About the Philippine-Inspired, Ethnic Flavoured Song
Philippine-Inspired Youth Song Launched in Ireland
Music promotes solidarity and helps in the well-being of children. Developing musical talent among the youth also makes them feel worthy as they earn the respect and appreciation from other cultures. “Tinig ng Pag-Asa” (Voice of Hope) was launched in Ireland on August 29, 2020 to kick-off an online sing-along challenge for Filipino global youth empowerment. The ethnic-flavoured tune was created to honour UNESCO International Youth Day 2020 themed “Youth Engagement for Global Action.” Embellished with unique Philippine indigenous instruments such as the kulintang, kubing, piri bamboo flute, kudyapi, bungkaka and tungatong, the Tagalog song was composed by 2021 Philippine Presidential Award Banaag Category Recipient Vanda Brady and produced and arranged by multi-awarded composer/musician Diwa de Leon, grandson of Philippine National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon. The launch track was performed by 13-year old Teen Champion Vocalist Fiona Cassandra Vargas who was born in Ireland to Filipino parents. The song was a semi-finalist at the 2020 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) (World Music, Category), an annual international contest judged by a prestigious panel of music industry professionals. The global awarding body for the song writing competition received more than 26,000 entries, and semi-finalists make up only 9% of all entries, which makes it a remarkable achievement.
Ms. Brady, composed a melody on the piano while in her teens in her hometown in South Cotabato, Philippines, which developed into a music sheet 15 years later after collaborating with co-lyricist Divine Gil Reyes at J. Romero & Associates advertising agency in Makati, Philippines. It was produced and arranged in 2020 into a patriotic masterpiece by US-based Gawad Urian Awardee Diwa de Leon. Now an active volunteer community leader and cultural champion in Ireland, Ms. Brady is promoting the song to empower young Filipinos around the world by inviting cover artists, musicians and non-professional singers to concoct their own performance of the catchy and uplifting musical creation. “I hope “Tinig ng Pag-asa” will be heard and sung across the globe to encourage young Filipinos to take charge of their lives by engaging at the local, national and global levels. Parents, families, and various communities should inspire our young leaders to take action in order to improve their access to resources and transform their consciousness through their beliefs, values, and attitudes.”
On arranging the song, Diwa de Leon said, “I’m honoured to be a part of this project. Vanda wrote a wonderful song and I’m glad to put my own cinematic-ethnic spin on it.”
Launch singer Fiona Cassandra Vargas is a 2021 The Voice UK Semi-Finalist, 2020 Silver Medalist of the World Championship of Performing Arts, 2019 Ireland’s Talent Search Contender, 2018 Kildare’s Got Talent First Runner Up, and 2018 Role Model for Social Inclusion of South Dublin Council. “I am so happy be chosen as the teen artist to unveil an inspirational Philippine song for the rising generation. Singing it in the national language makes me appreciate my roots and my parents’ home country even more.”
The Philippine Honorary Consulate in Ireland has been implementing youth projects since Consul Raymond Christopher Garrett was appointed to his post in April 2019. “Tinig ng Pag-asa” is a virtual collaboration of talented Filipino professionals in three continents. To see it grow into a powerful song in only three weeks was phenomenal. We cannot wait to see Filipinos around the world perform their own rendition of the song which will bring Philippine talent and culture to the forefront.”
“Tinig ng Pag-asa” (Voice of Hope) is open to the public for sing-along challenges and is an ongoing song celebrated in community events and fundraising campaigns.
“TINIG NG PAG-ASA” (VOICE OF HOPE) IS NOW THE PROGRAMME ID OF THE FIRST MIGRANT RADIO SHOW “MY JOURNEY HOME” ON Shannonside FM, A REGIONAL RADIO STATION IN IRELAND
The weekly show hosted by Vanda Brady starts and ends with the intro of the song which is embellished with unique Philippine indigenous instruments such as the kulintang, kubing, piri bamboo flute, kudyapi, bungkaka and tungatong. The Tagalog song was composed by Ms. Brady and produced and arranged by multi-awarded composer/musician Diwa de Leon, grandson of Philippine National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon. Here is the first podcast of the show with the first African-Irish Mayor Uruemu Remu Omeru Adejinmi as guest.
