Ernesto Dela Peña

For the Mexican writer, see Ernesto de la Peña.

Ernesto Dela Peña (October 26, 1932 – March 12, 2024^[1]) was a Filipino composer and lyricist.

Ernesto Dela Peña
Born	(1932-10-26)October 26, 1932 Paco, Manila, Philippine Islands
Died	March 12, 2024(2024-03-12) (aged 91)
Occupations	Composer Lyricist Singer
Labels	Hidcor Recording Co. Vicor Records Star Music
Formerly of	Ermar Duet

Early life

Dela Peña was born on October 26, 1932,^[1] in Paco, Manila.^[2]

Career

Dela Peña would start his career as a recording artist at Hidcor Recording Co. in 1956. He initially sang kundiman songs before shifting to being a lyricist. He would then work for Vicor Records for 30 years.^[2] In 2018 he would become associated with Star Music, a recording company owned by the Philippine media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation.^[3]

He would write at least 300 songs. Among the singers he wrote songs for was Rico J. Puno; this includes the 1978 song "May Bukas Pa" and 1979 Metro Manila Popular Music Festival entry "Lupa" both of which he wrote with Charo Unite.^[2]

He made songs for various artists such as Sharon Cuneta, Bibeth Orteza, Sylvia La Torre, and Bobby Gonzales as well as bands like VST & Company.^[1]

Dela Peña was a co-composer of the 1986 Virna Lisa song "Magkaisa".^[4]

As a singer, he was part of Ermar Duet with Mar Lopez. They released the album "Pinagbigyan" in the early 1970s.^[1]

Compositions

'*Kawawang cowboy_Fred Panopio |- Kawawang Cowboy_Fred Panopio |- Turistang Bilmoko_Fred Panopio |- Mani_Fred Panopio |- Bida_Fred Panopio |- Bohemyo_Fred Panopio Ibig Ko Ay Bata_Fred Panopio Mo_Fred Panopio Oh My God (I Love My Teacher)_Max Surban Tumulo Na (Nasasabik Sa'yo) Mahirap Na’ng Ma-Por Nada_ Nasasabik Sa Iyo_Fred Panopio

Death

Dela Peña died on March 12, 2024, due to a lingering illness.^[1]