Wenceslao "Ben" Zubiri (September 28, 1911 – November 9, 1969), who was also known as Iyo Karpo was a Cebuano composer, actor, and media personality in the Philippines. His most famous composition, for which he wrote both the lyrics and music, is the song ''Matud Nila'' (in English "They Say"). Zubiri was born on the island of

Cebu Cebu (; ceb, Sugbo), officially the Province of Cebu ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Sugbo; tl, Lalawigan ng Cebu; hil, Kapuroan sang Sugbo), is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, and consists of a main island and 167 ...

in 1911 and started his schooling in San Nicolas Elementary School. From an early age, he was said to have displayed an ability in singing and music. He had a role in the movie ''Bertoldo-Balodoy'', which was the first Cebuano film that was ever released. Ben Zubiri also wrote Cebuano songs. In 1941 he wrote his most famous song, ''Matud Nila''. This song has been labeled by some as the cultural anthem of the Cebuanos. He also was a comedian in radio dramas as well as offering advice on the program ''Purico Amateur Hour''. Ben Zubiri died in 1969. He was married to Luz Butalid, a Boholana, whom he met while he was in Bohol as a guerilla fighter during the Second World War. A street in Barangay Labangon in Cebu City was later named in Zubiri's honor.

List of selected compositions

*''Matud Nila'' (1941) *''Ikaduhang Bathala'' *''Katulog Na Inday'' *''Nganong Mipakita Ka'' *''Tuhoi'' *''Mitu-o Ako'' *''Ang Gugmang Gibati Ko'' *''Pasayawa ko Day''

Award

References

External links

Ngkhai.com biography of Ben Zubiri
Filipino folk composers Musicians from Cebu Male actors from Cebu 1911 births 1969 deaths {{Philippines-writer-stub