HALLOWEEN VIRTUAL CONCERT FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT – SATURDAY OCT 31, 2020
Message from Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa Lagdameo, Consul General, Philippine Embassy United Kingdom
Message from Labor Attache Amy Reyes, Labor Attaché, Philippine Overseas Labor Office – Overseas Workers Welfare Agenyc (POLO-OWWA) London
Message from Wendell Gaa, Desk Assistant for Socio-Cultural Matters at Office of United Nations and International Organisation at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs
Listen to “Tinig ng Pag-asa” performed and arranged by Diwa de Leon
Launch Track by 13-year old Fiona Cassandra Vargas, Teen Champion Vocalist
In celebration of UNESCO’s International Youth Day, the song was launched on August 29, 2020 by 13-year old teen champion vocalist Fiona Cassandra Vargas of award-winning youth band The Bright Lights.
Fiona Cassandra Vargas, 13 years old, was a 2021 The Voice UK Semi Finalist, 2020 Silver Vocal Award Winner at the World Championship of Performing Arts, 2018 Kildare’s Got Talent First Runner Up and 2019 Ireland’s Talent Search Contender. Fiona is a Second Year student in Holy Family Catholic School in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. She plays the ukulele, loves to dance, and admires Moira, Morissette and Sarah Geronimo. She was born in Ireland to Vic Vargas from Gattaran, Cagayan Valley and Shiela Vargas from Cebu. Fiona and Shiela have been living in Ireland since 2001where Shiela works as a Quality Assurance Supervisor at a confectionery. This launch track was mastered by Roel Mabeza and the lyrics were added by Don Kiram. Here’s Fiona Vargas performing “Tinig ng Pag-Asa.”
Learn the Lyrics & Share
We hope the message of the song reaches as many people around the world. Join the Sing-Along challenge, create your own version, perform on Facebook Live, do a Tik Tok, or simply share the song and nominate people who might be interested to join. Make your own solo cover or with a group by downloading the files and send your audio or video recording with a photo and a background about yourself to vandabrady@yahoo.co.uk.
SONG ENTRIES
Theatre singer Liv Gregorio’s message to the youth is: “Don’t lose hope when things get tough. Just keep on trying until you achieve your dreams. Also don’t forget to be joyful & share the love!”
Hailing from Cork, the second largest county in the Republic of Ireland, Liv’s huge voice blew the judges away and got a standing ovation when she was the youngest semi-finalist at the March 2019 Ireland’s Got Talent Season 2. She recently had her first opera concert performance in Jan 2020 where she played as the Little Girl in “Deirdre And The Sons of Usna” at Everyman Palace Theatre in Cork. On July 2019, she performed in ‘The Summer Evening in The Quad’ at University College Cork as a guest soloist of Tommy Fleming. For two summers (2018 and 2019) she performed in the College’s Rocks Summer Concert and in 2018 she performed in Cork Opera House’s Christmas concert as one of the soloist. Her first professional performance was when she played “Molly” in ‘Annie The Musical’ for Cork Opera House’s summer production. Liv Gregorio is currently a 5th class student at Scoil Oilibhéir. She was born in Ireland on 2009 to Ram and Laverne Gregorio who moved to Ireland in 2006. Ram, a healthcare worker, is from Negros Occidental and is a healthcare worker while Laverne, a nurse, is from Valenzuela City. Subscribe to Liv Gregorio’s You Tube Channel “Liv’s Wonder World” and see her other fabulous performances.
Nathaniel Antonio Hembrador, a 21 year old college student currently studying BS in Information Technology at South East Asian Institute of Technology at Tupi. At the age of 8, his father (who passed away three years ago) taught me how to play the guitar and it has been his passion to play the guitar and write songs. Nathan was born at Dasmariñas Cavite, but great up in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Since he had a lisp, he found it awkward to sing my own compositions and resorted to playing fingerstyle. Nathan also made his own creative rendition of “Tinig ng Pag-Asa” on guitar. For him, the song is a direct and indirect message to the youth that should not be left behind and should be guided accordingly with love and care for them to embrace the world with compassion. His message to the youth — do not be afraid to show your talents and capabilities. The world is a harsh place without cooperation and compassion, and only through love and settling differences will make it turn around again. We are the youth, the new hope of the world, and we can change the world for the betterTo listen to Nathan’s songs and guitar tracks, please like and subscribe to Nathan’s YouTube Channel “Nathan Hembrador.”
