Music stars sing inaugural theme ‘Bagong Pilipinas’

(Left to right) Jim Paredes, Jed Madela, Gail Blanco, Nina, and Regine Velasquez perform during the presidential inauguration at the Luneta on Wednesday. KC Cruz

President Benigno Aquino's twenty-minute speech roused the crowd, but it was the inaugural theme song that stole the show. Oddly ahead of schedule, the program suddenly called for more musical acts than were planned and for a while, it seemed that Wednesday night's concert and street party had been advanced to the inaugural proper. "Tapos na po ang dilaw, ang pula, ang orange - tayo ay isang bahaghari na. It's time for us to work, it's time for us to support our new president," said Ogie Alcasid of the meaning of "Bagong Pilipinas," which he co-wrote with Noel Cabangon. It's a busy day for Alcasid. After performing in the noontime ceremonies, he will be onstage again in the evening at the inaugural concert and street party at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Despite the full schedule, Alcasid was in good spirits. "Lahat kami very excited. Kagabi nagrehearse kami sa grandstand, 10 pm, medyo kinakabahan, but I think it's going to be a great day for all of us," he said at the Manila Hotel before heading to the Quirino Grandstand. The song was performed by several stars including Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Christian Bautista, Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, Nina, and Noel Cabangon.
Among the singers who joined the two composers in performing the theme song were Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Nina, Jed Madela, Mae Paner, and Christian Bautista. The Kundirana vocal ensemble and the acclaimed Madrigal Singers also joined the performance, with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra providing the music for the piece. A lot of people in the audience flashed the 'laban' sign while the all-star cast sang "Bagong Pilipinas." When Cabangon sang "Kanlungan," there were many a misty eye in the crowd. It was evident that the audience was deeply moved, and there could not have been a better way to build up to the new president's oath taking. "Bagong Pilipinas" Anuman ang iyong kulay Ang Pilipinas ay nagtagumpay Kahit galing sa dilim Alam natin ang araw ay sisikat din Tayo ma'y hiwa-hiwalay Isa ang ating mithiin at pangarap Bahagharing abot-tanaw Mula ngayo'y ating mararating Bagong Pilipinas sama-samang ihayag ang tagumpay Bagong Pilipinas Salubungin natin ang bagong umaga Muli nating itanghal bayang nagkakaisa Simulan na natin ang Bagong Pilipinas Bridge: Sa tulong at patnubay ng Panginoon H'wag na nating sayangin ang pagkakataon Lubos na pagtitiwala sa isa't isa Ang s'yang maghahatid ng bagong pag-asa - CARMELA G. LAPEÑA/YA, GMANews.TV