If we wonder why Filipinos remain patriotic despite the challenges we face, we can partly attribute it to the songs that deeply resonate with our Pinoy pride. These tunes contain lyrics that evoke themes reminding us of the inherent coolness of being Filipino. Whether we were born and raised in the Philippines or have roots planted in the land of Juan dela Cruz, each emphatic lyric line or infectious chorus melody serves to empower us.
These songs have become Pinoy anthems at some point and to some extent, serving as strong fillers (in the context of an album with one, carrier single) to the main gem that is “Lupang Hinirang,” or “Bayang Magiliw” to some people not keen enough to realize that the first two words of our national anthem aren’t part of the title. We know it is truly effective when a piece becomes embedded in our consciousness like that Jose Mari Chan Christmas song that earns significant airplay come the -ber months.
The late great Francis Magalona established his reputation as a rapper who espoused patriotic thoughts with the lead single “Mga Kababayan” from his debut album Yo!.
Hotdog’s signature song is a track that longs for the third-world noises and speeding jeeps inherent in Metro Manila, along with its pretty girls. The guy singing about San Francisco and Sydney had to pick the most famous city in the archipelago to make the song work and it made sense.
Some foreigners find it easy to say Manila where there is thrilla. And while some didn’t sit well with it being used during an international sporting event held in the Philippines, “Manila” is no doubt a song that can make you fall for things identified with Philippine life.
If the idea of writing a nationalistic Filipino song is to primarily link us together, amid the diversified tongues and provincial cultures, then all the more that it is necessary to keep these songs coming. Kuh Ledesma’s “Ako Ay Pilipino,” penned by the legendary George Canseco, is obviously effective in its grand ballad showcase of that sense of pride. Admit it or not, it goosebumps each time the line “Taas noo kahit kanino” is sung. Thanks in part to Kuh’s majestic vocal delivery.
People Power Revolution
That track and “Bayan Ko,” which became a battle cry against tyranny, and with Freddie Aguilar’s voice allowing the bird mentioned in the song to be soaring, are the two picked by songwriter Renee Santos when I asked him to name the two top nationalistic songs for him. My FILSCAP-mate is the tunesmith behind the classic “Oh Babe.” I don’t need him to elaborate on his choices. Two thumbs up!
Nearly 20 years ago, Filipinos were introduced to the reality competition Pinoy Big Brother, along with its opening theme so well-loved it can be argued it was the best thing about the show.
“I remember writing the lyrics of ‘Pinoy Ako,’ with the awareness of how diverse we are as a nation culturally, ideologically, etc. There have been a lot of factors that have somehow divided our nation into groups with different sets of mindset, beliefs, and ideals,” shared Jonathan Manalo, co-writer of that hit theme.
Big thanks also to its radio-friendly melody, even if marred by rip-off controversy, the song became both a dance craze and a badge of Filipino resiliency and individuality.
Fast forward and in light of what happened in the 2022 national elections, when friends become foes, and the long-accepted narrative of history was unabashedly challenged on social media, the message of “Pinoy Ako,” if analyzed with an open mind, had become more attached to the Filipino resolve.
Jonathan, who I worked with in a Christmas song called “Paskong Wala Ka,” related, “And despite that, I believe that we all just want the best for our country. Our ways may differ in expressing our love for our country, just like how my lyrics goes – ‘Lahat tayo’y mayroong pagkakaiba, sa tingin pa lang ay makikita na, iba’t ibang kagustuhan, ngunit isang patutunguhan.”
No problem with politicians or artists expressing their love of country as long as they mean it from the heart. It’s unfair to the Philippine flag if being vocal about it is done to win votes to fool the public or attract the masses for selfish publicity. History repeatedly informs us that dictators, racists, and people with sinister intentions often used nationalism as a front to trick the people into believing they mean well.
Better not say we’re doing something for the country’s sake when it is blatantly clear we’re mere fanatics of a particular politician. Let’s pay due respect to composers who mean what they wrote and the singers who have expressed their loyalty to the country with sincerity. Let the power of beautiful music and true patriotism be the amulet in our blood, as Bamboo sings in their seminal hit “Noypi.”
