My collaboration with Bayani Mendoza de Leon began over 20 years ago as a singer who had the pleasure of performing his compositions. We have worked together on numerous concerts and recordings. Later our relationship grew into a lifelong friendship.

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       Bayani's music is inherently Filipino. For those who love Bernstein and Copland, they will understand the description, "American Music." Likewise with Bayani's music, the style is very much Filipino. As a singer, it was a thrill to learn and perform Bayani's compositions. We worked on Filipino kundimans (considered the national song form of the Philippines), arias and art songs for various concerts throughout New York City. Some had piano accompaniment, chamber orchestra and of course, the rondalla . Rondalla is the native string ensemble of the Philippines. Bayani later tutored me on this wonderful Philippine musical heritage. Not only is he a talented composer and conductor, but he can also play many Western-type as well as Asian and Philippine native instruments. Once, I even joined the choir when Bayani celebrated his 50th birthday with a concert of his music. Under his baton, I looked up at his jet-black hair and couldn't believe that he was 50 years of age!

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      During rehearsals Bayani doesn't simply coach you on the music, but educates you on its contextual narrative. He would begin with the history of Filipino music and share rare recordings of indigenous music that included tribes singing ancient chants. Needless to say, my learning at the University of the Philippinesand Juilliard did not expose me to these stuff. Most of my knowledge of Filipino music was about the Spanish influence and occupation during 1521-1898. To my surprise I learned from Bayani that we Filipinos had an ancient way of writing—symbolic hieroglyphs called "Baybayin." Not only did he teach me this script, but also taught me the sage inherent meanings of these beautiful symbols. My people were far wiser than the colonizers would have us believe.

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      There is no end to Bayani's knowledge. It does not stop at Asian music. His knowledge and education at University of California in San Diego (UCSD) exposed him to some of the most potent eras of Western avant-garde music. This influence is evident in his music without leaving behind lyrical aesthetics. His vocal pieces have beautiful melodies and occasionally operatic lines. His art songs are intimate and touching. The piano accompaniments vary in texture and his arias have often reminded me of Puccini. His art songs with English texts have strong rhythms and motor elements reminiscent of Stravinsky. Other accompaniments remind me of Schubert. They are challenging in every way and make a singer proud that he or she has tackled them in concert. Recording his music is intense and requires stamina. The tessituras are wide but the pieces Bayani has composed especially with me in mind have perfect ranges that fit me like a glove.

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       Whether it is grooming young artists or helping polish well known musicians, Bayani always has a nurturing hand and provides inspiration. He has a way of bringing out the best in you. His calm manner and love of people have always allowed him to have many friendships all over the world. One only needs to look around at his family gatherings or at the audiences that fill his concerts and you can see all manner of friends and musical partners that Bayani has nurtured over the years. I am honored to count myself as a friend and fellow musical collaborator. He has made a tremendous impact both professionally and personally on so many people.