Rico Blanco dedicates re-recording of Rivermaya's 'Alab ng Puso' to Hidilyn Diaz

Rico Blanco just recorded a new acoustic version of Rivermaya’s “Alab ng Puso” inspired by Hidilyn Diaz’s historic win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this week.

The singer released the video recording on Tuesday, together with a heartfelt dedication to the 30-year-old athlete who endured a trial-filled journey and successfully won the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold.

“Gumising ako kanina at hindi parin makapaniwala na may Olympic Gold Medal na ang Pilipinas,” Rico wrote.

“Alam niyo nang lahat na ang pagmamahal ko sa sports ay katumbas ng pagmamahal ko sa musika, minsan nga higit pa. Mula sa pagka bata ko iniisip ko kung kailan darating ang panahon. At dumating na nga kahapon.”

(I woke up this morning and still couldn’t believe that the Philippines now has its first Olympic Gold Medal.

You all know how my love for sports equals my love for music. Sometimes, I love it even more. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been wondering when this moment would come, and yesterday it did.)

Rico also thanked Diaz for lifting a heavy load off the backs of Filipino dreamers everywhere, including his own.

“Sa mga balikat ni Sgt. Hidilyn Diaz, binuhat nya ang mga pangarap ng bawat Pilipinong katulad ko,” the singer wrote.

[On Sgt. Hidilyn Diaz’s shoulders, she carried the weight of the dreams of all Filipinos like me.]

“Hindi ko mapigil ang pag apaw ng inspirasyon mula sa kanya at nais kong magpasalamat lamang kaya't agad agad kong ginawa at inaalay sa kanya ang recording na ito. Salamat, Hidilyn,” he added.

[I couldn’t stop the overwhelming inspiration from her and I would just like to say thank you, so I immediately made and dedicated this recording to her. Thanks Hidilyn.]

Hidilyn Diaz made history as the first Filipino who won a gold medal in the Olympic Games after ruling the women's weightlifting 55-kg event.

The 30-year-old athlete and sergeant of the Philippine Air Force was also a silver medalist during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and a gold medalist in the 2018 Asian Games and 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Her historic and inspiring achievement has been celebrated by athletes and dreamers from all around the world. —Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News