57 artists join DOT's 'Pilipinas Tara Na!' music video

MANILA, Philippines - What do Aiza Seguerra, Barbie Almabis and Billy Crawford have in common?

The three young artists are among the 57 leading musical artists who have joined the “Pilipinas Tara Na!” video and became promoters of domestic tourism.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled last Friday the first of a series of music videos featuring 57 entertainment personalities and the country’s numerous tourist attractions.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said more songs are now being edited for release in the next few weeks.

“The fact that these artists, who usually charge big amounts for performances and endorsements, joined in the creation of the music video for free and for love of country makes their gesture even more laudable. I salute them for their noble and patriotic act,” Lim said.

After the success of the DOT’s Biyahe Tayo! music video participated in by 21 artists in 2004, Lim decided to do an updated and expanded version of the song for the department’s domestic tourism program, this time using the program’s campaign title, Pilipinas, Tara Na!

The team is composed of Rene Nieva, Perceptions chairman, who did the lyrics; Rico Blanco and Mike and Angelo Villegas, who provided the music; and Noel Nieva, Perceptions president, who directed and edited the music video.

Noel Nieva, according to the DOT, added as many attractions as he could, including those that were left in previous videos and ended up with enough material for three songs.

With three songs to be recorded, the team was able to invite more artists who wanted to participate in the first one but could no longer be accommodated.

The artists who participated in this endeavor are 6Cyclemind, Seguerra, Almalbis, Bayang Barrios, Crawford, Bituin Escalante, Boboy Garovillo, Christian Bautista, Cookie Chua, Dolphy, Ebe Dancel, Gabby Alipe, Gail Blanco, Gloc 9, Itchyworms, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, Jay-R, Jed Madela, Jett Pangan, Jim Paredes, John Lesaca, Jong Cuenco, Karylle, Kevin Roy, Kitchie Nadal, Kris Lawrence, Kyla, Martin Nievera, Nikki Gil, Noel Cabangon, Ogie Alcasid, Pepe Smith, Raimund Marasigan, Regine Velasquez, Rico J. Puno, Rivermaya, Sam Concepcion, Spongecola, Yeng Constantino, and ZsaZsa Padilla. 

“Promoting tourism among our people should not be the task of the government alone but requires the help and support of all Filipino companies and individuals who have the capability and resources to contribute toward increasing domestic tourism,” Lim said.

“Any impetus in local tourism can impact more quickly and extensively toward the growth of the economy and the improvement in incomes and standard of living of all Filipinos who are already employed or will be employed in the travel and hospitality business,” he added.

As with the original Biyahe Tayo! song, which is posted on YouTube and other websites and still being played on various local TV and radio stations, Lim expressed hope that the new Pilipinas Tara Na! songs will be given similar extensive coverage by local TV and radio networks and in the digital media through YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, blogs and the like.

He appealed to the mostly young Filipino users of digital and social media to upload the Pilipinas Tara Na! music videos on their walls, pages and blogs and share these with as many of their relatives, friends and acquaintances as possible.

For his part, Rene Nieva thanked the DOT for accepting the team’s offer to do a remake of the original music video.

“We hope that the Pilipinas Tara Na! songs will generate the same national pride as well as a stronger feeling of unity among our fellow Filipinos in working for the overall good of our country, regardless of differences in sub-cultures, dialects, lifestyles, and political, business or religious affiliations. As I wrote in one of the passages in the lyrics, ‘Tayo man ay iba-iba, diwa’t puso ay iisa (We may differ in many ways, but we are one in spirit and heart)’,’’ he said.