'Bakit' is a composition of Davao and Miguel "Mike" Velarde Jr. Interpreted by Cecil Lloyd, the "Mystery Singer" of the 1930's. This could be one of the most popular Tagalog songs by the "Mystery Singer" in prewar Philippines as it was revived by Diomedes Maturan in the 1950's and included in his "Dahil Sa Iyo" LP with the King of Kundiman, Ruben Tagalog published by Villar-Mareco Records. Audio from a vintage 78 RPM shellac record ("Bakit, Mystery Singer with Mike Velarde and His Orchestra," Bataan Records, 186-B, Philippines, Undated).
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THE MYSTERY SINGER:
CECIL LLOYD
The "Mystery Singer" was a black Fil-American whose real name was Cecil Lloyd (b.1910- d.1988) He started singing on radio in 1930. He was featured as the Mystery Singer on KZRM in 1934. He first recorded Tagalog compositions "Ikaw" and "Buhat" by Miguel Verlarde Jr. in 1939. Cecil Lloyd established the first Filipino-owned record company, Philippine Recording System, which featured his renditions of Filipino songs. He was also a professional lawyer. He is considered the Father of the Philippine Recording Industry.
REFERENCE/SOURCE:
The Cultural Center of the Philippines Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, Vol. VI, p. 331
"Appropriation of Colonial Broadcasting: A History of Early Radio in the Philippines" by E.L. Enriquez, Chapter III p. 116 ; p.165
