Music has always been a beacon of freedom, artistic growth, and resistance around the world. No matter what we stand for or how we choose to express ourselves, there are songs and performances that shed light on and fight for the bright futures we tirelessly strive for.
Filipino singers and songwriters have produced numerous generational anthems that have ignited a spark in our hearts amid adversity. Even if years have passed since some of these songs first entered the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) scene, they were still present as ever at the nationwide anti-corruption protests on September 21, 2025.
Photo: IV of Spades, Ben&Ben/YouTube
These songs don’t just put an artist’s experiences into words. They carry the voices of every Filipino with a life, future, and dreams worth fighting for.
You may have heard snippets of these tracks on your timeline and For You page, but they’re more than just a set of “trending audio” that accompany your posts. These five anthems hold powerful and timely stories of hope, equality, and justice that deserve the spotlight all year round.
“Upuan” – Gloc-9, Jeazell Grutas
You may have just discovered “Upuan” upon learning about the country’s flood control controversies. This song, however, has been around since 2009, fighting back against long-standing injustices and the systems that perpetuate them. “Upuan” has opened our eyes to countless stories of sacrifice, hardships, and disparities that Filipinos have endured for far too long. In turn, Gloc-9 and Jeazell Grutas challenge our leaders to get up from their thrones and take a stand for the people they serve.
“Upuan” is one of Gloc-9’s lyrical masterpieces that bravely shows how music is also a form of art. The song is meant to disturb the comfortable with hard-hitting truths that demand positive change and concrete action.
Memorable lyrics from “Upuan”:
- “Kayo po na nakaupo, subukan niyo namang tumayo”
- “Kahit sa dami ng pera niyo, walang doktor na makapagpapalinaw ng mata niyo”
“Kapangyarihan” – Ben&Ben, SB19
Even in total darkness, the true essence of hope, authority, and power will always shine through the Filipino people. Though times are bleak and various cruelties persist, “Kapangyarihan” tells us that no one can deprive us of our freedom and human rights.
This compelling collaboration by Ben&Ben and SB19, two of the most acclaimed groups in Filipino music today, highlights the masses’ everyday struggles that fuel our fight against corruption. We will always have the right to the futures we envision, and more so, what we do to bring them to fruition.
Memorable lyrics from “Kapangyarihan”:
- “Magwawagi ang katotohanan, ang kadiliman ay ibabagsak”
- “Ibon na malayang lumipad, ‘di mo na makukulong”
“Tatsulok” – Bamboo
Even after 18 years since its release, “Tatsulok” still makes sure we don’t succumb to the corruption, greed, and class disparities that have loomed over the country for decades. It’s up to us to speak up, show up, and make a change in every way we can—not just during special occasions or whenever we feel like it.
This OPM classic wastes no time telling us that staying silent and complicit to the country’s societal dilemmas only worsens the current and future state of the nation.
Memorable lyrics from “Tatsulok”:
- “Hangga’t marami ang lugmok sa kahirapan, at ang hustisya ay para lang sa mayaman”
- “Hangga’t may tatsulok at sila’y nasa tuktok, ‘di matatapos itong gulo”
“Liwanag sa Dilim” – Rivermaya
Hope is also a prominent act of resistance that “Liwanag sa Dilim” captures excellently. We can and should stand our ground, raise our voices, and move forward with unwavering faith even when people in power attempt to silence us.
“Liwanag sa Dilim” has made a lasting impact on Filipinos, turning the song into a movement and collective story of hope that will never end. That’s why the song has multiple new renditions, each one well-loved and recognized. In 2022, Yeng Constantino released her own version for the national elections. This year, SB19’s Pablo put his own spin on the song for the hit action series, Incognito.
Memorable lyrics from “Liwanag sa Dilim”:
- “Ikaw ang magsasabing, ‘Kaya mo ‘to,’ tulad ng isang tanglaw sa gitna ng bagyo”
- “Isigaw mo sa hangin, tumindig, at magsilbing liwanag sa dilim”
“Bata, Dahan-dahan!” – IV of Spades
As the powerful saying goes, “Ang namulat, hindi na muling pipikit.” In “Bata, Dahan-dahan!,” IV of Spades takes us back to when we first opened our eyes, minds, and hearts to the country’s plight, struggles, and the pressing truths. The song portrays the exact moment we say, “Enough is enough. It’s time to make a difference.”
Taking a stand for yourself, your loved ones, and the whole country is exhausting and uncertain, especially when you’re still young with a whole life ahead of you. But for IV of Spades, your acts of compassion and self-expression won’t be in vain, as long as your heart is in the right place.
Memorable lyrics from “Bata, Dahan-dahan!”:
- “‘Di puwedeng mabulag, makinig sa tamang tinig”
- “Wala kang mapapala sa taong walang kahulugan”
ALSO READ: 5 Lessons Every Filipino Can Learn From Celebrities at the Anti-corruption Protests
Did we miss any songs on the list? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
