(From the SDmags.net Editors: This article is part of a series of articles related to the 24th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution.)

“Music is the language of the soul.”

To Filipinos, there is, indeed, a semblance of truth to this old saying. This was especially true during—and immediately after—the 1986 People Power Revolution. This changed not only the leadership in the Philippines. More importantly, the People Power Revolution led to the realization that Filipinos must now become aware and vigilant that their newly won freedom would not be forcible taken away again by anyone. This fact was immortalized through the music inspired by the bravery of Filipinos against the dictatorship.

The Music

Two songs composed by Filipino lyricists and musicians typified the sentiments of Filipinos back then. The euphoria of the momentous event of the time inspired artists to lend their talent to something that not only represent the people’s victory against the dictatorship. More importantly, the songs served as a reminder to Filipinos that they were part of the victory and, therefore, must also be part of its preservation.

The compositions also started a trend in Philippine popular culture in which music became a tool for bringing pressing issues in society to those who are concerned. A few years after the People Power Revolution, the airwaves would be filled with songs dealing with the environment, globalization, graft and corruption, and other problems and issues confronting the country and the Filipinos.

“Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo”. Composed by the APO Hiking Society, the song, “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo”, was recorded by 15 singers (including the members of the APO) and was released in April 1986. It was also released a year later in Great Britain and an English translation (“A New and Better Way”) was launched in Australia.

Magkakapit-bisig libu-libong tao

Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino

Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain

Kailan man din a paaalipin

The song dramatized and symbolized the effort and sacrifice of Filipinos to win back their freedom. It described the events that happened during the People Power Revolution in EDSA wherein the people faced the soldiers not as individuals or belonging to different social classes but as one—as Filipinos.

Di na ko papayag na mawala pa muli

Di na ko papayag na muling mabawi

Ating kalayaan kay tagal na nating mithi

Di na papayagang mabawi muli

“Handog…” also clearly brought to light the promise made by Filipinos as emphasized in the opening lines of the song—that never again would they allow a leader (or leaders) to take away their freedom.

Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo

Mapayapang paraang pagbabago

Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan

Ay kayang makamit nang walang dahas

Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat

The song also gave highlight to the fact that change was effected through peaceful means. Through the refrain heard all over, Filipinos showed that society could achieve changes without shedding blood or sacrificing the lives of Filipinos. That was the legacy of the People Power Revolution that was evidently became the inspiration of peaceful revolutions in various countries immediately after 1986.

“Magkaisa”. Another song captured the hearts and minds of Filipinos during the same period. Entitled “Magkaisa”, the song—composed by former Senator Tito Sotto and Homer Flores and sung by Virna Lisa—gave highlight on the aftermath of the revolution and what, in the thought of everyone back then, should be the focus of Filipinos after a divisive chapter in the country’s history.

Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)

At magsama (bagong umaga’t bagong araw)

Kapit-kamay (sa atin siya’s nagmamahal)

Sa bagong pag-asa

“Magkaisa” was more mellow that “Handog…” for the former veered away from the subject of struggle against the dictatorship. Instead, the lyricist saw it fit to focus on the theme of reconciliation, set aside differences, and work together to rebuild a divided country. This theme of working together and offering the hand of peace to people from the camp of ousted President Ferdinand E. Marcos would dominate the political and social discussion in the country for the next few years after 1986.

“Handog sa Pilipino ng Mundo” and “Magkaisa” again got extended airplay in radios and television when Filipinos were mourning the death of former President Corazon C. Aquino, the icon of democracy and the People Power Revolution.

Soul of Filipinos

The music inspired by the People Power Revolution not only brought to attention the talent and artistry of Filipinos. The two songs also bared the soul of the people regarding love for freedom and of country. Indeed, music is the language of the Filipinos’ soul.