Filipino youth, musicians raise social awareness through song, video

MANILA, Philippines—Twelve-year-old Yuki Oseo may be young but his social awareness could not be underestimated.

Oseo was among the hundreds of Filipino musicians, composers, singers, and music enthusiasts who gathered on Saturday at University of the Philippines in Diliman and sang one song about nationalism and genuine change.

Singer-composer Gary Granada led the activity, documenting a music video for his own composition “Bayan Muna.”

Granada was joined by singers Cookie Chua, Bayang Barrios, and Lolita Carbon.

PHOTO by NESTOR CORRALES/INQUIRER.net

Granada is a prolific composer known for writing socially conscious music.

Asked about his latest composition, he said, “It’s reminding all us that aside from our problems and our families, there is a bigger reality that involves a whole nation.”

“Hindi tayo magkakakilala pero mayroon tayong common na pinagdadanasan, yung pamamayagpag ng iilan lang sa lipunan natin,” he said.

The event was an initiative of League of Authors of Public Interest Songs (Lapis).

Lapis is an organization of composers and musicians who seek to articulate through music issues that Filipinos face in their everyday lives.

“Bayan muna ang dapat pakikinggan. Bayan muna ang dapat paglingkuran. Bayan muna, di ang dikta ng dayuhan. Bayan muna, di luho ng iilan,” a line from the song read.

Granada said the Philippines should assert its sovereignty and not be dictated by other countries.

He urged his fellow musicians to tackle the same issues in their songs.

He also challenged the youth to “consider thinking” about the message of the song.

Dreaming of becoming a scientist someday, the young Oseo said he is studying well to be able to contribute to society.

“Dapat pagsikapan mong mabuti yung pag-aaral para may maimbag ka sa bayan,” he said.