that he finished studying piano and composition at the University of the Philippines, then went on to study in Chicago (where I am from!). He received his doctoral degree in music from the Chicago Music School in 1924, now known as Roosevelt University, where I often visit for different music events.
It felt like a true full circle moment. From growing up as a musician in the suburbs to attending university for piano in Chicago, now having some of my first experiences with Filipino music be from Francisco Santiago, then learning that he himself came to study in Chicago.
This is the start of my journey to learn more about Kundiman. And although they are originally for voice and instrumental, it has been a fun experience arranging it for solo piano.
Anthony Ty
Founder and Pianist
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