Singing to democracy
As we celebrate 26 years of the People Power Revolution, let us sing the greatest Filipino music that will forever be reminiscent of the glorious events that took place during that time in our country’s history.
Here are some of the most memorable songs that remind us of the EDSA Revolution:
“Bayan Ko” – popularized by Freddie Aguilar
“Bayan Ko” is a poem written by José Corazón de Jesús in 1929 and was musically arranged by Constancio de Guzman. The song was inspired by the clamor of the Filipinos for independence during the American invasion of the Philippines, and since then, it had become an anthem of Filipinos who joined demonstrations, more particularly during the 1986 People Power Revolution. Freddie Aguilar ’ s rendition of the song was the most popular of all, especially during the height of the Revolution where the crowds were singing the chorus altogether.
Because the song was believed to have a contradictory message against the Marcos government , the song was banned in public performances during the Martial Law period. Those who attempted to perform the song in public would be deemed to have committed serious
“The songʼs message is still very synonymous to what the country needs especially in these trying moments. It is a call for the Filipinos to be one in achieving peace and a brighter tomorrow for the country.”
offense and could even end up being imprisoned. The song’s most familiar lines are: “Ibon mang may layang lumipad, Kulungin mo at umiiyak! Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag, Ang ‘di magnasang makaalpas? Pilipinas kong minumutya, Pugad ng luha ko’t dalita, Aking adhika, Makita kang sakdal laya!”
“Magkaisa” – Virna Lisa
Another popular 1986 People Power Revolution song, “Magkaisa” is played during the People Power anniversary celebration every year.
Written by Sen. Tito Sotto, this song defines the strength and unity of the Filipinos who gathered to fight for the country’s democracy during the Revolution. Even up to now, some people who hear the song would also get reminded of the yellow ribbon and the “L” sign, which have become symbolic of the country’s battle for freedom during that time.
The song’s message is still synonymous to what the country needs especially in these trying moments. It is a call for Filipinos to be one in achieving peace and a brighter tomorrow for the country.
Its chorus will always serve as a message of inspiration to many Filipinos.
“Panahon na ( may pag- asa kang matatanaw)
Ng pagkakaisa ( bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kahit ito (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal
Ay hirap at dusa
Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pag-asa”
“Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo”
– APO
Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier, collectively known as The APO Hiking Society, have also been popular for unleashing nationalistic- themed songs aside from their very inspiring songs of love and friendship.
The song “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” was said to have been created in just three minutes by Jim Paredes. According to published stories, Jim was able to complete the song just a month after the EDSA victory while the country was still in a celebratory mood although he already had the concept for the song even months before the Revolution.
Jim said in some interviews that the song was inspired by the “We are the World” music video in which international pop superstars collaborated to sing the Michael Jackson original.
After completing the song, Jim brought it to APO’S recording label and the song was included as the carrier track for the group’s upcoming album.
The lyrics of “Handog” are also embedded on the wall of Our Lady of EDSA Shrine.
“Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao. Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino. Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain. Kelan man ‘di na paalipin. Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo, Mapayapang paraang pagbabago. Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas. Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat.”