Various forms of music in the previous lessons make us reflect on the kind of musical tradition Filipinos have in the present time and how we appreciate our own form of music. The youth of today have and entirely different musical taste from the youth of yesteryears. They have been esposed to various genre of Western music like rap, reggae and techno music. Only a few members of society can really recall and appreciate our cultural and traditional songs. Many of our tradtional practices are totally taken for grented because of the strong influence of western culture. We will recall the important cultural songs like the kumintang, kundiman, balitaw, and other folk songs. 

 Do you know any Filipino folk songs? How about traditional Filipino love songs? Listen to the composition of Nicanor Abelardo entitled "Nasaan Ka Irog." What did you feel while listening to the song? This song is a kundiman. The word kundiman is believed to have been taken from the phrase "kung hindi man" which means "though I am not." 

 Based on its origin, kundiman is a poetic song of love and heartbreak that does not only express melancholic emotions but also and intense commitment to love. This song is written in the 4 time signature and usually in a minor key. As the music progresses, the melodic line shifts to the major key which often gives the listener a light and happy mood at the end of the song. 

The performer of the kundiman expresses feelings of deep love and pain. Thus, this had been an effective way of propagating patriotism during colonial period. In the kundiman songs, the woman actually symbolizes our country and expresses the desire to gain freedom, Famouse kundiman composers include Nicanor Abelardo, Francisco Santiago, and Constancio De Guzman, to name a few.