14 artists sing together for honest, peaceful elections

OPM artists led by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab (top left)

In hopes of reminding everyone that having the power to vote for our country’s leaders is “a hard-earned right,” 14 music artists volunteered to lend their voices and talents to “Sana Naman, Taumbayan”—an advocacy anthem that calls for honest and peaceful elections on May 13.

“Celebrities can use their popularity as a platform to remind people that voting is a right, and that many had literally died for us to enjoy this privilege,” Moy Ortiz of the vocal ensemble The CompanY told the Inquirer.

“We are bound together not by individual personalities but this entity we call the Republic of the Philippines,” added the singer, who coproduced the said track with Radyo Inquirer anchor Noel Ferrer.

Maysh Baay, lead vocalist of the local pop-rock group Moonstar88, believes that artists—no matter the size of their spheres of influence—have the ability to effect positive change.

“I would say my audience are the young voters,” she said. “And encouraging them to exercise their right to suffrage and reminding them to appeal to their values and aspirations when choosing their leaders are things I will never tire of.”

And while there are critics who try to box in politically outspoken artists and tell them to just “stick to their jobs,” Moy maintained that every tax-paying Filipino has a right to voice out his or her opinion.

“Artists and entertainers also enjoy that right, whether you agree with them or not,” he said. “What’s important is to protect and maintain our freedom of expression and speech.”

“If everyone just sticks to their jobs and doesn’t hold his/her leaders accountable for their actions, then we would be in trouble as a nation,” Maysh pointed out, echoing Moy’s sentiments. “But coming from a more compassionate side, we must attempt to educate first.”

Joining The CompanY and Maysh in the recording sessions were National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Jamie Rivera, Jed Madela, Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez, Myke Salomon, Reuben Laurente, Jay Durias, Mitch Valdes, Agot Isidro, Bayang Barrios and the Mass Appeal Choir.

The song—a part of which goes, “Pagkatapos ng bilangan/ Sana naman ang panalo aytaumbayan”—was composed by Joey Ayala and Louie Ocampo many years back. But it wasn’t until earlier this month that it was finally released, with an accompanying music video to boot.

“This song came to life in time for crucial elections,” Louie said of the composition, which had been composed many years back. “In a country so divided by politics, I’m grateful to the people who contributed their time, effort and bravery in making a stand for free and orderly elections that transcend individual beliefs.”

Indeed, the 14 artists who took part in the project don’t necessarily share the same views. But that doesn’t mean they can’t share a common goal.

“The song is nonpartisan; it merely expresses our wish that whoever wins in the elections is truly for the people—one who will work for the people and not for his or her own selfish reasons,” said Dingdong Eduque of the Mass Appeal Choir. “And despite political differences, we’re united in wishing the best for our nation.”

As such, Moy pointed out that art can serve as an instrument for change and healing “by showing that disparate or dissenting viewpoints can still find common ground.”

“In this case, it’s the love for our motherland,” he said.