Digitization and Performance of Asian Music Arranged for Guitar Ensemble by Lester Demetillo is a research project fulfilled in honor of the UP Guitar Ensemble founder. This was how the team described the research —a project of the Department of Strings and Chamber Music (DSCM) of the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Music (CMu).                       The research introduced Demetillo as a “distinguished Filipino guitarist and pedagogue who transcribed and arranged countless works for the classical guitar ensemble from both local and foreign music, greatly contributing to the history and practice of classical guitar in the Philippines… rose to prominence when he founded the UP Guitar Ensemble in 1982.” Demetillo. Photo by Jerald DJ. Caranza, UP Diliman Information Office Supported by the UPD Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, the research “aims to digitize,” Demetillo’s handwritten works using a music notation program. These works “will be encoded in batches of 10 to 15 pieces, and each batch will be performed in a dedicated guitar ensemble concert as a means of promoting Filipino classical guitar music while honoring … legacy.” Demetillo addressing the audience. Photo by Jerald DJ. Caranza, UP Diliman Information Office    The first batch of materials showcased in the project were eight Filipino works and five traditional pieces from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The Filipino works are Visayan Caprice and Cavatina by Nicanor Abelardo, Improvisasyon by Augusto Espino, Buligi by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Rondo in F by National Artist for Music Antonio Molina, Suite, 2nd Movement by Angel Peña, Tanging Dilag by Rosendo Santos Jr., and Mindanao Orchids by Ramon Tapales. The Asian traditional works are Quartet for Koto and Jūshichigen, 1st Movement by Nagasawa Katsutoshi; Arirang, a Korean folk song; Jasmine Flower, a Chinese folk song; excerpts from Sadhukarn, a Thai traditional music; and Gambangan from Balinese Ceremonial Music by Colin McPhee. At the concert where the first batch of Demetillo’s digitized works were also performed, the distinguished guitarist and composer-recalled the beginnings of the UP Guitar Ensemble and expressed his sentiments forming the group. Demetillo said it was a daunting, “almost an impossible task, especially here in the Philippines, because of the dearth of pieces, because of the dearth of capable teachers.” He began teaching at the DSCM in 1982 after auditioning and being recommended by National Artist for Music Ramon P. Santos who was then-CMu dean. Demetillo continued, “I was so envious with the orchestras, with the Madrigal Singers, with the UP Concert Chorus, and the other groups here. The symphony orchestras and the wind orchestras. Because they could perform so many, you know, kinds of music. So many big repertoires. So why not…