George Canseco, 70; Wrote National Hymn of the Philippines
George Canseco, 70, one of the Philippines’ most popular songwriters, died Friday in Manila of complications from liver disease and lung cancer.
Canseco, who wrote more than 160 songs over three decades, was commissioned by Imelda Marcos, the former Philippine first lady, to compose the national tribute hymn, “I Am a Filipino.”
The composer also worked as a cinema music director and earned awards for best musical score in various films. His ballads often were used as motion picture theme songs.
At one time, Canseco headed the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. An award for the Philippines’ best composers is named in his honor.
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