Lea focuses on folk songs in new album
TONY AWARD-winning singer/actress Lea Salonga has released her 10th studio album, Bahaghari (“rainbow” in Filipino) featuring Filipino folk songs.
The 15-track album described as a “cultural celebration in the age of globalization,” includes well-loved folk songs such as “Atin Cu Pung Singsing,” “Paru-parong Bukid,” “Ili ili Tulog Anay,” and “Pamulinawen,” among others.
“The music in Bahaghari represents much of my own childhood,” Ms. Salonga said in a release.
“Filipino folk songs are extremely important as they also represent our cultural identity. In an ever-shrinking world, culture needs to be celebrated,” she added.
Bahaghari features songs in six regional languages — Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Bisaya, Ilonggo, and Tagalog — and “harkens back to a time when culture and tradition were inherited by the next generation through stories and songs,” said the release.
“Like the different colors of a rainbow, the various tracks collectively represent the genuine and unique culture of the country,” the release explained.
The album, which was launched nationwide on May 7 via LeaSalonga.com, is released by GLP Music, a New York-based label created to introduce children to world languages and culture through music.
Produced by Ryan Cayabyab, the album was arranged by conductor (and Ms. Salonga’s brother) Gerard Salonga, with the booklet written by writer/director Floy Quintos, and illustrations by graphic artist Lucille Tenazas.
“I highly endorse the music tracks to educators and their students in the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. To all Filipinos, I invite you to listen and rediscover our cultural heritage through the songs in this anthology,” said Mr. Cayabyab in the release.
The album is also available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. GLP Music will be donating Bahaghari CDs to teachers across the country. — ZBC
