Benedictine monk Fr. Manuel Maramba, one of the Philippines’ leading musical figures, died on Monday (July 12). He was 84.
The priest of the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat in Manila died of pancreatic cancer, according to CBCPNews, the official news service of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
Maramba made his monastic profession of vows in April 1962. He was ordained to the priesthood in December 1967.
Aside from his degrees in music, he also obtained his licentiate in sacred theology and canon law.
Maramba also founded the San Beda College Alabang Symphony Orchestra, formerly known as the St. Benedict College Band.
He was known for composing three operas—“Aba! Sto. Niño,” “La Naval” and “Lord Takayama Ukon”.
Among his other compositions are:
- The song in honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and the official hymn of the 1996 National Eucharistic Congress
- The music for “Awakening” that was commissioned by Ballet Philippines
- The music for Philippine Ballet Theater’s production of “Seven Mansions
