ANN/THE INQUIRER – With Filipinos, movies and dramas are not the only instances we’ll hear theme songs and soundtracks. Real life – yes, even history – has been backed by many iconic anthems, both solemn and heart-pounding. The beautiful thing about music is that the songs that have marked our cultural and social movements transcend the era they were written or popularised.
We may occasionally still hear many of these songs today, transporting us back to these historic times. Let’s take a quick sound trip down memory lane with some songs that have defined the numerous eras in Philippine social and pop culture history. Magkaisa, Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo, and Bayan Ko These three songs have collectively become iconic for their association with the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986.
The songs call for unity and peace, and ultimately speak of love of country. These songs continue to be played at protests and organized gatherings where citizens clamor and fight for their rights – precisely the same message behind People Power decades ago. Magkaisa was composed by Tito Sotto and was performed by Virna Lisa.
As the title suggests, the song calls on Filipinos to look past our differences and unite for a common cause. Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo meanwhile was a song by Jim Paredes of the Apo Hiking Society, and was performed by a “supergroup” of 15 OPM artists. It spoke of the legacy of the movement: a peaceful route towards freedom and change.
Katotohanan, kalay.