Kim Chiu (center) celebrates 30th birthday at home
It was a text message from a friend needing emotional support that made actress Kim Chiu work up the courage to finally release a single that she had previously recorded but didn’t feel confident enough to make public.
“’Wag Kang Bumitaw” was launched in Kim’s Instagram (IG) account on April 20, a day after she celebrated her 30th birthday. The actress had no grand celebration, but spent the day with her immediate family, since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is currently in place to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) that has infected over 6,000 Filipinos to date.
On IG, Kim posted: “It’s my gift to you in these trying times. I may not be the best singer, but I hope the message of this song will inspire you, give you hope. There were times when we wanted to give up because of all the hardships we went through. What we didn’t know was that it’s just a way for God to test us, to strengthen our faith, and for us to be able to bounce back.”
Kim said she recorded the song months ago, but “at the time, I was very reluctant to launch the song, so it was pushed back,” she said of the new single under Star POP. She added that it was a text message that she got on Good Friday “from a friend who was on the verge of giving up” that made her remember the song.
“I listened to it again, and I called my producer Rox Santos to tell him that now is the perfect time to release it,” the actress said.
Kim explained that “‘Wag Kang Bumitaw” is different from her usual releases, which mostly tackle love and friendship. “It reminds listeners to carry on and have faith in God’s plan despite experiencing endless hurdles along the way,” she explained.
The inspirational track is written by Jun Lirios, with music by Leah Negapatan, and arranged by Michael “Cursebox” Negapatan.
“I hope this song can inspire people to not give up, no matter how hard this time can be. These are tough times, but when you have God with you, you know that it will soon come to pass. Just have faith and ’wag kang bumitaw,” Kim said.