Orly is a nurse and used to live in Ireland for many years but has now moved to Germany to be with his partner. He was called the Balladeer and the Filipino Singing Nurse in Ireland. Orly joined the first season of Pinoy Idol Ireland talent search in 2004 and won as First Runner Up. Since then Orly to performed in many Filipino and Irish occasions like in hospital events, public and private parties. He also auditioned in `You’re A Star´ a national tv singing competition in Ireland but he didn´t make it thru the finals. Orly took his voice lesson in Griffith College, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, Ireland. He was trained by the famous Soprano, Ms. Kathryn Smith and became one of the members of The Kathryn Smith and Singers. He was also a member of Voce Christiana Choir (Filipino Choir in Dublin). He was able to perform in some prestigious venues like The Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines, The Grand Canal Theater , the Dublin Convention Centre, The Victory Center, The Helix and The National Stadium, all in Dublin, Ireland. Orly had a his 2 major concerts called ORLY Live at The Griffith Conference Centre, Dublin last May 15, 2011 where he launched his first single and The Rhythm of East and West Concert at the Redcow Hotel, Dublin last March 15, 2013 where he launched his first CD Album entitled Love Heals. Orly has made his own rendition of Tinig ng Pag-Asa which was regularly played in an elementary school in the Philippines. Please like and subscribe to his YouTube channel entitled “DEAR KUYA ORLY.”
Nigelle Larot Ramos from Kilternan Dublin 18 also made her beautiful version of “Tinig ng Pag-Asa,” but today we will play her own original song called “Dreamers.” Nigelle was born in Siquijor, Philippines, parents’ hometown. She is now studying BA in Commercial Modern Music at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) Dublin. Nigelle wants to be a professional musician, hopefully gigging, once it is safe to do so.” Her advice to her fellow young Filipinos is to keep their heads high, especially in these tough times. “Don’t be afraid to reach for your goals no matter how big they may be, and that it’s also okay if they don’t have any at the moment. Be happy, be healthy, and strive to do the right thing!” Please like and subscribe to her YouTube Channel “Nigelle”.
Rodelle Borja is a Registered General Nurse at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin. He moved to Ireland on January 8, 2018. Hailing from Pasonanca, Zamboanga City, Rodelle is also Ireland’s Got Talent 2018 Semifinalist. His fascinating voice has wowed a global audience and he continues to use singing as an opportunity to unwind and get away from stress at work. Rodelle released his self-written compositions “Maybe Somewhere” and “Ngayong Nandito Ka” in all digital platforms this year and is now at more than 100K views and 60K views on Youtube, respectively. He is the first to submit his version of the song “Tinig ng Pag-Asa.” Today he will sing for us a medley of songs. Please like and follow his YouTube Channel “Rodel Borja.”
Tinig ng Pag-Asa performed by May Tanugan of Ten Foundations. Ms. Tanugan is one of the first youth scholars of the foundation and is now a permanent employee helping families and children in the area.
The Voice Kids UK 2020 top prize-winner Justine Afante. The 14-year old singing sensation from Swansea in Wales emphasised the need to encourage Filipino youth to engage and effect positive change in their respective communities.
The Composer – Vanda Brady
Tinig ng Pag-Asa was composed by Vanda Brady, Nominee for the 2020 Philippine Presidential Awards Banaag Category 2020. It started with an instrumental piano composition she made when she was 14 years old in Polomolok, South Cotabato, followed by a combined effort on the lyrics with her copywriting colleague Divine Gil at an ad agency in Makati in her 20’s, then to a musical sheet when she was working in her 30’s in London. Now an active community volunteer in Ireland where she helps Filipino migrants and other nationalities, she is focusing her efforts on the youth by engaging and empowering young Filipino talents through “Tinig ng Pag-Asa,” an inspiring song to celebrate our young, future leaders and mobilisers.
