Labor Day playlist: 10 Filipino songs to honor our workers

Labor Day playlist: 10 Filipino songs to honor our workers
(Rappler) MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Celebrate and honor workers by listening to Filipino songs that document and pay tribute to their struggles

8-hour workday, minimum wage, paid vacation and sick leaves, overtime pay, health benefits, and of course, the weekend — these are only several of the rights and privileges we owe to the labor movement and those who continue to fight for working people.

While mass gatherings are limited under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, it should not deter us from celebrating the historic struggles and achievements of the working class, even while staying home.

So here are 10 Filipino songs to commemorate International Workers’ Day on May 1:

“Araw ng Manggagawa” by Tambisan sa Sining, a Labor Day anthem that celebrates the heroism of the workers. Noted for progressive music that reflects the struggles of the workers, Tambisan also took part in the founding of the Kilusang Mayo Uno in 1980. Some of their songs include “Busabos ng Puhunan,” “Patay Na ang Kabayo,” “Kontraktuwalisasyon,” “Awit ng Pag-Asa,” and “Dakilang Pakikibaka.”

“Sandaang Taon” by Musikang Bayan. Composed by Danny Fabella with vocals provided by Empiel Palma and Bayang Barrios, the song commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Philippine labor movement through the founding of Unión Obrera Democrática Filipina (Democratic Workers Union of the Philippines) on February 2, 1902… Read More