Philippine Politics & Music
Hey, do you love music and politics? If so, you’re in luck, because the Philippines has both in abundance. Music and politics have been mixing and mingling in this country for a long time, and they have produced some amazing and crazy results. In this blog, I will show you some of the ways that music has rocked politics in the Philippines and how politics has rocked music back.
Music as Protest
One of the coolest ways that music has rocked politics in the Philippines is as a form of protest. Music has been used to say “no” to injustice, oppression, and tyranny. Music has also been used to say “yes” to freedom, democracy, and peace. Music has also been used to say “ouch” to those who suffer from political violence or persecution.
Some examples of music as protest in the Philippines are:
Bayan Ko: A patriotic song that was written by Constancio de Guzman when the Americans were bossing around the Philippines in the early 20th century. The song says “I want my country back” and “get out of here”. The song became a hit among the rebels during the martial law of Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s.
Himig ng Pag-ibig: A folk song that was written by Asin in the 1970s. The song says “I love my country and my people” and “can’t we all just get along”. The song also says “stop killing us” and “stop stealing from us”.
Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo: A collaborative song that was written by 15 Filipino artists in 1986. The song says “we did it” and “we’re awesome”. The song also says “thank you” to the world for supporting the Filipino people’s fight for freedom.
Awit ng Kabataan: A rock song that was written by Rivermaya when Fidel Ramos was in charge in the 1990s. The song says “we have dreams and problems” and “we matter”. The song also says “listen to us” and “respect us”.
Music as Propaganda
Another way that music has rocked politics in the Philippines is as a form of propaganda. Music has been used to sell, trick, and brainwash people with political ideas and actions. Music has also been used to praise, defend, and worship political leaders and regimes. Music has also been used to bash, mock, and smear political opponents and critics.
