By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Known for deviating from the normal flow of the program, President Duterte once again pleasantly surprised his audience when he spontaneously serenaded them with his favorite song ‘Ikaw’.
‘Ikaw’ is a Filipino love song which tells the singer’s undying love is their significant other, whom the singer described as God’s gift. In the song, the singer tells their partner that they are the reason for living and for looking forward to tomorrow.
The musical number happened during the 84th anniversary celebration of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Malolos City Friday evening.
After leading the distribution of checks from DOLE for livelihood grants, Duterte was supposed to be entertained by singer Jona Viray who sang his favorite song ‘Ikaw’.
However, as the lady singer reached the second verse of the song, Duterte stood up, looked for a microphone, and joined Viray in serenading the audience.
Viray, as the song closed, allowed Duterte to sing the song’s last note as the President seemed to have enjoyed singing it.
It has been known that ‘Ikaw’ has been the favorite song of the President. He has been singing the song when he gives speeches before the Filipino communities abroad.
He also sang the song on other occasions, even in an interview with GMA-7 news icon Jessica Soho when he won the Presidency. Duterte also sang the song during a Davao media night.
Only last month, Duterte sang the song during the special gala dinner for the 50th anniversary celebration of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which he chaired this year.
According to Peace Process Adviser Jess Dureza, Duterte sang the song with Filipino singer and actress Pilita Corrales upon the request of United States President Donald Trump.
Dureza said that Trump asked Duterte to sing when he heard the Philippine President humming the tune.
Trump also teased his friend Duterte about his singing during the bilateral meeting which took place the morning after.
“The Filipino performers were great. But the greatest performer was him,” Trump reportedly said, referring to Duterte.
Duterte responded by telling Trump to practice singing, too, so they could sing a duet in the future.
According to Dureza, Trump responded with, “Great idea. I’ll do that.”
Known for deviating from the normal flow of the program, President Duterte once again pleasantly surprised his audience when he spontaneously serenaded them with his favorite song ‘Ikaw’.
‘Ikaw’ is a Filipino love song which tells the singer’s undying love is their significant other, whom the singer described as God’s gift. In the song, the singer tells their partner that they are the reason for living and for looking forward to tomorrow.
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| President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and singer Jonalyn Viray serenade the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE’s) officials and employees and Bulakenyos with their duet of “Ikaw”, while (L-R) Senator Joel Villanueva, DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go and Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado listen intently during the agency’s 84th Founding Anniversary held at the Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan last Friday night, December 8, 2017. (Freddie C. Velez / MANILA BULLETIN) |
The musical number happened during the 84th anniversary celebration of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Malolos City Friday evening.
After leading the distribution of checks from DOLE for livelihood grants, Duterte was supposed to be entertained by singer Jona Viray who sang his favorite song ‘Ikaw’.
However, as the lady singer reached the second verse of the song, Duterte stood up, looked for a microphone, and joined Viray in serenading the audience.
Viray, as the song closed, allowed Duterte to sing the song’s last note as the President seemed to have enjoyed singing it.
It has been known that ‘Ikaw’ has been the favorite song of the President. He has been singing the song when he gives speeches before the Filipino communities abroad.
He also sang the song on other occasions, even in an interview with GMA-7 news icon Jessica Soho when he won the Presidency. Duterte also sang the song during a Davao media night.
Only last month, Duterte sang the song during the special gala dinner for the 50th anniversary celebration of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which he chaired this year.
According to Peace Process Adviser Jess Dureza, Duterte sang the song with Filipino singer and actress Pilita Corrales upon the request of United States President Donald Trump.
Dureza said that Trump asked Duterte to sing when he heard the Philippine President humming the tune.
Trump also teased his friend Duterte about his singing during the bilateral meeting which took place the morning after.
“The Filipino performers were great. But the greatest performer was him,” Trump reportedly said, referring to Duterte.
Duterte responded by telling Trump to practice singing, too, so they could sing a duet in the future.
According to Dureza, Trump responded with, “Great idea. I’ll do that.”
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