Finally! I was able to extract the video file of Aya’s song, Bayan Ko from my old cellphone. This song was recorded last November 25, 2004. Aya was only 2 years old at that time. As to how she was able to memorize and sing this rather difficult song at such an early age…well, your guess is as good as mine! But anyway, she was only able to sing the latter half of this song.
Watch the YouTube video here!
This is such a very beautiful, patriotic song. This song tells of our story as a nation, of how our people aspired for their freedom. It seems an appropriate song to teach Aya – her full name, Kalayaan, means “freedom” in Filipino. And when the appropriate time comes, we will teach her our nation’s history as well, and through this may she realize how precious the concept of “Kalayaan” is to our nation and our people.
Ehem, ehem…before I forget, this song is dedicated to Tita Verns and Tito Prab (even if he’s MIA), and of course to all the Titas and Titos out there. 🙂
Bayan Ko (My Country)
Ang bayan kong Pilipinas
Lupain ng ginto’t bulaklak
Pag-ibig ang sa kanyang palad
Nag-alay ng ganda’t dilag
At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka
Nasadlak sa dusa
Ibon mang may layang lumipad
Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag
Ang di magnasang makaalpas
Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad ng luha ko’t dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya
MY COUNTRY (English translation)
My country the Philippines
Land of gold and flowers
With love in her palms
She offers beauty and virtue.
And of her modesty and beauty
The foreigner was attracted
O, my country, you were enslaved
Mired in hardship.
Even birds that are free to fly
Cage them and they cry,
Much more a beautiful country
Shall long to be free.
Philippines my beloved,
Cradle of my tears and poverty
I’ll aspire,
To see you truly free.