Kapuso stars aim to inspire via Bangon Kaibigan

MANILA, Philippines - Hope and tenacity amidst adversity — this is the inspiration behind Bangon Kaibigan, a song written by Janno Gibbs and performed by the top artists of the Kapuso Network.

The song aims to inspire Filipinos after the tragedy brought about by Typhoon Yolanda last November. Gibbs, who led the project into fruition, said he wants to remind Filipinos that there is still something to be hopeful and joyful for, especially during this Christmas season, despite the challenges that we are facing as a nation.

“It started out as a personal project. Ako, as a Filipino, I was inspired to write this song while watching the news, seeing the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. And I thought it would be a nice project to do with the other Kapuso artists,” Gibbs explained.

The song is similar to charity singles such as We Are The World by Michael Jackson during the mid-’80s and What’s Going On by Martin Gaye, covered by artists such as Destiny’s Child and Britney Spears under the name Artists Against AIDS Worldwide in 2001.

The singer then presented the song to the GMA 7 executives, who immediately agreed to turn the song into a charity project. It was Gibbs who reached out to other Kapuso artists to ask them to lend their talents to the venture.

Bangon Kaibigan will be sold in iTunes and other online venues. The proceeds will go to relief operations for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda via the GMA 7 Kapuso Foundation.

The song features over a hundred Kapuso stars that gave their time to participate in putting the music-video together, which will also premiere in Sunday All-Stars this Sunday.

Those who took part in the song and the video will auction off autographed shirts, which will be sold online.

“’Wag dapat mawalan ng pagasa. Kahit gaano tayo kalubog, kahit gaano tayo natapakan, kaya natin yun lagpasan. Kayang-kaya na bumangon ng Pilipino at ipagpatuloy ang buhay,” Gibbs said.

“The song is very personal. Bangon Kaibigan — we’re talking to them individually and not just for the victims of Yolanda,” he added, explaining that the song aims to uplift the Filipino spirit.

Regine Velasquez, who immediately agreed to be part of the project, believes music is among the best ways to inspire and uplift those who are experiencing hardships.

“Hindi lang yung mga nasalanta ang may pinagdadaanan. I think it’s the whole Philippines because everyone is affected. Maraming lumalabas na kanta to uplift our spirits but maganda na makarinig ng isang bago pang kanta na sana makapagbigay ng hope,” she said.

The Songbird added: “Right now, we’re going through some tough times. We need to encourage more people pa. Music has a power to heal. Yun ang purpose ng music. It makes you feel different feelings — so hopefully, this one will help make people feel hopeful. We should never lose hope. God is with us and looking after us.”

“And if we continue to believe and have faith, we can get through this.”

Cesar Montano, who also turns on his musical side for the project, said: “Hindi tayo nauubusan ng espasyo para sa mga kantang tulad nito.”

Bangon Kaibigan and its music video were launched in Sunday All-Stars last Sunday on GMA 7.