George Masangkay Canseco (April 23, 1934 – November 19, 2004) was a Filipino composer and former politician. He composed numerous popular Filipino songs.

Early years

Canseco studied and graduated with a Liberal Arts degree at University of the East in the Philippines. After graduation, he worked for The Philippines Herald and The Associated Press as a journalist. He also freelanced as a scriptwriter for hire in Manila. Canseco was commissioned by former Philippines First lady, Imelda Marcos, to compose the national tribute hymn, "Ako ay Pilipino".

Later career

Canseco wrote the classic "Kapantay ay Langit", a theme from the award-winning Motion Picture sung by Amapola. It was later popularized by Pilita Corrales, which eventually became her signature song. It also had an English version titled "You're All I Love" that was sung by American singer Vic Dana that included some Tagalog lines. The song won the Manila Film Festival Best Song Of The Year Award in 1972. Canseco followed it with an English song entitled "Songs" exclusively for "Songs and Amapola" under the Vicor Music Corporation Pioneer Label. Canseco's best-known composition, however, was "Child", the English-language version of Freddie Aguilar's signature song "Anák". He wrote for Sharon Cuneta and Basil Valdez, and his songs were also recorded by Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pilita Corrales, Martin Nievera, and Kuh Ledesma. Rey Valera was a lyricist of two of Canseco's songs. Canseco credited film producer and Vicor Music Corporation owner Vic del Rosario for his biggest break in the music industry. Canseco was elected President of the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. in 1973, and also elected a councilor for the First District of Quezon City from 1988–1992 and 1998–2001.

Death

On November 20, 2004, Canseco died due to cancer at the age of 70 in the National Kidney Institute, Quezon City, Philippines.

Filmography

Awards