Nicanor Santa Ana Abelardo was a composer, pianist, and teacher. He was born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan, on February 7, 1893. He was the son of a photographer, Valentin Abelardo, and a church singer, Placida Santa Ana. His most popular works include the official song of the University of the Philippines,"U.P. Beloved",, "Magbalik Ka Hirang", "Himutok", "Nasaan Ka Irog", "Kundiman Ng Luha", "Bituing Marikit", and "Mutya ng Pasig".
At age five the young Abelardo learned solfeggio and how to play the bandurria from his father. A year later, he was already able to play the William Tell Overture on the guitar. At age eight, he already composed a waltz, “Ang Unang Buko,” which he dedicated to his grandmother. He later learned to play the piano while working for his uncle, painter Juan Abelardo, in Manila, where he studied in primary schools.
The prodigiously talented Abelardo started teaching music in schools in San Ildefonso and San Miguel, Bulacan, when he was barely 15 years old. Before he enrolled at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music, he worked as a pianist in pubs and theaters in Manila.
