APING API (Pitifully Wronged)

Aping Api is a traditional kundiman of unknown authorship, arranged by Juan Silos Jr. The title, which roughly translates to “Oppressed” or “Pitifully Wronged”, reflects the song’s theme of sorrow, longing, and the deep struggles of love. With its plaintive melody and expressive phrasing, the piece embodies the essence of the kundiman—music that gives voice to heartache while retaining dignity and tenderness. Through Silos’ arrangement, Aping Api has been preserved and shared with new generations, making it a poignant reminder of the emotional depth and cultural richness of Filipino music.