Three songs became the background for the first EDSA: one an angry lament, another a call for action, the third a joyous affirmation. These songs once again became the background to a people's mourning last August as we accompanied Cory Aquino to her final resting place. And now that her son and Ninoy's has finally announced his bid for the Presidency, shall we hear those songs once again against a background of yellow?

Here are the lyrics for Handog ng Filipino sa Mundo and Magkaisa, with English translations for those who cannot understand Filipino. Translations are literal, though, and not metered.

For Bayan Ko lyrics, see Even Birds.



Handog ng Filipino sa Mundo
(APO Hiking Society)

'Di na 'ko papayag mawala ka muli.
'Di na 'ko papayag na muli mabawi,
Ating kalayaan kay tagal natin mithi.
'Di na papayagang mabawi muli.

Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao.
Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino.
Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain.
Kelan man 'di na paalipin.

Ref:
Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta't magkaisa tayong lahat.

Masdan ang nagaganap sa aming bayan.
Nagkasama ng mahirap at mayaman.
Kapit-bisig madre, pari, at sundalo.
Naging Langit itong bahagi ng mundo.

Huwag muling payagang umiral ang dilim.
Tinig ng bawat tao'y bigyan ng pansin.
Magkakapatid lahat sa Panginoon.
Ito'y lagi nating tatandaan.
(repeat refrain two times)

Coda:
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan.
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta't magkaisa tayong lahat!


The Filipino's Gift to the World
(Original by APO Hiking Society; translation by Laya)

I will not allow it, that you will be lost again
I will not allow it, that they will regain
Our beloved freedom, we've dreamed of for so long
We will not allow them to take it away again...

Arm in arm thousands of people standing there
Suddenly 'twas so sweet to be a Filipino
There united with one single purpose
Never again will we be slaves.

Ref:
The Filipino's gift to the world
A peaceful method for change
Truth, freedom and justice
Can be achieved without violence
As long as we all unite.

Look at what is happening to our country
The poor and the wealthy unite
Arm in arm with nuns, priests and soldiers
This part of the world became heaven.

Let's not allow darkness to reign again
Each man's voice should be heard
Brothers and sisters all in the Lord
We should always remember that.
(repeat refrain two times)

Coda:
A peaceful method for change
Truth, freedom and justice
Can be achieved without violence
As long as we all unite!

---------------------------------------


Magkaisa
(Virna Lisa; sung by Sarah Geronimo at Cory Aquino's funeral)

Ngayon ganap ang hirap sa mundo
Unawa ang kailangan ng tao
Ang pagmamahal sa kapwa'y ilaan
Isa lang ang ugat na ating pinagmulan
Tayong lahat ay magkakalahi
Sa unos at agos ay huwag padadala

Chorus
Panahon na (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
Ng pagkakaisa (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kahit ito (sa atin Siya'y nagmamahal)
Ay hirap at dusa
Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya'y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pag-asa

Ngayon may pag-asang natatanaw
May bagong araw, bagong umaga
Pagmamahal ng Diyos, isipin mo tuwina

(Repeat Chorus)

Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya'y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pag-asa

Unite
(Original sung by Virna Lisa; translation by Laya)

Now that hardship is prevalent in the world
Compassion is what people need
Love for one's fellowman should be given
We all come from one root
All of us come from one race
Let's not let the rain and the flood sweep us away

Chorus
It's time (there's hope, you can see)
For unity (a new morning, a new day)
Even if (He loves us all)
it takes hardship and suffering
Let's unite (there's hope, you can see)
And work together (a new morning, a new day)
Holding hands (a new morning, a new day)
Towards a new hope

Now there's a new hope we can see
A new day, a new morning
Always remember God's love...

(Repeat Chorus)

Let's unite (there's hope, you can see)
And work together (a new morning, a new day)
Holding hands (a new morning, a new day)
Towards a new hope...