‘When you say Manila, they know it’s Philippines’

MANILA, Philippines—   “It’s representation, not inclusion.”

Senate  President Vicente Sotto III  stressed this  on Tuesday, still amid  questions raised over the  use  of  the song  “Manila” during the opening ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games last Saturday.

“Inclusion yung sinasabi ng iba e. Hindi,  its representation. Manila represents the entire country  anywhere you go in the world. Pag sinabing Manila, alam na nilang Pilipinas yun,” Sotto  said in an interview  in Mandaluyong City.

(Some are saying inclusion. It’s not, it’s representation. Manila represents the entire country anywhere you go in the world. When you say Manila, they know already that it’s Philippines.)

The issue was raised by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who said the song used during the opening ceremony should be inclusive.

“Di po ba Philippine flag ang dala? Why would you play the song Manila? Did Lapu-Lapu die for Manila? Wag po natin gawing excuse ang upbeat danceable song. Kami nagimbento ng budots. Kaloko man oie,” Duterte said.

“We should be inclusive when we want to encourage our countrymen to cheer,” she added.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1196542/sara-duterte-questions-song-choice-manila-in-sea-games-opening

Sotto, composer-singer, though, backed the musical director and other people behind the production of the opening ceremony, saying those criticizing it are not musically-inclined.

“Bagay  na bagay  dun sa opening ceremonies yun.  I know the message, I understand it. Ang problema merong mga hindi nakakaintindi ng musika, pati musika gustong pakialaman,”  he said.

([The song] was just right for the opening ceremonies. I know the message,  I understand it. The problem  is,  there  are people who do not  understand music and want to interfere with it.)

Sotto was quick to say, however, he was not pertaining to anyone.