Sa Dakong Sikatan [Song of Longing and Exile] (SATB)

A polyphonic choral piece with an ethereal texture, this work is set in archaic Tagalog and introduces a modal melody reminiscent of the ancient singing practice known as kumintang. It draws inspiration from tempo di Pattong, a gong-playing tradition from the northern mountains of the Philippines, incorporating rhythmic patterns that evoke indigenous musical elements.

The text is based on Jose Rizal’s poem “En El Bello Oriente”, written during his exile in Dapitan. The poem reflects themes of separation, loneliness, and longing for home, family, and native land. Rizal’s own translation of the poem into Tagalog as “Sa Dakong Sikatan” connects the piece deeply to Philippine cultural and historical identity.

This composition brings together the timeless beauty of Rizal’s poetry and the rich traditions of Philippine music, creating a choral piece that is both evocative and culturally significant. It offers performers and audiences a moving reflection on the enduring connection between homeland and the human spirit.

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