It is a week of music and memories as friends, musicians and Iloilo city officials including civic organizations pay tribute to violinist and music missionary Gilopez Kabayao in the last days of viewing at the Gegato-Abecia Memorial Homes at Tanza, Iloilo City.
Kabayao died October 12 at age 94.
He will be interred at the Iloilo Memorial Park Saturday, October 19 at 9 in the morning after a short program celebrating his life and music at the University Church of the Central Philippine University (CPU).
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas led the tributes: “We deeply mourn the passing of Maestro Gilopez Kabayao, an exceptional Ilonggo violinist and a cultural icon whose legacy will always live on not just in Iloilo City but across the country. We are especially grateful for his contributions. His music wasn’t just art; it brought hope and unity to our people. We honor the life of a maestro, cultural ambassador and proud Ilonggo and Filipino. His legacy will live on through the music he inspired in others.”
The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) remembers the time when he was its music director and conductor: “We join the entire nation in mourning the passing as well as celebrating the life and legacy of Maestro Gilopez Kabayao who for a time was music director and conductor of the MSO in the 1970s. His legacy as an artist of the Filipino people, built upon those numerous concerts he did all over the Philippines is a constant inspiration to all of us who believe in the transformative power of music as a catalyst for nation building. His arrangements of Filipino folksongs remain a gold standard in how to utilize our native resources to develop works of universal artistic merit that we can be proud to put forward as a representative of what Filipino artistry is all about.”
The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. which nominated Kabayao for the Order of National Artist for Music noted: “Admirably his frail age at 94 did not serve as a deterrent for him to hold lecture series for the teachers, music professionals, and students. His commitment to share knowledge and to inspire the young generation to appreciate music and prevail in music arts manifested in his public engagements weeks before he was invited to come home to his Creator. The world is indeed the stage for an extraordinary person like him who took up the missionary work to bring music to the grassroots, showing generosity of talent by using the power of music through his violin to bring people of different beliefs together and bridge generational gap.
Another student of Kabayao, Jimmy Tagala, Jr. remembers not just the music lessons but basic grooming tips as well. “I remember he taught me a lot — how to knot a tie, to asking me what to do if I ever found a girl and taking the exercises seriously. He always reminded me to keep improving so that my violin could truly sing.”
Tagala treasures Kabayao’s kindness:”From him, I had the honor of learning from the most patient and kind teacher I’ve ever known—so patient that I wondered if he ever gets mad! During one of our lessons, I asked, ‘Do you love me, sir?’and he replied: “Ahhh, don’t ask that silly question—just show it in your playing.’ He was truly one of the humblest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He was loved by all, he served others wherever he went, sharing his God-given talents. Your legacy will live in people you inspired. You were a true testament of what it means to live life to the fullest.”
Violinist Jeline O. Barut, another student of Kabayao posted on Facebook: “I’m truly grateful for Maestro Gilopez Kabayao who is one of my violin teachers. He gave so much of his time and wisdom to help me grow as a musician. He welcomed me into his home and shared countless lessons with me, never asking for anything in return. His dedication shaped my journey in so many ways. It was an honor to be his student and his teachings will always stay with me. I’ll never forget the mornings we spent reading the Bible together—he not only guided me in music but also brought me closer to Jesus.”
The Cultural Center of the Philippines said Kabayao’s remarkable talent and lifelong dedication to music have inspired countless Filipinos and enriched the country’s cultural heritage. “Kabayao broke new ground and brought pride to the nation. Receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1972 underscored his commitment to being a true artist for the Filipino people, as he brought the beauty of classical music to communities across the country in unconventional venues, breaking down barriers and inspiring a love for the arts. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to music, he was awarded the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 2008, alongside Corazon Pineda Kabayao. He leaves behind a legacy of artistic excellence that will continue to resonate in the hearts of many.”
Kabayao — born in 1929 in Negros Occidental – was a scion of the Lopez sugar barons of Iloilo and a third-generation musician.
His mother — Marcela Lopez – was a pianist and his father, Dr. Doroteo Kabayao, was a violinist. His grandfather, Gil Lopez, frequently hosted concerts at his estate, Hacienda Faraon, where Kabayao performed in his youth. He later studied at Silliman University, then later in New York and in Vienna under Theodore Pashkus.
His 1950 Carnegie Hall debut where he performed with pianist Artur Balsam launched an international career that took him all over Asia and in Vienna in 1961.
He earned a Presidential Award of Merit in 1969, and a President Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1972.
Kabayao is survived by his wife of 50 years, Corazon Pineda, children Sicilienne, Farida and Gilberto, son-in-law Jose Roy Paniza, daughter-in-law, Michelle Alhambra and only grandchild, three-month-old Girard and sister Marcelita Kabayao Mortensen.
