This is the Yamaha Motors newest commercial jingle sung and performed by multiple Michael V's in different characters. It's catchy and enough to be your next LSS (Last Song Syndrome) song. Are you happy ???

2010 is Election year in the Philippines and the campaigning has begun. One of the most evident forms of campaigning has been through their self-promotional jingles. Whether on radio, TV or the internet, these jingles hope to capture the voting public.

When making a jingle for a candidate, the jingle has to have a catchy tune and easy lyrics to memorize. It's a make or break for the candidate as a lousy jingle could make or break his or her potential to be remembered come election time. Of course, ones candidacy song shouldn't be any basis whatsoever for voting... but it does help you remember who they are if you remember their jingle.

And with this batch of presidential candidates, I've heard most of their jingles and I personally have to say that only 2 of them stand out. They contain the elements of a good jingle: easy to sing, easy to memorize, carries a catchy melody, has the candidate's name included in the lyrics, and is infectous leaving you with the LSS (Last Song Syndrome) effect.

The 1st jingle belongs to Manny Villar. Throughout the jingle, children are singing the song which makes it easy to sing along since you don't need to be at par with a professional singer. The song starts slow and the lyrics are easy and clear to listen to so the message is well heard and delivered. The music video also ads to the jingle's emphasis with less fortunate children singing the jingle in their environment and depicting their way of life. The jingle ends with Manny's full name being sung (as the answer to the country's poverty).

The 2nd catchy political jingle belongs to Eddie Villanueva. In contrast to Villar's jingle, this one is hip and upbeat. The danceable jingle has the qualities of a mainstream pop song which makes it a memorable one. The catchy part of the song is the chorus whose answer to all the questions posed in the song is "Eh di ako" which is a witty remark pertaining also to the candidate's name "Eddie". Award winning Pinoy rapper Gloc-9 adds oomph to the beat as well as the people dancing shown on the music video.

Check out their videos and see if you find it catchy.

Note: In no way is this blog endorsing any particular candidate. We are merely talking about their ad jingles.

In 1986, the song Magkaisa was performed by Virna Lisa. People weren't familiar with Virna as an artist. However, the song became a symbol of the 1986 EDSA Revolution and People Power. It was a time where the Filipino people wanted an end to the Marcos regime and usher in a new democratic government. The lyrics symbolized what all Filipinos wanted: unity and peace towards a bright future.

It is this time that Corazon Aquino, the wife of assasinated Ninoy Aquino, rose to fame but more importantly, became the symbol of the Philippines' longing for freedom from a regime ruled by martial law and dictatorial rule.

Cory, became instrumental to People Power, the bloodless revolt of the Filipinos which materialized when thousands of people went to EDSA to converge and show support.... and even blocked high-powered military tanks, without any use of violence.

This song is offered as my tribute to Cory's legacy and her undying devotion to the Filipino people. May her soul rest in peace. As Ninoy has proven, thank you Cory for making the Filipino worth dying for.

Magkaisa - Virna Lisa

Ngayon ganap ang hirap sa mundo
Unawa ang kailangan ng tao
Ang pagmamahal sa kapwa"y ilaan

Isa lang ang ugat ng ating pinagmulan
Tayong lahat ay magkalahi
Sa unos at agos ay huwag padadala

Panahon na (may pagasa kang matatanaw)
Ng pagkakaisa (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kahit ito (sa atin Siya"y nagmamahal)
Ay hirap at dusa

Magkaisa (may pagasa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit kamay (sa atin Siya"y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pagasa

Ngayon may pag-asang natatanaw
May bagong araw, bagong umaga
Pagmamahal sa Diyos, isipin mo tuwina

This goes to show that music in a universal language. You don't need to learn an entire language to learn a song, especially one, as beautiful as Ikaw Lamang.

Here is the song "Ikaw Lamang" sung and performed by the choir Infinito Singers hailing from Indonesia.

I'm hooked to watching the telenovela "Tayong Dalawa" on ABS-CBN.   I'm not really a fan of Gerard Anderson and Kim Chiu.  But I love the story and plot because it's not predictable.  The more twists and turns there are, the better it gets.

The soundtrack of the telenovela is also the title of the song performed by Gary Valenciano.  This is the first time I've heard the song so I have no idea if it's an original or remake.

However, I got hold of a link to another version by Rey Valera.  I have reason to believe that this is the original.  I can't confirm but I have a feeling it is.

Nevertheless, it's a great song.  Aside from the catchy yet simple melody, listen to the lyrics to find out.

Tayong Dalawa - Rey Valera

A couple of weeks ago, I was at Robinsons Galleria and happened to pass by a crowd of people lined up.  As I got to the front, I realized they were lined up to buy authentic shirts from FrancisM's clothing apparel.   

FrancisM took pride in his nationalism and instilled the Philippine flag in his Three Stars and a Sun designs.  It's great for people to patronize him through his line of shirts.  Please do buy only the original as it promises the top quality FrancisM's shirts possess.  You can check it out at http://francismclothing.multiply.com/

You got to give it up for Charice who sang the Star Spangled Banner at a football stadium during the opening day of the Dodgers against the San Francisco Giants.  

Leading and singing your own national anthem is already a big deal.  What more would it be to sing the National Anthem of one of the biggest countries of the world.   Yet, Charice impressed the entire crowd.   I guess they couldn't imagine a petite 16 year old could sing the National Anthem with such a huge voice.   

Congratulations Charice.  You make Pinoys proud.