PHL history in a nutshell in new 'Lupang Hinirang' animation by Rock Ed

In celebration of Independence Day, volunteer organization Rock Ed presented the Philippines with a gift in the form of an animated video for "Lupang Hinirang," the national anthem.

 

According to Rock Ed founder Gang Badoy, they chose to use animation because it allows the creation of new visuals.

 

"Puwede magkaroon ng bago, kasi ‘yung mga 'Lupang Hinirang' videos natin, okay naman sila of course, pero kadalasan may kasamang public official, o kung sino man ang nag-produce," Badoy said in an interview on GMA News’ News to Go on Tuesday. 

 

"Feeling ko it's time na magbigay tayo ng bagong visuals for the 'Lupang Hinirang.' Isa siyang gift ng Rock Ed sa Pilipinas," Badoy said before the video had its debut on free TV on News to Go.

 

The video begins with the Philippine flag. The blue becomes a starry sky, and the red a swirl of clouds. The sun and stars twirl, and the eight rays spread out in a burst of light. A boat floats on a sea. A group of natives are on the shore, and as they tell stories around a fire an elder gestures to the sky. We see shooting stars, and then two lovers on a boat. The man strums his guitar as they drift, bathed in moonlight. 

 

There is a woman, and a man who is a farmer. Then the war begins, and the farmer becomes a soldier. There is fighting, and there is death, but after that there is rebirth. Farmers plant rice in the fields, and in the distance, a jeepney passes. As the video ends, we see a family. The mother carries her baby, whose fingers point toward the sun.

 

The video is animated by graphic novel artist Arnold Arre, with music by jazz rock band Radioactive Sago Project. 

 

"Ang okay dito, kailangan namin mag-effort talaga na manatili sa tamang tiyempo, kasi importante ‘yun sa flag and heraldic law na eksakto sa beat which is 2/4 which is a march. Kasi noong ginawa yata ‘yung ‘Lupang Hinirang’ sa pagkakatanda ko ay isa siyang revolutionary song so march ‘yung beat niya," said Badoy.

 

"Kapag Araw ng Kalayaan, kailangan mag off-character tayo minsan and do what is good for the country. I think ‘yun ‘yung simbolo ng ginawa ng Radioactive Sago Project," she added.

 

Although the country's entire history could not be included in the video, Badoy says it includes many important parts, including the pre-Hispanic period.

 

"Kailangan hindi natin kinakalimutan na may nangyari before 1521. Isa sa mga genius ng artist, sinama talaga niya ‘yung time before the Spaniards came," she said.

 

Badoy also spoke about some interesting parts in the video.

 

"For me, ang pinaka-interesting part sa akin diyan ‘yung part na ‘duyan ka ng magiting,’ 'yung part na ‘yun. It's a woman looking up. Bihira naman natin ma-associate ‘yung pagkagiting ng woman. Hindi siya obvious masyado," she said.

 

"I think ‘yung nag-captivate ng marami, ‘yung nahulog ‘yung helmet tapos Death March tapos from there, tumubo ‘yung plants," she added.

 

According to Badoy, the advantage of using animation is its flexibility. 

 

"Kung hindi kaya ng real filming or real shots, kaya ng animation... Puwede kang magbigay sa isang bansa ng bagong visuals, bagong pag-string together ng history. Hindi siya kumpleto of course, kasi hindi naman malalagay lahat. Pero hopefully natamaan ng artist lahat ng gusto naming ipakita," said Badoy.

 

Badoy said the video is also posted on YouTube, and may be downloaded for use during flag ceremonies.

 

"We really encourage school principals, company presidents or whoever decides na gamitin ito sa kanilang mga flag ceremonies," she said. The only condition is that the video is used within the flag and heraldic law. 

 

"Hindi siya for entertainment. It's really for ceremony. Kumbaga 'yun 'yung minus one ninyo," she said. –Carmela G. Lapeña/KG/HS, GMA News

 

For more information, visit the Rock Ed website.