CTTO/ABS-CBN NEWS
MANILA, Philippines – Award-winning TV host Boy Abunda has expanded his repertoire, adding songwriter and producer to his list of accomplishments with the release of a new EP titled “Say It Clear, Say It Loud!” This six-track album, produced in partnership with Star Music, was launched on Friday, June 28, just before the conclusion of Pride 2024 celebrations.
Abunda, known for his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, aims for the mini-album to serve as his legacy for the community. “I’m going for legacy. What contributions have I made for the LGBTQ community? We haven’t thought of music as a tool to tell our story,” he said. “I live in gratitude as a gay man. Because I can speak, I have a platform like this because people have invested time, effort, and love in the LGBTQIA+ community,” he added. “I also want to contribute, even just a little, so the next generation of LGBT people can say that some people did some things, and our life today is happier.”
The EP features performances by “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alumni Anton Antenorcruz, Rayven Heyres, and John Mark Saga. Antenorcruz lent his voice to “Kalbaryo,” Saga performed “Diyos Ko, Diyos Ko Po!”, and Heyres brought “Papa Alleluia” to life.
Abunda explained that the songs reflect the struggles, successes, celebrations, and prayers of the LGBT community in the Philippines, highlighting issues such as the long-delayed SOGIE Bill, which has been stuck in Congress for over two decades.
“If this helps campaign for our legislators’ attention, what the SOGIE Bill is asking for is just anti-discrimination. I don’t know why that’s so hard to understand,” he said.
He added: “In the song ‘Diyos Ko, Diyos Ko Po!’, it simply asks to touch your hearts, especially those who do not understand.”
Abunda emphasized that he does not want to engage in further political debates and expressed his gratitude for LGBT allies in Congress who are advocating for the bill’s passage.
“I am thankful for our allies; there is a time for this. We just need to be better understood,” he said. “I don’t want to engage in further political debate at this point. That’s why I turned to music, dance, and entertainment — maybe here is where we start to be heard.”
When asked about his expected return on investment from this project, the TV host replied: “The return on investment here is if we can get one million or three million listeners who are willing to learn our story, with open hearts and minds.”
Abunda’s new venture stands as a testament to his ongoing dedication to the LGBTQ+ community, using music as a powerful tool to share their stories and struggles.
