Rey Valera emotional over Filipinos’ struggles after rendition of ‘Malayo Pa ang Umaga’
Rey Valera let out his sentiments about the country in Tawag ng Tanghalan. Image: screengrab via YouTube/ABS-CBN News
As a judge in singing contest Tawag ng Tanghalan, OPM legend Rey Valera did his best to contain his emotions, but he could not hide his sadness after one of his songs was performed onstage.
Wincel Mae Portugal-Maglanque, who hails from Batangas, gave a heartfelt rendition of “Malayo Pa ang Umaga” during the contest’s quarterfinals which aired yesterday, Dec. 5 on “It’s Showtime.” She was an OFW working as a singer in Macau but lost her job after singers and musicians were let go from her workplace.
When asked for his reaction, Valera admitted, “Maiiyak na ako kanina.”
“Naawa ako sa Pilipinas. Parang naramdaman ko yung paghihirap natin lalo,” he said.
(I was close to tears a while ago. I pity the Philippines. It is as if I feel our sufferings even more.)
He noted how going abroad and comparing the life others have with those of Filipinos breaks his heart.
“‘Pag tayo nag-a-abroad, makikita natin sala-salabat yung mga bubong. ‘Pag pumunta ka ng ibang bansa, ayos na ayos,” he remarked.
(When we go abroad, we see tattered roofs. When you go to another country, it is so orderly.)
“Tapos maaawa ka sa Pilipinas. Tapos makikita mo nangyayari sa atin. Tapos itong ABS-CBN nagkaganito pa,” he said. “In my own way, gusto kong suportahan sa abot ng aking makakaya.”
(Then you feel sorry for the Philippines. Then you see all that is happening to us. Then this [shutdown] had to happen to ABS-CBN. In my own way, I want to give support as much as I can.)
Valera, dubbed the “King of Tagalog Songs,” has countless hits under his belt including “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” and “Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko.”
After her moving performance, Portugal-Maglanque moved on to the semifinals, along with contestants Almira Lat and JM Yosures. JB
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