Song About Hope Marks ‘Typhoon Yolanda’ Anniversary

To mark the first anniversary of the devastation caused by “Typhoon Yolanda,” the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) will launch on Friday the music video, “We Will Rise Again,” as a tribute to all Filipinos affected by the disaster.

Released online via Yolanda Anniversary’s YouTube channel last November 3, the video highlights the Filipino spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and showcases the efforts rendered by various groups and individuals during the relief, recovery, and rehabilitation phases in the typhoon-stricken areas.

“We Will Rise Again” is a pop ballad composed by musician Jude Gitamondoc and interpreted by Filipina singer Raki Vega, both from Cebu. It was released as a single by Vega back in 2010, but both artists graciously lent their talents when they were approached regarding this project.

The OPARR said it has chosen this song because its music and lyrics serve as a “perfect reminder of the unwavering determination, the indomitable spirit, and the unparalleled resilience of the Filipinos”, as evidenced by the visuals shown in the video.

The song is filled with messages of steadfast hope, signifying the government’s principle of ‘building back better’, as reflected in the words, “Like an eagle to the distant dawn / From out the shackles of the past / We’ll be flying free at last / And rising with the morn / We will stand and we will rise again…”

The music video was pieced together using photos and film footages shared by government agencies, local government units, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector partners, media networks, and typhoon survivors.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Tuesday the OPARR will officially broadcast the music video nationwide on November 7, in cooperation with the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas. Secretary Panfilo Lacson will also deliver the “Yolanda Report: A Story on Hope and Change” on that day.

All government agencies, television networks, cinemas, development partners, private sector partners, and Filipino citizens are encouraged to share the link of the music video in their official or personal websites, and other social media platforms.

“Let this video be a celebration of resilience and bayanihan, and let this song be our message of thanks to everyone,” the OPARR said. PND (hdc)

Source: PCOO

Image Credit: www.examiner.com