José Garcia Villa is one of the most prominent Filipino writers in history. This piece sets to music three of Villa’s poems, published in June of 1941.

In the first poem, the narrator is full of wonder at the curious image presented before them. There is also a sense of amusement; a parliament of giraffes is a strange idea.

The second poem is a beautiful depiction of love. Contained within this love, however, is an undercurrent of fear.

The third poem is almost nothing. There is a heartbeat that begins to break apart. It manages to coalesce again briefly, before finally disintegrating into silence.

Duration: ~12 minutes

2025