Catriona Gray joins OPM icons in 'Bagani' MV to mark 500th anniversary of Victory at Mactan

Over 50 Filipino artists from all over the country have banded together to record "Bagani," the official theme song to celebrate the 500th year anniversary of Victory of Mactan and the Philippines’ role in the first circumnavigation of the world.

The music video, which was released Friday, features OPM icons such as Noel Cabangon, Juris, Nyoy Volante, among others.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also graced the music video.

Commissioned by The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC), the song was written and composed by Roel Rostata, arranged and produced by Jungee Marcelo, with Visayan lyrics in the chorus by Jude Gitamondoc.

Rostata said the track was written as a response to the growing challenges that the Filipino people are experiencing during the time of the pandemic.

"There's no other way to rise above and make it through this pandemic other than working together,” Rostata said in a statement.

“Bagani encourages the listeners to turn fears and doubts to hope and healing, to manifest dreams into reality and to embrace victory. The song also encourages listeners to be part of the solution despite all the negativity and problems," he added.

“Bagani” is a by-product of PhilPop Bootcamp 2019, an initiative that aims to empower the next generations of contemporary Filipino singer-songwriters.

PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio said that the song was recorded for the Quincentennial celebration, but its inherent meaning has expanded into honoring our collective optimism and teamwork to rebuild the nation, and bring to light stories of optimism and resilience.

“Eventually, the song became larger than what it was originally intended for,” Remolacio said. “It triggers a strong commitment to the past and our future. It evokes strength and at the same time— solidarity.” —JCB, GMA News