Jigo L.

Biyoyo Grade 12 STEM – Maxwell

Contemporary Arts
Joey Ayala – singer, composer, musician – is one of the leading
proponents of Philippine ethnic and alternative music. He promotes the
country’s musical culture through songs that speak of local traditions and social
issues, through the continued use of ethnic instruments, and the conduct of
shows and workshops that educate and inspire Filipinos through music.
Through his music, Joey advocates for the preservation of the
environment and the protection of the country’s endangered wildlife (as he
laments the destruction of the forests in “Agila,” hails the magnificence of the
“Butanding,” and condemns the exploitation of nature in “Bathala”). He
espouses unity in diversity (even as he speaks of the contrasting facets of every
object or being in “Magkabilaan” and “Magkaugnay”).
Joey’s songs paint the realities of poverty and oppression (as in “Sta.
Filomena,” “Batangbakal” and “Karaniwang Tao”). But they also carry on the
Filipinos’ traditional beliefs and way of life (as in “Tabi Po,” “Simpleng Yaman”
and “Pasasalamat”). They attest, too, to the virtues of love, patience and hard
work (with the undying “Walang Hanggang Paalam,” the soothing “Habang
Natutulog,” and the impelling “Padayon”).