Songs that rekindle Pinoys’ nationalist, patriotic spirit
The month of June 2016 saw a resurgence of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Dozens of local acts gathered in different venues all over the metro for the annual “Fête de la Musique.” Coincidentally, the music festival took place in the same month as the Philippine Independence Day celebration, which made me wonder if Filipinos nowadays still appreciate the music of patriotic artists like Heber Bartolome, Susan Fernandez and Jess Santiago.
And so to pay homage to Filipino progressive music, here are some great patriotic and protest songs to rekindle our nationalist spirit.
“Julian Makabayan”—a classic from the 1980s and 1990s that tells of the oppressed peasants’s struggle for land.
“Pinggan,” Pol Galang’s allegorical piece that describes the grossly unjust relationship between the United States and the Philippines.
“Pamantasan ng Puso,” a melodious folk rock song by Gary Granada that brilliantly distinguishes the highly successful, albeit self-serving, graduates from those who did not finish school because of financial constraints yet selflessly serve the poor.
“Lupa,” an evocative ballad by The Jerks from its live and debut album, which is about love of motherland and assertion of national sovereignty and independence.
“Tatsulok,” a popular Buklod song by Rom Dongeto, included in the “Karapatang Pantao” compilation album, that affirms that long-lasting peace is not possible without social justice.
“Wala nang Tao sa Sta. Filomena,” music icon Joey Ayala’s powerful and poignant song about a village that became a ghost town after being terrorized by anticommunist vigilantes.
“Di Pangkaraniwan,” Danny Fabella’s touching tribute to those who wholeheartedly serve the Filipino people.
“Alamat,” poet Eric Acosta’s thought-provoking song that demystifies all the myths about the country’s rampant poverty and hunger.
“Ang Kailangan Gawin,” an anticorruption song composed by Gary Granada and performed by Dong Abay.
“Republikang Basahan,” Teodoro Agoncillo’s poem about our bogus independence translated masterfully into music by professor Joel Costa Malabanan.
“Awit sa Bayani,” one of Levy Abad Jr.’s most moving songs, which depicts the painstaking sacrifices of the revolutionary heroes and martyrs.
“Bayan Ko,” Jose Corazon de Jesus’ antiimperialist poem used as a popular protest song since the 1920s, which nationalist historian Renato
Constantino referred to as our “alternate national anthem” because of its continuing relevance. Interestingly, Koyang Jess Santiago’s version of the song was featured in the end credits of Lino Brocka’s classic film “Bayan Ko: Kapit Sa Patalim.”
Like everything else in this world, Filipino music will continue to evolve. In any case, we should never lose interest in our local progressive music —music that does not sugarcoat the harsh realities in our society and reflects the struggles of the people for genuine freedom and change.
—DANIEL ALOC, [email protected]
