LIST: 8 Well-Loved Freddie Aguilar Songs Aside from ‘Anak’
Freddie Aguilar. Image from his Facebook page.
While “Anak” remains to be Freddie Aguilar’s most internationally acclaimed song, his musical career extends far beyond this iconic ballad. Known for his folk-inspired melodies and lyrics that address themes of poverty, social injustice, and national identity, Aguilar produced a body of work that resonates with the masses and global audiences and enriched Filipino music.
In the wake of his death, we’ve listed down some of his most beloved songs that have gained popularity both in and outside the Philippines to honor his contributions to the Filipino music industry.
‘Magdalena’
The song tells the story of a woman forced into prostitution to support her family. Today, it is hailed as one of Aguilar’s most socially relevant works, as the singer humanizes a woman society often judges without knowing her struggles. “Magdalena” was widely praised for its empathy and became a jukebox staple during the late 1970s and 1980s.
‘Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi’
In this song, Aguilar captures the frustration of a society neglected by its leaders as he criticizes those in authority who choose to be blind, mute, and deaf to the cries of the people. With that message, the song became a powerful piece in protest movements, often quoted in times of online political discussions.
‘Bayan Ko’
Though not originally written by Aguilar, his rendition of “Bayan Ko” became the protest anthem of the Marcos dictatorship era. Aguilar turned this early 20th-century song into the soundtrack of the 1986 People Power Revolution. It was sung at rallies and protests—and continues to be a symbol of resistance and patriotism in the Philippines today.
‘Mindanao’
In this song, Aguilar spoke about the conflict-ridden southern region of the Philippines, highlighting the situation of displaced communities and the need for peace. Though it did not achieve mainstream commercial success, it resonated with activists, peace advocates, and educators.
‘Katarungan’
Katarungan (“Justice”) is another of Aguilar’s songs that depicts the country’s political system, highlighting the disparity between the treatment of the rich and the poor. Though it was never a commercial hit, the song helped solidify Aguilar’s reputation as a voice for the marginalized, as it became embedded in the protest culture of the 1980s, frequently played at rallies and marches.
‘Estudyante Blues’
Aguilar channels the voice of a frustrated student burdened by academic pressure and adult expectations in this song. Its catchy melody made it an anthem for youth, particularly high school and college students navigating their respective struggles.
‘Minamahal Kita’
A shift from his politically charged work, “Minamahal Kita” is a love song that showcases Aguilar’s more romantic side. It has become a popular choice for romantic occasions, proving Aguilar’s ability to connect with audiences not only through political aspects, but also through affection.
‘Ipaglalaban Ko’
Another song that showcases Aguilar’s intimate side as a singer, “Ipaglalaban Ko” is about fighting for love in the face of opposition. The song has been embraced by romantic audiences across generations. It is often performed at weddings and covered by various OPM artists, and even became the theme song of a popular drama on TV of the same title.
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