Despite sounding like a children's song, "Saranggola ni Pepe" subtly references oppression during Martial Law

Issue #11

Hello fellow Filipiniana fans,

A few days ago, in commemoration of Martial Law I shared a reading list related to that dark period in our history. I also shared that my partner Jy and I make a conscious effort in collecting Martial Law-related books to ensure this part of our history is never forgotten. We’re grateful for your recommendations on other books we should add to our home library!

In addition to books, there is plenty of media that now stand as a reminder of Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial rule. Some of you shared or asked for song and movie recommendations. That prompted today’s post and many others in our pipeline.

I will probably share a broader list of Martial law songs and moves, but for now, I wanted to share the story behind a seemingly inconspicuous children’s song.

Halina!

-Roi

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[🎶 Music] Despite sounding like a children’s song, “Saranggola ni Pepe” subtly references oppression during Martial Law

“Saranggola ni Pepe” is a 1978 song popularized by Celeste Legaspi and written by her husband, Nonoy Gallardo. Originally intended as a children’s lullaby, it is memorable for its cheery melody and instrumentation as well as vivid imagery.

But Legaspi admits, it is more than a children’s song. Its cryptic lyrics actually reference the Martial Law period. As part of TV5 InterAksyon’s Martial Law Memory Project, she shared the background behind her signature song:

“I remember my husband saying, ‘Ano yung New Society?’ There was innocence for us, and ignorance, so that kind of protected us. Okay naman kami, buhay naman kami, may pagkain naman kami so it seemed okay.

“Later on, several months later, we would hear pinick-up si ganito, si ganyan. Parang okay n’ung umpisa, but it was only later on na talagang it became really weird. We were in an ivory tower. Ako, I was in an ivory tower. My husband was in advertising, his job was OK.

“He wrote ‘Saranggola ni Pepe’ with our son’s medyo sira nang ukelele. Hindi ko maintindihan at first, ako mismo. But if you really listen to the lyrics, ayaw namin ‘yung masyadong, ‘Ang bayan ko!”, ‘yung gan’on. Ayaw namin ng gan’on, kasi, our lives are not like that.

“So he wanted to use imagery, a different way of presenting it, na you have to think about it pa and will not really talk about death and persecution, and loss of independence and freedom. We always try to find another way of saying it. That’s the message actually. Mag-isip ka, think about it. And try and get something from it.

“But it was really written during the Martial Law years. And it’s really about his experiences during the Martial Law years.”

It is essentially a story of empathy and artistic protest. Legaspi and Gallardo could have stayed silent – stayed in their “ivory tower.” But they still made the song, which has become a classic and a good reminder of music’s role in raising awareness and inspiring people to take action. In a way, it was their answer to the song’s challenge in the last line: “sumusuway sa utos puso’y sinusunod” (disobeying orders, following the heart).

You can stream the song on Spotify.

Also see our related posts on our socials (Instagram, TikTok).

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In partnership with Leila’s Cradle (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)

Make unforgettable memories at Leila’s Cradle — a hidden gem in Silang, Cavite with a private pool, lush gardens, and complete amenities. From billiards and arcade games to outdoor dining and videoke nights, it’s the ultimate venue for bonding, celebrations, or simple relaxation.

Author’s note: we’re grateful to Leila’s Cradle for partnering with us to deliver this newsletter to your inbox. With Christmas get-together season right around the corner, now’s the best time to book a reservation. Whether you’re celebrating with family or having a reunion with friends, Leila’s Cradle is the perfect venue. Please do check out their socials (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).

If you are interested in partnering with us / sponsoring our newsletters, please DM us in our socials (Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Facebook) or email us at roizyril@halinafilipiniana.com.

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