Wearing a white-silk dress, stage and theater artist Lea Salonga performed the patriotic song "Bayan Ko" during the final funeral Mass as a way of paying respect to the country's first woman president.
Salonga performed the song while the casket of the former president was taken out from Manila Cathedral to be brought to its final resting place at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.
"Bayan Ko," originally written as a poem by José Corazón de Jesús in 1929, and set to music by Constancio de Guzman was often sung in protest rallies and demonstrations throughout the country's history, notably in protests following the assassination of Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. in 1983 and the ensuing People Power Revolution where Freddie Aguilar led crowds in singing the song.
Zsa Zsa Padilla, a close friend of the Aquino family, gave an emotional rendition of the song "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" during the funeral service. Padilla was personally asked by actress-host Kris Aquino, youngest daughter of the former president, to perform the song. Among those who gave tribute to the former president by singing her most favorite songs were actor-singer Piolo Pascual (Sa Iyo Lamang), Erik Santos (Lord's Prayer), Jed Madela (Dream an Impossible Dream), and Ogie Alcasid (Pangako).
Award winning artist Dulce sang, “Your Heart Today,” a song composed by Francisco that talks about the Aquinos and their sacrifices and love for the country. Dulce first sang the song in 1993.
Balladeer Martin Nievera and Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez sang "The Prayer" while Pop Star Princess Geronimo sang the patriotic song "Magkaisa." Finally, the APO Hiking Society sang their famous, "Handog ng Pilipino Sa Mundo," where they were joined by all the artists.
Watch Lea Salong sings "Bayan Ko":
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