Ernesto Dela Peña

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

Early life
Dela Peña was born on October 26, 1932, in Paco, Manila.

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. In 2018 he would become associated with Star Music, a recording company owned by the Philippine media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation.

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.

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.

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

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

Death
Dela Peña died on March 12, 2024, due to a lingering illness.