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.

This is one of my favorite OPM mid-tempo rock songs: Daliri, by Kjwan.  Incidentally, this was their very virst single on their debut self-titled album.   This is also the first song I've heard Marc Abaya sing after he left Sandwich.  And he didn't disappoint.  Gotta love his voice.

Bastusan na !

It's always refreshing and a great delight to see other nationalities embracing Philippine music by singing some original Pinoy songs.  And this is no exception.  Here is a video of an American dubbed as "Ako si Chris" playing and singing his own rendition of Eraserheads classic "Ang Huling El Bimbo".