‘Pinoy Ako’ big hit in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Filipino archers’ successful campaign in archery may have been made through sheer talent, grit and determination but they may have been inspired, too, by the country’s national "anthem" for sports.

"Pinoy Ako," a pop song popularized by rock band Orange and Lemons, provided a big moral boost to the archers competing at the 23rd SEA Games here, in addition to the homecourt advantage they enjoyed.

At the Remy Football Field here, "Pinoy Ako" seemed to energize the local athletes and even foreigners appreciate it.

Lawyer Ruperto Sampoleo, director for shooting of the 23rd SEA Games, observed that the song has become an instant hit not only among Filipinos but even to other nationalities. "Almost all delegations are dancing to the tune of ‘Pinoy Ako,’" he said, adding the song is an added plus for the Filipinos.

Because the song refers to Pinoys and their foreign counterparts like it, too, the foreign opposition appears to be unwittingly cheering for them as well.

It also provided them some sort of a psychological advantage. It was as if, the opponents are facing an imaginary foe who is providing a built-in advantage to the local heroes.

"Pinoy Ako"‘s impact on the athletes was such, observers said, it was akin to having the edge of a sixth man in basketball.

The song was so well-received it was played more often here than the SEA Games international theme song "We’re all just One" which, after it was sung by child prodigy Julia Roman Abueva during the opening of the Games last Nov. 27, hardly got heard again.

"Pinoy Ako" also overshadowed the song "Posible", the inspirational song of local rock band "Rivermaya" which was meant to inspire Pinoy athletes to go for the gold.

"We’re just wondering why our Filipino organizers are promoting the "Pinoy Big Brother" theme "Pinoy Ako" rather than "Posible." There was even an extravaganza presentation for "Posible" but it was relegated to the background by "Pinoy Ako," a source told The STAR.

Sports aficionados agree that "Pinoy Ako" worked like charm on local athletes, serving like a secret weapon against the tough competition. It inspired the athletes to perform better, as evidenced by the three gold-medal haul of the Filipino archers.

Before and after every archery event was held, the song is played on the venue. A male archer, shortly after his team bagged the gold in one of the events, was seen doing a jig while the song was being played on.

They observed that the song appears to suit athletes more than "Posible" and "We’re all Just One," since its lyrics is "Pinoy ang dating," and caters to the masses.

Besides, they said, it emphasizes pride on the Filipino and his ability to excel, egging him to show to the world what he could do, not to be awed by the odds.

"Kahit sa boksing, pine-play ‘yan (Even in boxing, that song is being played)," one bystander observed. The boxing team brought home eight golds, regaining the boxing crown it last held in the 1991 SEA Games in Manila.