UPAA-UAE

Susan Fernandez Magno was a UP professor and an activist who pursued her hopes for the country and the Filipino people in her songs.  She was a member of Patatag, an alternative-activist band who sang songs of truth and love and freedom.  

Sadly, her voice will no longer be heard as she passed away over the weekend.  Yet her songs and her memory will live on for generations as young activist sing along with her music.   Susan was only 52 years old.

Here's Susan singing Lupao:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rOiiqVLtkY

Lupao, Lupao,

Ang dugo mo?y humihiyaw,

Huling habilin ka.

Alaala ma?y banabal na hinagpis,

At may tinig na laging tumatangis,

Wari?y sumpa sa salaring nanggagahis,

Wari?y sumpa sa salaring nanggagahis.

Here's another feminist song, 'Babae Ka' as sung by Susan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trvv3z5oBEg

Babae ka,

Hinahangad, sinasamba,

Ipinagtatanggol, ikaw nama?y walang laya,

Ang daigdig mo?y laging lang isang tahanan,

Ganda lang ang pakinabang, sa buhay walang alam.

During her benefit concert, Susan shared a light moment with Bituin Escalante as both sang this jazzy number:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj9ysaIV3f0

But my favorite song of hers is the poem by Ruth Mabanglo which Susan sang so hauntingly and echos every woman's wish for being known by anyone especially her man. "Kung Ibig Mo Akong Makilala" is one of Susan's most memorable songs.  I've made a movie of sorts and uploaded it onto YouTube to share.  Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw1H7HPYmAY

Enjoy the music and the lyrics.  Too sad that we will no longer hear her voice live in a concert again...but hopefully many more generations especially UPians and women will appreciate her music.