In the realm of literature many Pagsanjeños have attained eminence. The first one to gain national prestige is Godofredo Rivera, affectionately called "Godo" by his townmates. Still energetic in the twilight of his life, he is the doyen of Filipino newspaper columnists. His splendid book titled Little Things (Manila, 1950) is a gem of wit and humor.
      Generoso Liwag, without the blessing of a formal college education, was the first Pagsanjeño to become a star reporter. His pungent news stories on Philippine politics and politicians in the prewar Manila Tribune were widely read throughout the Philippines.
      Other good journalists produced by Pagsanjan are Salvador U. Kimhoko, publisher of The Bayanihan (newspaper in Laguna Province) and writer of historical essays; Eulogio "Logie" Benitez, a son of former Representative Eulogio Benitez; and Virgilio A. Maceda, feature writer in The Manila Times.
      Dr. Narciso Cordero, Jr. a medical professor by profession, wrote an autobiographical book entitled To While Away an Idle Hour (Quezon City, 1971). It contains delightful anecdotes about the life in Pagsanjan during the early American period.
      Another Pagsanjeño who possesses literary talent is Professor Hernando Abaya. A noted journalist, he had written two exciting books -- The Betrayal of the Philippines and The Untold Story of the Philippines.
      In the gloaming of its greatness, Pagsanjan produced a trinity of writers, known in Manila's literary circles as the "fabulous Zaide brothers" -- Gregorio, Jose, and Salvador. Evidently, these Zaide brothers have inherited the literary talent of their illustrious grandfather, Mariano Zaide, the "Aesop." They all began their writing career as newspaper reporters in various Manila dailies. Later they shifted to the greener pastures of literature. The oldest of the trio, Gregorio, finished his graduate studies in the University of the Philippines (M.A., 1932) and the University of Santo Tomas (Ph.D., 1934), and became a historian. Jose turned to diplomatic service of our Republic. Salvador, the youngest of the brothers, gave up his job as political reporter and columnist in The Evening News and became Chief of the Division of Publications, National Science Development Board (NSDB).
      More known as a historian, Dr, Zaide, after retiring from teaching at different universities and colleges in Manila, has returned to journalism. He became president, publisher, and columnist of the Junior Citizen, weekly social studies periodical for public and private schools with a total weekly circulation of 400,000 copies.

Gifted Pagsanjeños in Music

      Music, like literature, is in the blood of the Pagsanjeños. It is interesting to that during Dr. Rizal's time the Banda Pagsanjan, owned by a Pagsanjeño government clerk named Señor Guevara, was famously known in Laguna and surrounding provinces. Rizal, in his Noli Me Tangere, mentioned this band as one of the music bands which played in the town fiesta of San Diego (Calamba).
      During prewar years, Pagsanjan daily throbbed to the sound of music. Almost every affluent home in town had a piano which was then a status symbol, Even in the homes of poor families could be seen certain musical instruments, particularly the guitar. It was customary for Pagsanjeño children to study music. For, according to Pagsanjan tradition, no education is complete without music.
      The most outstanding pianist in Pagsanjan during the early years of the American period was Consuelo Zaide. Aside from her virtuosity as a pianist, she was a prominent music teacher not only in Laguna but also in Manila, Batangas, and Tayabas (Quezon Province).
      The only Pagsanjeño pianist which has achieved international celebrity as a piano virtuoso, composer, and music teacher is Professor Calixto R. Llamas who resided permanently in San Francisco, California. He is a brother of Dr. Rosendo R. Llamas. Other good pianists among Pagsanjeños are Miss Corazon Maceda, Dean of the Conservatory of Music of the Philippine Women's University; Rafael F. Zaide, former pianist on board the trans-Pacific Empress of Russia and in Macao's night clubs who later joined the diplomatic service of our Republic; Mrs. Rosario Cosme Bernardo, accomplished lady pianist and her daughter Mrs. Rosario Bernardo Sison (music teacher in Manila); Sor Rosa Soriano, former student of the famous Sor Battig of the Conservatory of Music, St. Escolastica College; and Mrs. Conrada Cosme Yaneza, gifted pianist and music teacher.
      Most outstanding of the many good violinists produced by Pagsanjan is Sergio Esmilla, Jr. A talented son of Judge Sergio Esmilla, Sr., and Oro Llamas (an accomplished pianist), he has been hailed in the Philippines and abroad as a violin virtuoso. He was the violin soloist of Manila Symphony Orchestra.
      Other good violinist are Salvador U. Kimhoko, Saturnino Aquino, and Antonio F. Zaide. A skilled bass player is Rogel Taiño, who is also a gifted music composer. He composed the inspiring "Pagsanjan March."
      Of unique interest is Dr. Narciso Cordero, Jr., a distinguished professor of medicine, who is a remarkable player of the pito, a strange flute-like musical instrument. With this instrument, he plays both classical and popular music with exquisite artistry.
      Long before the advent of the radios, the Pagsanjeños loved to sing. Every day the town rang with the echoes of all songs. During moonlit night it was customary for a young Pagsanjeño to serenade the girl he loved. Either he himself or a hired troubadour sang the love songs to the accompaniment of a throbbing guitar.
      Before World War II, the best male singer in Pagsanjan was Valentin Borlaza, the leading tenor of the Catholic Choir. Because of the remarkable resonance and volume of his voice, he came to be called the "Caruso of Pagsanjan."
      Famous among the Pagsanjeña singers were the three Flores sisters -- Florida (Mrs. Sintaco), Paquita (Mrs. Caballes), and Rosario (Mrs. Rabago). They were the female singing stars of the Catholic Church Choir. The town still has good female singers, such as Mrs. Lourdes Layos, Mrs. Loida T. Fabiero, Miss Jane Oliveros, and the members of the Maligaya Choir.
      During the "Gay Twenties" (1920s) the Aglipayan church of Pagsanjan had a magnificent orchestra. It was organized by Mr. Crispulo Fabiero, a gifted musician and orchestra conductor. Later a children's orchestra was organized by Mr. Antonio F. Zaide, violinist and music teacher, at the Pagsanjan Elementary School.
      Worthy of special mention is the Aquino Family Rondalla, the musical pride of Pagsanjan. It consisted of Saturnino Aquino (father), director and violinist; Maria (mother), vocalist; and children, Lina, violinist; Nelia, vocalist; Tony, clarinet and vocalist; Rogelio, guitarist; Erlinda, vocalist; Arturo, bass; and Argel, drum and vocalist.
      Now (2001) residing in Bronx, New York; Lakambini Zaguirre-Ramos (daughter of the famous psychiatrist Dr. Jaime C. Zaguirre), is a concert pianist, teacher, accompanist, Music Director, choir director, organist and cantor.