Pilipinas, Tara Na! Biyahe Tayo!

Music artists and the private sector come together for DoT's new domestic tourism video

By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

August 7, 2011, 8:00am

MANILA, Philippines — In 2004, the Department of Tourism, DoT  came out with the tourism promotional song and music video entitled, “Biyahe Tayo!” which went viral on local TV and radio stations. However, because the country has so many attractions, a lot of them were left out in the song.

This year, as part of the domestic promotion of DoT, the department, together with Smart Communications and Perscriptions PR, came up with not one but three updated versions of the song. It  is now entitled, “Pilipinas, Tara Na!” which features 57 of the country’s top music artists and entertainment personalities.

The song and music video aim to encourage Filipinos to be more aware and appreciative of their own local attractions and inspire a renewed sense of pride in the beauty, history and culture of the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said during the launch of the music video, promoting tourism should not be the task of the government alone. He elaborates: “Spreading the word about our beautiful destinations requires the help and support of all Filipino companies and individuals who have the capability and resources to contribute towards increasing domestic tourism.”

“Pilipinas, Tara Na!” was conceptualized by the same team behind the “Biyahe Tayo!” song and music video released in 2004. The team is composed of Rene Nieva, Perceptions chairman, who wrote the lyrics; Rico Blanco, Mike Villegas, and Angelo Villegas, who provided the music; and Noel Nieva, Perceptions president, who directed and edited the music video.

“The Philippines has so many offerings for tourists – scenic and historical places, fun activities, food specialties, colorful festivals, etc. – many were left out in the original song,” said Nieva. “I added as many of these old highlights and several new attractions as I could in ‘Pilipinias, Tara Na!’ and I ended up with enough material for three songs.”

This enabled the team to invite more artists who wanted to participate in the first one but could no longer be accommodated. Some of the artists in the original music video also joined in singing the new versions.

The artists who participated in the song and music video are 6Cyclemind, Aiza Seguerra, Barbie Almalbis, Bayang Barrios, Billy Crawford, Bituin Escalante, Boboy Garovillo, Christian Bautista, Cookie Chua, Dolphy, Ebe Dancel, Gabby Alipe, Gail Blanco, Gloc 9, Itchyworms, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, Jay-R, Jed Madela, Jett Pangan, Jim Paredes, John Lesaca, Jong Cuenco, Karylle, Kevin Roy, Kitchie Nadal, Kris Lawrence, Kyla, Martin Nievera, Nikki Gil, Noel Cabangon, Ogie Alcasid, Pepe Smith, Raimund Marasigan, Regine Velasquez, Rico J. Puno, Rivermaya, Sam Concepcion, Spongecola, Yeng Constantino and ZsaZsa Padilla. 

“We all had a fulfilling time in creating the new music videos as we did in doing the first one. We were happy about how the first one not only made Filipinos aware and appreciative of their own local tourist attractions. We hope that the ‘Pilipinas, Tara Na!’ songs will generate the same national pride,  as well as a stronger feeling of unity among our fellow Filipinos,” said Nieva.

Lim, for his part, thanked Smart Communications for underwriting the production costs of the video and for Perceptions PR for their pro bono services in the production of the song and music video. “The fact that the team and these artists who usually charge big amounts for performance and endorsements gladly agreed to join the music video for free and for love of country makes their gesture more laudable,” Lim said.

Lim also expressed the hope that the new songs will be given similar extensive coverage by the local TV and radio media and in digital media through YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, blogs and the like.

He appealed to the mostly young Filipino users of digital and social media to upload the music videos on their walls, pages and blogs and share these with as many of their relatives, friends and acquaintances as possible.

The public will have the chance to view and listen to the first “Pilipinas, Tara Na!” song by visiting Pilipinas, Tara Na! Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PilipinasTaraNa). The second and third songs are now being edited for release in the next few weeks.