An album for change

Change, they say, is the only thing constant in this world. If that is so, then how come there is always a call for change around here? Can it be because, while people, particularly Filipinos, do change, the changes they make are usually for the worse? Now, that is truly a dreadful thought. But I guess that as long as there are people willing to make the effort to bring about change, there will always be hope for all of us.

Set to be launched this evening at the Filipinas Heritage Library on Makati Avenue is the album, Pagbabago, which those optimistic souls involved in its production hope will help bring about changes this country of ours badly need. Behind the album is Pagbabago@pilipinas, a movement created from the collective yearning for change. According to the album blurb, it brings together people from all walks of life, from various spheres of influence and diverse cultures and backgrounds, who have the common goal of making the Philippines the country it was meant to be.

Those are lofty ideals and a most difficult goal but music has been known to sway even the hardest of souls. If the songs in the album can awaken hearts mired in hopelessness or simply bring about the awareness that change is still possible, then it would have already accomplished a lot. As for those who have already grown tired of all those changes in the past that never seem to do any good, the album Pagbabago is a collection of new, interesting compositions performed by well-known artists that music lovers, even the jaded and despairing, will surely enjoy.

Produced by award-winning songwriter and singer Trina Belamide, Pagbabago, the Album is one of the many steps that Pagbabago, the movement, is taking towards their goal. It is the result of two years’ work for a group of artists who gladly contributed their talents to this noble undertaking. The songs add up to a very diverse lot which is pop and techno and dance and good-old-Pinoy ballads. All of them can be described as the socially relevant sort. The themes of the compositions take on various issues for which change for the better is definitely in order. Among these topics are the coming elections and the needed voter education, the non-compromise of principles in everything one does, the commitment to take an active role and to be responsible or accountable to the people for one’s actions.

The group of artists performing the songs is also as diverse as the music they create. They comprise an eclectic mix that ranges from songbird Regine Velasquez to world music denizens Bob Aves and Grace Nono to the controversial Mystica among the performers and from the master Ryan Cayabyab to the promising Jay Durias among the songwriters. That they are performing together in a single album only shows that when called upon to be counted, our artists can easily unite and do their bit for the common good.

Space does not allow me to name all of them but here are some of those who participated in the making of Pagbabago, the Album. Regine Velasqez is the featured performer in Ako, which she co-wrote with producer Trina. Jaya sings Count on Me by Trina and Jingle Buena. Grace Nono and Bob Aves collaborate in Eleksiyon Na Naman. Da Pulis and Anya Santos do Idol by Bob Guerrero with lyrics by Gabe and Beepsie Mercado. Renz Verano sings Kaduda-duda Ka by Roy del Valle and Trina. The hitmaking group Aegis’ contribution is Hindi Mo Ako Mabibili by Celso Abenoha and Trina.

Also included are Walang Takip, Walang Tinatago sang by Mystica and composed by Mon del Rosario; Tanggapin Mo Kung Gusto Mo composed by Jim Paredes and performed by the Apo Hiking Society; Owe U Nothin’ by Radha of Kulay and written by Jimmy Antiporda and Trina; Ako Pa sang by Jolina Magdangal and composed by Jungee Marcelo; Walk with Good written by Jay Durias and Trina and performed by South Border; and Magbabago Ako, a Ryan Cayabyab composition performed by The CompanY.

Good luck to Pagbabago, the Movement. May you realize your dreams. Good luck too to Pagbabago the Album. May it sell a lot of copies and inspire Filipinos. Good luck to all of us, too. That is something we can now certainly use a lot of.