Ode to a Beloved:
Skwela Niyaring Bayan
written by Dianne Jeanne Dela Cruz Tagle
header photo by Angelo Asuncion
How does one pay homage to a beloved?
For Aaron Romero of UPIS ‘97, writing the song “Skwela Niyaring Bayan” is his special way of getting it done.
Watch the official music video here
“I wrote the song in 2011 when I learned that the UPIS high school buildings will be demolished,” he explained.
The wave of emotions during Romero’s recollection moved him to pen the song. As he was based overseas, he was not able to catch a final glimpse of the campus grounds in Katipunan Avenue, much as he wanted to do so.
“My experience in UPIS was the best. That’s where I was molded into who I am now,” said Romero. Currently, he is the Operations Manager of Wish USA Music, an innovative music platform on wheels based in Los Angeles, United States.
Aaron Romero
Noel Cabangon
Romero explained that it took years after he wrote the lyrics for the music to be composed and the arrangement to be done.
“Pab Atienza, our lead singer in my band, did the music in 2017. Jason Quitane arranged it for Noel Cabangon in 2021, specifically for the fund raising,” he stated.
Filipino folk singer and composer Noel Cabangon, who is well-known for his socially-relevant songs, including the timeless hit “Kanlungan,” performed Romero’s opus and ode to UPIS.
Romero shared that Cabangon agreed to sing his song because of the noble cause it supports.
True to being Romero’s tribute, all proceeds from the royalties of “Skwela Niyaring Bayan” will be devoted to the Legacy Project and other homecoming initiatives of ALAB UPIS.
The song is produced by Autumn Rain Records and distributed under Believe Music on behalf of Universal Records.
Mariemer Ocate of Batch ‘97 drew the album artwork, which depicts landmarks of the old UPIS high school grounds and Cabangon in a pensive mood.
Romero jokingly mentioned that he may not have been very studious but his fond memories of UPIS remain close to his heart. “Through this song, I’m just giving it back in a small way,” he said.
Stream and download “Skwela Niyaring Bayan” and support the Legacy Project of ALAB UPIS and other homecoming initiatives.
Album artwork by Mariemer Ocate
The song is now available to stream and download on Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tiktok, and Pandora.
Every stream of the song generates royalties that are donated to ALAB UPIS.
Keep it on your playlist and play on repeat!
SKWELA NIYARING BAYAN
by Noel Cabangon
Lyrics: A. Romero (02/25/2011)
Music: P. Atienza (03/03/2017)
Intro
E AM7
E B7sus-B7
Verse 1
E AM7
Pagsilip ng araw sa bayan
F#m7 B7
Tanaw mula Katipunan
E AM7
Sariwang hamog sa umaga
F#m7 AM7 B7
Sa hardin ng ating kamusmusan
C#m7 E
Mga gurong nagmalasakit
F#m7 E
Inihanda itong pusong pilit
C#m7 E
Binuo ng dunong ang isip
F#m7 B7sus-B7
Tila isang panaginip
Chorus 1
AM7 G#/EM7 Bm7-E
Hirap at ligaya'y sagana
AM7 G#/EM7 Bm7-E
Sa ngiti at luha'y kasama
A B F#m7 C#m7sus-C#m7
Mga kaibigan di lang sana
A B7sus-B7
Noon lamang inaalala
Verse 2
E AM7
Sa panliligaw at harana
F#m7 B7
Kwentuhan do’n sa pagoda
E AM7
Sikretong bulong sa hagdanan
F#m7 AM7 B7
Naka ukit sa ‘ting alaala
C#m7 E
Sa paglipas ng panahon
F#m7 E
Mayro'n pa ring magkakasama
C#m7 E
May ilang nangibang bayan
F#m7 B7sus-B7
Kausap ang mga tala
Chorus 2
AM7 G#/EM7 Bm7-E
Bigyang daan mga pag-asa
AM7 G#/EM7 Bm7-E
Nitong bayan na nagdurusa
A B F#m7 C#m7sus-C#m7
Mayamang istorya't nakaraan
F#m7 G#m7 A B7 E
Matayog na skwela niyaring bayan
Bridge
C#m7 G#m7
May ilang binawian ng buhay
AM7 E
Alaala'y kasamang husay
F#m7 G#m7 C#m7-B-A
Sa gusaling saksi at nagbantay
F#m7 A B7sus-B7
Tumatak ang 'storyang makulay
(Repeat Chorus 1 & 2)
UPIS Building Demolition
(photo by Angelo Asuncion)
Mga gurong nagmalasakit (UPIS Faculty, 1990s)
(photo by Angelo Asuncion)
Sa ngiti at luha’y kasama (Batch ‘97 8-Firefly, 1994)
(photo from Lianne Mirano Romero)
Kwentuhan do’n sa Pagoda
(photo by Mariel Felizmenio)
Mayro’n pa ring magkakasama (Batch ‘97 alumni at The White House)
(photo by Angelo Asuncion)
(photo by Janna Garcia)
Alay ng Batch ‘97
sa gusaling saksi at nagbantay
About ALAB UPIS:
A project of UP Integrated School Batch ‘97, ALAB UPIS is raising funds to help underserved UPIS scholars, give back to faculty and staff, and host the school’s 2022 homecoming. Shop UP and UPIS inspired merch or donate here. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and tag #ALABUPIS!