On their last day at Liwasang Bonifacio, a benefit concert for lumads was held. The lumad people are in Manila as part of Manilakbayan ng Mindanao 2015, a caravan which seeks to raise awareness regarding the plight of indigenous peoples in Mindanao. The lumad explained that their schools and communities are being attacked because of their firm stance in defending their ancestral land.
The concert’s title, Pangiyak Ki!, means to shout out in the Manobo language.
Photo by Rolando Que
The concert was opened with a Panubatubad or opening prayer by Manobo chieftain Bai Bibyaon. She called for the pullout of military troops in lumad communities.(Click to download)
Musician Bayang Barrios stands proud of her lumad roots. She hails from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, she told the audience she was discriminated during her youth for being being a Manobo. (Click to download song)
The lumad youth got on their feet and danced to the beat of Bayang Barrios’ songs UP professor and Brownman Revival frontman Dino Concepcion stands with the lumads.
“Hindi malulupig ang mga bagong Andres Bonificio,” said a defiant Michelle Campos, daughter of slain lumad leader Dionel Campos. Her father was slain last September 1 in Lianga, Surigao del Sur by a paramilitary group suspected to be formed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Dionel Campos’ killers remain at large despite warrants of arrest issued by the local court. Lumad youth dramatize their plight in a theatrical performance at Liwasang Bonifacio
BAYAN Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr., Ericson Acosta and painter Boy Dominguez perform (click to download song)
“Hindi po ako basta sumasama kung hindi po ako naniniwala sa isang cause,” said Aiza Seguerra.
Click button above to listen to her speech and rendition of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine. Click button below to listen to her song ‘Lupang Pangako’
