Preservation and Restoration of Philippine Art Music Manuscripts of the University of the
Philippines-Diliman College of Music
Asst. Prof. Johann Frederick A. Cabbab and Asst. Prof. Iyra S. Buenrostro
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
The former library of the Conservatory of Music was built in 1925, nine years after the establishment of the
conservatory.
After World War II, UP transferred its campus from Manila to Diliman, Quezon City, and the library started to
be reorganized in 1954.
Under the administration of President Carlos P. Romulo, the then Conservatory of Music officially became a
college in 1968.
The UP College of Music named its current building after the famous Filipino composer and distinct alumnus of the
Conservatory, Nicanor Abelardo.
(UP College of Music, 2012, para.1-5). © Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
National Artists for Music
Antonino R. Buenaventura Ernani Joson Cuenco
Jovita Fuentes Jose Maceda
Lucio D. San Pedro Levi Celerio
Felipe Padilla De Leon Lucrecia R. Kasilag Antonio J. Molina
Andrea O. Veneracion
(NCCA, 2011) © Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Among the National Artists for Music, seven came from the
Conservatory of Music/UP College of Music:
Antonino R. Buenaventura Jovita Fuentes Jose Maceda
Lucio D. San Pedro Felipe Padilla De Leon
Antonio J. Molina Andrea O. Veneracion
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
The art music manuscripts of famous composer Abelardo, and National Artists Molina,
Buenaventura, and San Pedro, and other famous composers and alumni were donated by their heirs to the library of the UP College of Music.
Physically, many of these scores are no longer
usable nor recommended for repetitive handling and photo duplication, because the paper folia of
the manuscripts are already yellowing and crumbling.
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
To address this concern on the preservation and restoration of these Philippine art music
manuscripts of the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Music, an application to the Source of Solutions (SOS) Grants of the UP
OVCRD was made.
Guidelines and recommended practices fundamental to the preservation of these materials
of heritage have been laid for the librarians and archivists worldwide and these were employed to
guarantee that the proper preservation of representative records was done.
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
A simple laboratory was set up by the project proponents and the restoration process involves digital imaging of the originals, evaluation and
documentation, deacidification, cleaning, mending, encapsulation and boxing/binding.
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Methodology
I. Preliminary Survey
A. Evaluate the materials
1. Nature of materials (provenance, format, volume, etc.)
2. Extent of damage (torn pages, infestation, etc.)
3. Ink solubility
4. Acidity of paper
B. Document the current condition of the materials
C. Determine the necessary preventive or restorative
conservation treatments
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Methodology
II. Basic Preservation Actions
A. Refolder
B. Rebox
C. Copy/Duplicate
D. Dust/Clean
E. Humidify/Flatten
F. Remove fasteners and staple wires
G. Segregate
H. Reserve materials for treatment
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Methodology
III. Restorative Conservation Treatments
A. Surface cleaning
1. Non-aqueous
2. Aqueous
B. Deacidification
C. Paper Strengthening
D. Mending, strengthening and support 1.Mending of tears
2.Lining and sizing
3.Polyester film encapsulation
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Materials Cost
Filmoplast P Php 998/roll
Filmoplast P90 Php 998/roll
Acid-free adhesive tape Php 1, 575/roll
Burnishing bone Php 1, 330
Melinex roll Php 27, 160/ roll
Japanese Tissue paper Php 336
Methyl cellulose adhesive powder Php 2, 065/kilo
Art gum eraser Php 140
Archival deacidifying mist Php 4, 340
Acid-free folders (Legal Size) Php 161
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
I. Preliminary Survey
A. Evaluate the materials
1. Nature of materials
(provenance, format,
volume, etc.)
2. Extent of damage (torn
pages, infestation, etc.)
3. Ink solubility
4. Acidity of paper
B. Document the current
condition of the
materials
C. Determine the necessary
preventive or restorative
conservation treatments
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
I. Preliminary Survey
A. Evaluate the materials
1. Nature of materials
(provenance, format,
volume, etc.)
2. Extent of damage (torn
pages, infestation, etc.)
