The remake of the EDSA anthem dropped two days before the 37th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.
A new version of “Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo,” the song best known as the EDSA People Power Revolution anthem in 1986, was released on YouTube late Thursday ahead of the historic event’s 37th anniversary on February 25.
In the video uploaded on the singer and songwriter Jim Paredes‘ YouTube channel, the caption says “A remake of the iconic EDSA anthem of 1986 written by Jim Paredes. This time old veterans and millennials do the song with a modern arrangement, video treatment, and a fresh new rendition with a rap portion.”
The new video opens with a montage of videos of the EDSA Revolution from 1986, then fades into the Filipino artists singing the remake. Among the original singers from the 1986 version who joined the updated rendition are Paredes, his fellow APO Hiking Society member Boboy Garovillo, and Celeste Legaspi. They were joined by seasoned performers Bayang Barrios, Bituin Escalante, The Company, Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, Noel Cabangon, and Pinky Marquez.
Theater performers including Audie Gemora, Bodjie Pascua, and Gab Pangilinan were also part of the remake, as well as Drag Race Philippines Season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole, cast member Brigiding, and drag performer Tita Baby.
Elmo and Arkin Magalona, sons of deceased rapper Francis Magalona, performed the rap portion of the song.
Footage of the EDSA Revolution continues to play in the background throughout the video. At the end, the words “Isabuhay ang kalayaan” (Put freedom into practice) are displayed, a reminder of what the 1986 revolution represents.
“Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo,” written by Paredes in 1986 and originally performed by 15 Filipino singers, recounts the events of the EDSA People Power Revolution, known worldwide for being an example of nonviolent change through peaceful protest.
Watch the video here:
