Barbie Almalbis honors animal rights activist in new single 'An AsPin's Song'

Barbie Almalbis has released a song honoring her grandaunt Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco, or Tata, who passed away last October.

The song, titled "An AsPin's Song," is written in the perspective of a dog which has nothing but utmost love and appreciation for the late animal rights supporter and activist.

Tata had served the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) for the entirety of her life, being one of its youngest volunteers in the '50s.

She became PAWS' president after reorganizing it in 1986.

"Tata was a gifted musician and a champion for animals," Barbie said. "I had always wanted to write the song she requested, but I didn’t have much experience with AsPins."

"An AsPin's Song" was actually written by Barbie's aunt on her husband's side, Alya Honasan, who is also a friend of Tata and a writer-editor who has interviewed the late animal rights champion on several occasions.

"After a few days, she sent me the lyrics to An AsPin's Song, and I was so touched by her words. I wrote a melody, and my band helped me finish arranging and recording the song. Since it was a family project, my husband Martin and our daughter Stina did the artwork," Barbie said.

The track is now available for streaming on all digital platforms. It was released ahead of her full-length album set to be released next year. —JCB, GMA News