The Ilocos Times

Family Picture of Nemesio Ventura Pedro and Juana Alcaraz Lorenzo in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines in 1945. (From left) parents Juana and Nemesio, Fernando, the 4th and youngest child, Esperanza, 3rd child, standing: Jose, the 2nd child and his wife Marciana Victoriano, Isaac the eldest child and his wife Mizue Teresa Baba. By Leticia Pedro Cagayat Nemesio Ventura Pedro was the acclaimed “Pioneer Music Man of Laoag”. He was a gifted musician. He was the original composer of the Ilocano zarzuela. This was inspired by the Spanish zarzuela which is a theatrical play that alternates between spoken and sung scene. One of his favorite compositions was “Anching”, dedicated to his dearest daughter Esperanza. He was a versatile band master. He was the founder of the Modernista Band. It is the first and the longest existing band in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. He was the conductor of the choir of St. William Church in Laoag for many years. He taught music, solfeo to young folks at his hou