Musicians band together for Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Over 300 musicians have expressed their support for presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo.

In a music video, the musicians performed their rendition of “Rosas,” one of Robredo’s campaign songs, as an expression of support and birthday gift to the Vice President, who turns 57 today.

The performers included National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, John Arcilla, The Company, Arman Ferrer and John Mark Saga.

Various Filipino instrumentalists from the Philippines, United States, Singapore, Germany and Switzerland also performed in the music video. The musicians said Robredo is the only candidate who is capable of uplifting the lives of the people.

Erin Tañada, campaign manager of the Robredo-Pangilinan senatorial slate, said in a statement that the Vice President chose to spend her birthday with her fellow Filipinos, marking her birthday with a grand rally in Pasay City today, World Book Day.

Meanwhile, five National Artists, following their earlier endorsement of Robredo, have formalized their support for her running mate, Sen. Francis Pangilinan.

Cayabyab and fellow National Artists Virgilio Almario (Literature), Ben Cabrera (Visual Arts), Alice Reyes (Dance) and Ramon Santos (Music) endorsed Pangilinan during an event with artists and cultural workers in Pulilan, Bulacan on Friday.

Reading a manifesto on behalf of the group, Almario described the Robredo-Pangilinan team as the best tandem in the upcoming elections.

“We believe that Leni Robredo’s administration will be more secure in the future with Kiko Pangilinan as her partner and vice president,” the manifesto read in Filipino.

“We believe that apart from sincere aspirations of Leni Robredo for the country, Kiko Pangilinan has the knowledge and experience to fulfill the duties of a vice president,” it added. – Janvic Mateo