Award-winning TV host Boy Abunda has ventured into songwriting and producing with the release of a six-track EP titled ‘Say It Clear, Say It Loud!’ on June 28.
Produced in collaboration with Star Music, the mini-album was launched ahead of the Pride 2024 celebration’s conclusion and aims to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Abunda, reflecting on his motivation, said, “I’m going for legacy. What have I contributed to the LGBTQ community? We haven’t thought of music as a tool to tell our story.”
He emphasized his gratitude for his platform, adding, “I live in gratitude as a gay man. Dahil nakakapagsalita ako, may platform akong ganito kasi may namuhunan ng panahon, oras, at pagmamahal sa LGBTQIA+ community. I also want to contribute kahit kaunti lamang para masabi ng next generation ng LGBT people that some people did some things and our life today is happier.”
The EP features performances by ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ alumni Anton Antenorcruz, Rayven Heyres, and John Mark Saga. Antenorcruz performs ‘Kalbaryo,’ Saga sings ‘Diyos Ko, Diyos Ko Po!,’ and Heyres lends his voice to ‘Papa Alleluia.’
According to Abunda, these songs reflect the struggles, successes, celebrations, and prayers of the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of the SOGIE Bill, which has been pending in Congress for over two decades. “Kung ito’y makakatulong sa kampanya na pagtuunan ng pansin ng ating mga legislators, na ang hinihingi po ng SOGIE Bill ay anti-discrimination lamang. Hindi ko alam kung bakit napakahirap noon maintindihan,” Abunda remarked.
Regarding the track ‘Diyos Ko, Diyos Ko Po!,’ he noted, “Ang sinasabi lang ng kanta ay sana matapik ang inyong puso lalo na doon sa mga hindi nakakaunawa.”
Abunda expressed his gratitude for the LGBTQIA+ allies in Congress who are advocating for the bill but emphasized the need for greater understanding and recognition. “Ako nagpapasalamat ako sa allies natin, meron ‘yang panahon. Kailangan lang mas makilala pa tayo nila,” he said. “I don’t want to engage in further political debate at this point. Kaya ako napunta sa music, sa dance, sa entertainment — maaaring dito mag-umpisa makinig.”
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When asked about the expected return on investment from this project, Abunda replied, “Ang return of investment nito ay makakuha kami ng isang milyon o tatlong milyon na makikinig, na willing malaman ang aming kuwento, na buong puso at isipan.”
Through this musical endeavor, Boy Abunda hopes to raise awareness and garner support for the SOGIE Bill, leveraging the universal language of music to appeal to lawmakers and the public.
