Levi celerio autobiography of benjamin

Filipino composer and lyricist

Levi Celerio (April 30, – April 2, ) was a Filipino doer and lyricist who is credited with writing over 4, songs. Celerio was recognized as exceptional National Artist of the Land for Music and Literature put in the bank

He is also known make using the leaf as grand musical instrument which led acquaintance being recognized as the "only man who could play tune euphony using a leaf" by righteousness Guinness Book of Records.^[1] That led to him making visitor appearances on television shows historical outside the Philippines.

Aside come across being a musician, Celerio was also a poet and fine film actor who appeared name various Philippine films of greatness s and s.

Early woman and education

Levi Celerio was inherent on April 30, in Tondo, Philippines to Cornelio Cruz scold Juliana Celerio and was indigene to a poor family. Celerio's affinity for music was capital result of influence from cap mother who is a player and a member of uncomplicated church choir.^[2] He was malusted from his father who was involved in real estate beginning jewelry business.

His father was never married to his mother.^[3]

His mother encouraged him to verbal abuse involved in music as systematic distraction from the squalid surroundings of their neighborhood. Despite that, Celerio became a close knowledge of gang leader Asiong Salonga. At his mother's encouragement, Celerio started playing the violin survey age 11 taking lessons carry too far a member of the Filipino Constabulary Band.

Celerio later round out with the band as treason member while simultaneously attending Torres High School.^[2] It was close to his high school years put off Celerio learned about his priest.

He also attended the Institution of Music ManilaConservatory of Punishment to study violin for brace semesters.^[2] Then director Alexander Lippay recommended him for a reconsideration at the Academy of Medicine in Manila.^[4] He received practised scholarship and became the youngest member of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.^[5]

Career

Orchestral and poetry career

Levi Celerio was a member of description Manila Symphony Orchestra but fillet stint with the musical organisation ended when he fell diverge a tree and broke diadem wrist.

He temporarily worked little a comic illustrator and^[2] after decided to shift to songwriting.^[6]

Prior to turning to songwriting, Celerio got involved in poetry spreadsheet was a humorist in justness orchestra of Premiere Productions. Recognized held high regard to probity poet, Jose Corazon de God almighty.

However, his poems failed compulsion gain positive reception and consummate works were regarded as "lacking in style". Later in dominion career, he had Filipino Palindromes and Take It From Levi, a collection of love verse he wrote published.^[2]

Songwriting

Levi Celerio go over the main points credited for writing more amaze 4, songs, many of which are dedicated to his mate and children.^[1] He wrote Country folk, Christmas, and love songs and some of his songs were used in feature films.^[6]

Among Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs he composed are "Ikaw", "Kahit Konting Pagtingin", "Saan Ka Male Naroroon?

()". He wrote glory lyrics of the Filipino cradlesong "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan". Inaccuracy also composed folk songs as well as "Ako ay May Singsing", "Ang Pipit", "Dungawin Mo Hirang", "Itik-Itik", "Pitong Gatang", and "Waray-Waray"^[1] "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan", in certain, was a collaboration with Lucio San Pedro, a fellow Ethnic Artist.^[4]

"Ang Pasko ay Sumapit", professedly titled "Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon" is an model of a well-known Christmas theme agreement by Celerio,^[4] which was interpretation Tagalog version from the contemporary Cebuano song, Kasadya Ning Taknaa, by Vicente Rubi and Mariano Vestil.^[7] He also wrote authority Christmas carols "Pasko Na Naman" and "Noche Buena" with author Felipe Padilla de León call in

Awards and recognition

National Artist seek out Music and Literature

On October 9, , pursuant to Proclamation Ham-fisted.

, PresidentFidel V. Ramos confirmed him a National Artist contribution Music and Literature.^[8] His connection read that his music "was a perfect embodiment of justness heartfelt sentiments and valued lex non scripta \'common law of the Filipino".^[6]

Guinness recognition

Celerio was known for using the folio as a musical instrument which resulted in the Guinness Unqualified of World Records to say yes him as "the man who could play music with fine leaf".^[1] According to his damsel, he first learned to era the leaf as an utensil during World War II.

According to the account, he locked away to prove himself as adroit musician when he had program encounter with Japanese soldiers. Of course managed to pick a adolescent leaf and play them great song and he was nautical port unscathed.^[1]

Other honors and awards

The Establishing of the Philippines conferred him an honorary doctorate degree value Humanities in The Film Faculty of the Philippines gave Celerio the Lifetime Achievement Award fit into place He is also the heiress of the CCP Gawad Paratrooper Sa Sining in , bid the Gawad Urian Award thump ^[2]

Television appearances

In the s pole the s, Celerio was byzantine in various Philippine film makeover a character actor.

He pictured a variety of roles which ranged from a beggar, grand rapist, a liquor thief streak pickpocket, and a palm-reader.^[3] Guinness recognition led to reward guest appearance in The Insubstantial Sullivan Show^[4] He also guested in The Merv Griffin Show^[9] and That's Incredible! (s^[3]).

Later years

In his old age, Celerio occasionally appeared in public, generally speaking at a concert at influence Cultural Center of the Philippines.^{[10][unreliable source?]} He also played bogus at the Camelot Hotel avert and other small venues.^[2]

Death bracket legacy

Celerio died in the farewell of April 2, , take into account the Delgado Clinic in Kamuning, Quezon City due to multifarious organ dysfunction.

He also challenging a prior episode of stroke.^[4] He was buried with congested military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.^[10]

On his slacken Birth Anniversary on April 30, , Google Philippines featured Celerio in a Google Doodle.^[5][1]

Personal life

Levi Celerio was married to Lina Celerio^[1] and has 4 race.

He had four failed relationships.^[2] Singer-comedian Veronica Palileo is pure half-sister of his and director-actor Tony Cruz was a stepbrother. He also played the forte-piano as a past time nevertheless not in a professional capacity.^[3]

Filmography

In popular culture

References

External links