Barbie Almalbis’ ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ cover may be the comforting new anthem for Pinoys going through tough times

We live in an extraordinarily uncertain time, with almost half the world’s population living under strict social distancing. Seven months into the lockdown and situations have been crazy that we sometimes turn to our favorite tunes for comfort and solace—Many will say that music has, indeed, an undeniable power. 

One of these tunes that echoed Filipino resiliency and strength was Barbie Almabis’ rendition of Umagang Kay Ganda. The revival of the song was made possible by Magnolia Dari Creme to honor all frontliners who have been risking their lives for every Filipino. 

The music video released last July 30 received positive feedback from netizens all over the country, garnering a total of 10.4M views (8.8M Views on Barbie Almabis’ Facebook Page, 1.6M on Dari Crème’s Youtube Page), 256k reactions, and 1.8k comments. Many were inspired and comforted with the song which showed through the numerous positive sentiments on the post: 

So when you’re feeling down or in need of a little push, it’s good that you have the song! Here are 5 reasons why this song should be in your playlist: 

1.It tells us to go easy on ourselves as we adapt to the challenging times. 

Starting strong, Umagang Kay Ganda’s first line “Halika na pumikit limutin ang problema. Hihintayin ang umaga. Magpahinga…Darating din ang umaga”, encourages us to loosen up, go with the flow because a brighter tomorrow is yet to come.

2. It reminds us that difficult times are temporary, and we can survive the journey, one day at a time.

Almalbis explained through an interview that one of her intents when she sang this was to remind people of the real hope that we have as we confront the invisible enemy on a day to day basis. As the song’s lyrics say: “Gumising na. Araw ng pag-asa’y narito na. Dumating din, harapin natin”. Looking up and with hope in our hearts, we know we can always get by.

3. The song invites us to hold on to our dreams and find ways to pursue them. 

We should not give up on our dreams instead, we should continue to pursue them even amidst the pandemic or any personal crisis. The song strongly communicated it through its lyrics “May dalang liwanag sa ating pangarap” and its music video that was beautifully created that touched people’s heart. 

4. The song celebrates our innate silent strength we had all along. 

Here we are months after the lockdown still grateful to wake up to a new morning, every single day. Nothing and no one can break our strength of spirit because whatever curveball life throws at us, we can face it with our heads up. As the lyrics in Almalbis’ cover say: “Haharapin natin”. This adversity has not knocked us down but gave us a reason to face our fears and conquer them.

5. It reminds us that whatever happens, our families and loved ones are there to support us.

The heartwarming visuals of the video truly concretized the meaning of the song—a daughter blowing a birthday cake for her mom’s birthday online, ordinary citizens holding up a banner in gratitude for our frontliners, medical frontliners huddled together in prayer before their frenetic shift and the rest claps their hands and rejoice in the triumph of every single patient who has recovered—these are proof that we can do it, we can get over it because people who love us are there supporting us each step of the way. 

The year 2020 has proven to be a year when the primordial need for human connection and responsiveness is at an all-time high, Almalbis’ cover of Umagang Kay Ganda gives us hope, empowers us, celebrates our resilience, and reminds to just chill, let go, and take one step, one day at a time. The music video is also part of Magnolia Dari Creme’s campaign reminding us that in extraordinary times as in the normal times, tomorrow always brings us new chances for a brighter day as long as we are with the ones we love.

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