Ipaglalaban Ko & other songs for change

MANILA, Philippines – Even in the field of local music, the presence of Pres. Rody Duterte is felt with tremendous uproar as his battle cry for change somehow signals the rebirth of patriotic and socially relevant songs.

The release of a compilation with tracks composed, produced and used to push his campaign during the recent national elections put emphasis on this slant, with Universal Records distributing the commemorative CD timely called Mga Awit Para Sa Tunay Na Pagbabago. The President’s face can be seen on the album cover, with “16th” written beside the title, indicating his numerical place among the figures who landed the top seat in Malacañang. 

Freddie Aguilar’s rewriting of his famous piece Ipaglalaban Ko to boost Duterte’s cause turned out to be the definitive ode that helped him get a landslide win. The melancholic tune, reworded and retitled Duterte Para Sa Tunay Na Pagbabago is the opening track to the 10-song affair closed out by the official Duterte theme Tapang Solusyon co-penned by album producer Barney Borja, who wrote Chad Borja’s now-classic Ikaw Lang years ago.

“Ang campaign jingle po kasi para maging effective, kailangan kilala na ang melody dahil maikli lang ang period ng kampanya,” Aguilar told the press who attended the recent album launch at his own Ka Freddie’s Bar along Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Then to loud applause he began singing the Ipaglalaban Ko rendition that made the iron-fisted Duterte teary-eyed during the campaign run. Ka Freddie’s signature hit Anak apparently inspired the President during his youth to change for the better. 

Borja explained of the rationale behind the making of the album, “The people wanted a leader who had the political will and leadership who could make a difference. Each song was carefully chosen for conveying the message of Pres. Duterte.”

A proof of Duterte’s phenomenal charm is the fact that majority of the songs in the CD were produced by songwriters and artists at their own personal expense.

Cesar Montano co-wrote and performed an alternative pop track simply called Tunay Na Pagbabago. The chorus opens with the strong line, “Hindi na tayo maniniwala sa mga pangako/ hindi naman ginagawa.” He mused in a tone of child-like delight, “Idol ko si Ka Freddie. Meron akong mga albums n’ya. Ngayon kasama ko na sya sa isang album.” 

Other notable songs feature the songwriting skill of revered Side A bassist Joey Benin (Bandila Ng Pag-asa), a separate Tunay Na Pagbabago song performed by Mocha Girls and Pagbabago interpreted by South Border’s Jay Durias and young band frontman Ian Sison. 

Proceeds from the album will be given to Kausaban Foundation (headed by co-album producer lawyer John Paul Amores) which rehabilitates young drug-dependents.

In a related development, Viber has partnered with the Presidential Communications Office and launched Public Chat (www.viber.com/presidentialcom), which gives news and advisories coming from the Presidential team. The ViberForChange Sticker Pack was launched last July 25, carrying now-popular expressions Just DU it!, Change is here, among others.

Viber regional head for Southeast Asia Crystal Lee-Gonzalez stated, “We’re committed to making Viber even better through local content and partnerships that celebrate and empower Filipinos.”

Gary Valenciano once again proved to be a certified living icon as he is the subject of #GVonViber, a sticker pack that features his classic song titles like Di Bale Na Lang, Take Me Out of the Dark, Sana Maulit Muli and others.

At a stylish, high-end Viber party held July 21 at Valkyrie in Uptown Bonifacio, The Fort, Gary wowed members of the media and distinguished guests with his A-1 performance.

“How we produce content now is really based on people’s sentiments and what they talk about. What better way to express hugot lines than to tie-up with the original hugot king,” quipped Gonzalez, “Why say it in sentences if you can say it in one sticker or one song title.”

On being #PartnerForChange, she explained, “The other sentiment flourishing right now is politics. Everybody was concerned and wanted change. It’s important to have Pres. Duterte’s content and memes that people use based on the things he says. We’re trying to twist things in positive ways.”