The Madz, GMA Network collaborate on new 'Panata' anthem

 

A familiar tune now rendered a classic. The Philippine Madrigal Singers perform GMA News and Public Affairs' anthem "Panata sa Bayan" in its signature chorale style in an upcoming music video. 

The instrumentation is "pop, with a hint of classical and rap," as described by the video's executive producer Sheila Paras. "This is not just your regular choir music. In fact, when I first heard them sing, I got goosebumps. They captured the essence of the song perfectly."

The soaring classical rendition of the Madrigals, or Madz, alternates with rap riffs by fliptop artists, a change of pace that highlights the power of rap to drive home a message.

If rap gives it grit, the Madz convey dignity, even nobility.

 

"May agitation part, meron namang parang solemn part, merong grandiose [part]," said Cecille Borja about the soundtrack of the 2013 version of Panata. "Lahat ng feelings maipapasok mo sa kabuuan ng piece. Nagawa kasi ginawa ng may puso pa rin."

The original version in 2010 was done by rock band Sugarfree, and became a constant sound on dzBB, GMA Network's AM radio station.

 

A perfect fit

From rock to chorale and rap, the 2013 anthem demonstrates its possibilities, and why the Madz seem born to sing it.

 

"Siyempre, yung standard namin world-class, may Filipino pride," said Panata's lyricist, Erwin Lareza, on the choice of vocalists. "At the same time, flexible sa kahit anong arrangement – tsaka may quality."

 

"[Sila] yung perfect fit doon sa bagong Panata," he added.

 

Coincidentally, the choir celebrated their 50th year as an internationally-acclaimed chorale group this year. 

 

First assembled in 1963 by National Artist Andrea O. Veneracion, who died just last July 9, the group has many awards to their name – including a staggering number of Grand Prizes at European music festivals throughout the chorale's long career. They were named a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2009.

 

But even with such credentials, the group was still pleasantly surprised when GMA News invited them to sing Panata's new version, according to the group's choir master, Mark Anthony Carpio.

 

"Of course, we know of the reputation of GMA News," he said. "And when I told the members, they got really excited with this project."

 

New arrangement, same strong message

 

"Katotohanang magpapalaya sa bayan" was the vow GMA News and Public Affairs made to the public after the 2010 elections, popularized then by Sugarfree. A lot has changed in the country. It seemed only fitting to give the anthem a new arrangement.

 

"Magandang ma-awit yung kantang ito dahil it's a message," said Carpio. "It really has a very strong and truthful message. Tungkol talaga sa katotohanan... Naramdaman namin na bagay talaga."

 

GMA News and Public Affairs will premiere on TV Friday night during 24 Oras. – Vida Cruz, GMA News