BY John Miles Arcenal
FILIPINO singer-songwriter Kean Cipriano is the voice behind the UAAP Season 88 theme song, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” arranged by host school University of Santo Tomas.
A Thomasian himself, Cipriano studied at the UST Conservatory of Music, making the project especially meaningful.
“It’s very meaningful, itong project na 'to. Masasabi ko sa kids ko, sa family ko na nagpunta ako sa UST, nag-record ako ng song for UAAP. Babalikan ko 'to some day and masaya ako na naging part ako nitong proyekto na 'to, itong history na 'to,” he said.
Indeed, it was something special for the musician, as Espana was where his journey in pursuing music began.
“Dito ako nagsimula, dito nabuo ang mga pangarap. Ito yung naging portal,” he shared.
“Para tawagan nila ako to sing the theme song of this year’s UAAP, na-e-excite ako ro’n dahil masasabi ko na isa ‘to sa matinding milestone rin ng career ko sa 20 years ko rito sa industriya.”
Black-and-gold serenade
At the same time, it was a challenge for him to ensure that he could deliver the message of the anthem clearly and purposefully.
“Sobrang pressure. Sabi ko nga, ito siguro yung isa sa mga pinakakinabahan ako na performance. Kasi hindi lang siya kakantahin mo lang nang komportable or convenient para sa’yo. Kailangan maibigay mo siya nang tama, ma-represent mo siya nang tama,” he added after performing the piece live for the first time during the Season 88 press conference held Wednesday inside his alma mater.
Stepping away from his usual style, Cipriano embraced the theme song and discovered the deeper essence behind the piece.
“Hinanap ko yung pinaka-ibig sabihin ng song tapos kailangan totoo eh. At least nung nire-record ko yung song, totoo yung pakiramdam niya, may pride, glory, and triumphant,” said the musician.
“Kailangan ko sabayan yung energy ng message ng song sa kung paano ko siya kakantahin at hindi siya madali.”
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