21 Top Filipino Music Artists.. 5 Exciting Recording Days... One Song... About One Great Country...!
Official music video of "Biyahe Tayo"
Leading Filipino singers and musicians lent their talents and voices for the first time in putting together a song and a music video to encourage their fellow Filipinos to travel in their own country.
The song and music video entitled “Biyahe Tayo” is part of the “WOW Philippines…Biyahe Tayo!” program of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Bonamine of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare to promote domestic travel. Highlighting the Philippines’ top tourist destinations, the said project was produced and participated in by the country’s top musical artists for free.
Joining in the making of the unprecedented song/music video were established and world-renowned singers like Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga, Freddie Aguilar, Rey Valera, Rico J. Puno, Apo Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Jolina Magdangal, April Boy Regino, Jessa Zaragosa, Paolo Santos, Nina, Rico Blanco of River Maya and Francis Magalona.
Providing musical accompaniment were leading violinist John Lesaca, flutist Jhong Cuenco and Joey Ayala, who used ethnic instruments giving the song a distinct Filipino sound. All artists are members of the Artists for Philippine Tourism.
Rene Nieva, president of Bonamine’s PR agency Perceptions, who wrote the lyrics of the song, said that the artists should be considered heroes for their selfless and patriotic act. Rico Blanco and Mike Villegas of the Rizal Underground Band, did the musical arrangements. Noel Nieva, executive vice president of Perceptions, directed the music video.
“We knew that the song would be more effective in delivering its message if it were performed by well-known singers and musicians whom the Filipino admire and look up to. We were happy that when DoT invited the country’s best singers to join in the production of the song and music video for free, they responded so selflessly and generously,” said Cooey La O’, Regional director for the Philippines and Greater China of Pfizer.
The song was first heard during the launch of the “WOW Philippines…Biyahe Tayo!” campaign at the DoT Clamshell in Intramuros, Manila last September, which was enthusiastically applauded by the media and visitors. Even National Artist for Music Lucrecia Kasilag lauded the song.
Free copies of the song/music video in CD format are available on a first-come, first-served basis until supply lasts at the Perceptions office, or may also be copied by the public to share with their relatives and friends here and abroad as the gift of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), Bonamine and the Artists for Philippine Tourism to the Filipino people.