3. Ink solubility
4. Acidity of paper
B. Document the current
condition of the materials
C. Determine the
necessary preventive
or restorative
conservation
treatments
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
II. Basic Preservation Actions
A. Refolder
B. Rebox
C. Copy/Duplicate
D. Dust/Clean
E. Humidify/Flatten
F. Remove fasteners and staple wires
G. Segregate
H. Reserve materials for treatment
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
III. Restorative Conservation
Treatments
A. Surface cleaning
1. Non-aqueous
2. Aqueous
B. Deacidification
C. Paper Strengthening
D. Mending, strengthening and
support 1.Mending of tears
2.Lining and sizing
3.Polyester film encapsulation
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Decision Table Guide for Identifying Correct
Restorative Treatments
Rules
Conditions Paper Acidity acidic basic acidic basic
Ink Blotting yes yes no no
Actions Non-Aqueous Dry Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Aqueous Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓
Non-Aqueous De-acidification
✓
Aqueous De-acidification ✓
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Decision Table Guide for Identifying Correct
Restorative Treatments
Rules
Conditions Paper Acidity acidic basic acidic basic
Ink Blotting yes yes no no
Actions Non-Aqueous Dry Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Aqueous Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓
Non-Aqueous De-acidification
✓
Aqueous De-acidification ✓
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Decision Table Guide for Identifying Correct
Restorative Treatments
Rules
Conditions Paper Acidity acidic basic acidic basic
Ink Blotting yes yes no no
Actions Non-Aqueous Dry Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Aqueous Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓
Non-Aqueous De-acidification
✓
Aqueous De-acidification ✓
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Decision Table Guide for Identifying Correct
Restorative Treatments
Rules
Conditions Paper Acidity acidic basic acidic basic
Ink Blotting yes yes no no
Actions Non-Aqueous Dry Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Aqueous Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓
Non-Aqueous De-acidification
✓
Aqueous De-acidification ✓
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Decision Table Guide for Identifying Correct
Restorative Treatments
Rules
Conditions Paper Acidity acidic basic acidic basic
Ink Blotting yes yes no no
Actions Non-Aqueous Dry Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Aqueous Surface Cleaning
✓ ✓
Non-Aqueous De-acidification
✓
Aqueous De-acidification
✓
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
III. Restorative Conservation
Treatments
A. Surface cleaning
1. Non-aqueous
2. Aqueous
B. Deacidification
C. Paper Strengthening
D. Mending, strengthening
and support 1.Mending of tears
2.Lining and sizing
3.Polyester film encapsulation
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
III. Restorative Conservation
Treatments
A. Surface cleaning
1. Non-aqueous
2. Aqueous
B. Deacidification
C. Paper Strengthening
D. Mending, strengthening
and support 1.Mending of tears
2.Lining and sizing
3.Polyester film
encapsulation
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Proponents: Dr. Jose Buenconsejo
Asst. Prof. Iyra Buenrostro Asst. Prof. Johann Frederick A. Cabbab
College of Music:
Ms. Josie Baradas, URA Ms. Florinda Santos, Head Librarian, College of Music Library
School of Library and Information Studies:
Ms. Roxanne Canaveral Ms. Darl Valerie Corral-Piquero
Ms. Roscelle Cruz Ms. CJ Domingo
Mr. Levin Matriano Ms. PJ Resoso
Mr. Manuel Schuldes Mr. Adrian Tolentino © Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
This is an ongoing project, and the proponents are hoping that the grant and resources available will be able to sustain the restoration project until the end. It is the main goal of this project to relive and capture the remains of the Filipino classical music, so that this music era, genre and forms will forever live. This tangible collection of music heritage has high cultural, historical and symbolic value—a real asset of the university and the country. Possible Collaborations with other archivists on processes and materials / supplies used.
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013
Works consulted: About the UP College of Music. (2012). The University of the Philippines College of Music. Retrieved April 22, 2013, from http://music.upd.edu.ph/Administration%20of%20the%20College.html Bañas, R.C. (1924). The music and theater of the Filipino people. Manila: The Author Bañas, R.C. (1933). A historical sketch of the Conservatory of Music. Unpublished manuscript. Cabigao, S.S. (2013). UPCM struggles to save rare, time-worn Philippine music manuscripts. U.P. News, 34(3), 8. Epistola, E.V. (1996). Nicanor Abelardo: the man and the artist. Manila: Rex Bookstore. Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, UP Diliman. (June 2011). Source of Solutions Grants (Special Grants): General Guidelines. [memo/guidelines]. University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Organizational awards: the National Artists of the Philippines. (2011). National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved April 22, 2013, from http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca/org-awards/org-awards-national-artist-list.php Republic Act No. 10066, National Heritage Act of 2009. Samson, H. F. (1976). Contemporary Filipino composers: biographical interviews. Quezon City: Manlapaz Publishing Company. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (1998). Memory of the World. Retrieved April 22, 2013, from http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.phpURL_ID=1538&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
© Copyright of University of the Philippines
Diliman. All rights reserved. 2013