Magkaisa!

Abstract

The objective of this study is to track how the various meanings of the Philippine bayan (nation) were communicated through music. First, an innovative theoretical framework is developed to map out how meanings of cultural texts are formed and how these meanings can shift and lead to political contentions and transitions. Thereafter, the framework is employed (1) to demonstrate how popular songs articulated the disparate ideals of the Philippine bayan and (2) to examine the different forms that the songs took across critical historical junctures. The findings indicate that the Filipino concept of bayan refers not only to a legal-political state independent from foreign control but to a socio-economic imaginary where every Filipino is maginhawa (fulfilled basic needs). Political actors deploy popular music to remind society of this, perennially subverting the existing order with uprisings like the so-called “People Power” revolutions until it is fulfilled.