Help goes to Belfast-based charity Ten Foundations which supports vulnerable children living in Balayan, Batangas, Philippines, and Rotaract Gen San which runs a tutorial programme for children in Mindanao.
MAY TANUGAN IS THE FIRST SCHOLAR OF THE BELFAST-BASED CHARITY THAT HELPS VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND PARENTS IN BALAYAN BATANGAS.
CALL FOR HELP FOR VULNERABLE STUDENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES: VOICE OF HOPE FUND.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for Ten Foundations and Rotaract https://www.gofundme.com/f/VoiceofHopeFund.
Voice of Hope or “Tinig ng Pag-Asa” is a song for Youth Engagement which was composed for UNESCO International Youth Day in August 2020.
This Fundraiser is for Belfast-based Ten Foundations Scholarship Programme which supports students in need in the Balayan, Batangas. Currently it has 18 scholars enrolled in the programme at various levels of education. Since it started in 2015, they have funded 3 high school teachers, 1 social worker, 1 business management graduate and 1 tourism graduate.
This is also for Klehe’w Akbasa, the Reading Tutorial Programme of the Rotaract Youth Club of Greater Gensan-Stratford International School Chapter. Klehe’w Akbasa, which means “Happy Reading” in the B’laan dialect, is for students in Mindanao who are affected by school closures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 40 Youth Learning Volunteer Heroes who are Licensed Professional Teachers in the Philippines teach 118 students how to read in their homes located in Gensan, Polomolok, Malungon, Sulop & Malalag in Davao Del Sur, Bohol, and Malapatan & Maasim in Saranggani.
Vanda Brady has been interviewed by 99.1 Spirit FM and 95.9 Radyo Totoo
A LATE BLOOMER THAT BLOSSOMED IN IRELAND
When you see her paintings, you would think she’s perfected the art for many years. But no, Cleanne Marie Nañola only discovered two years ago that she had the flair for painting after an unprompted attempt to copy Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Now she is a natural artist with an instinctive ability to bring things to life on the canvas, which she keeps on the side as she frontlines as a full-time nurse. Cleanne is from General Santos City, Phillippines. She moved to Ireland to be with her aunt who has been working as a nurse for 17 years. She also came to join her Croatian boyfriend from Mallow. Cleanne is a staff nurse at the Surgical Department at South Tipperary General Hospital since October 2019. Apart from drawing when she was a child, Cleanne was born to a family of artists with uncles and aunts who are painters and graphic/interior designers. Her boyfriend, Carlo Melloni Homolka, who is an established fashion designer and painter in Croatia, also motivated her to explore and master the art. Anything inspires her and anything goes when she picks that paintbrush. She likes contemporary art, mostly with women and musicians as subjects using oil paint and vibrant colours, which for her, sets a happy mood. Among her Philippine-inspired works are an indigenous Tboli woman which she painted for the Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, who now has it displayed on her wall in her Manila home, and the recent Tinig ng Pag-Asa or Voice of Hope for Youth Empowerment master piece. She made “4 Seasons” for the Philippine Honorary Consul to Ireland, which aptly depicts the unpredictable Irish weather. For Cleanne, being an artist is just a hobby, a sideline, a source of small income. It is not really a practical means of livelihood at the moment. In any case, we are glad she is honing her inborn talent while settling in Ireland. Thanks to Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” which has made Cleanne a shining star in the Irish skies. Check out her Facebook Page Cleanne Art for more of her fab work. https://www.facebook.com/CleanneArt/
Download the Song
Lyrics
Written by Vanda Brady & Divine Gil Reyes, Translated by Joy Watford
Buy a SCHOOL BAG from TenFoundations.org or donate. A charity based in Belfast supporting vulnerable children, families and communities in the Philippines.
The Rotaract Club Of Greater Gensan-Stratford International School Chapter is composed of young men and women ages 18 to 30 dedicated to community and international services. children, families and communities in the Philippines.