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Interview With Singer Joma Sison
By Volt Contreras
Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 1, 2007
Volt Contreras (VC): Magandang araw po mula sa Manila, Ka Joma.
I'm a reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer on assignment to do a
light feature on your songs being posted on the 'YouTube' website. I'm
referring to 'Bella Ciao' and 'Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa.'
My notes have so far included a comment from one of my friends in the
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, its media officer Carl Ala, who noted
that your songs' entry into a youth-oriented medium like the Internet
could help bring the iconic Joma closer to today's younger generation of
Filipinos.
I wish to get your own thoughts about it, sir. Is it valid to say
that there's a conscious effort from you at this point in your life, and
at this point in our country's history, to reach out to the young who were
not even born yet when you began your struggle?
Professor Jose Maria Sision (JMS): Yes, I am conscious of
seeking to reach out to the young, especially because they were not yet born
when I began my struggle. I always try to reach out to the young because
they continue the struggle.
VC: How do you find today's Filipino youth to whom you
are apparently addressing your webcast music?
JMS: I find them receptive to revolutionary ideas and
revolutionary music. The crisis of the world capitalist system and the domestic
ruling system of big compradors and landlords drive an increasing number of
them to seek revolutionary change.
VC: For a man in his 60s, a prolific author, political strategist (and
survivor), you now seem 'game' enough to become even a 'recording artist'
in order to continue spreading your message. Where do you intend to take
this from here?
JMS: I will keep on trying to get more people interested
in my singing. There is an audience for it in the growing mass movement. The
songs What Makes a Hero and In Praise of Martyrs are crowd favorites during
protest rallies.
VC: Or should we just take this as a passing diversion,
something you did for friends, just a welcome footnote to your assured
legacy?
JMS: Not known to many people before, I sang at home
to relax. I sang in church when I was a small boy. Some friends have encouraged
me since two years ago to do recordings. Of course, my singing is something
extra to whatever I have already accomplished.
VC: I was also told by Carl that a ''fan'' of yours first asked permission
from your wife and did the actual posting of the two songs on 'YouTube.'
Was this really the case?
JMS: My wife and I do not know personally the two persons
who posted the two songs. But they are very friendly to me because they defend
me against nasty remarks about my revolutionary stand.
VC: What feedback have you received so far?
JMS: The feedback is about my political ideas. It is not at all
about the songs or about my singing. I am therefore encouraged to sing.
VC: How has this whole experience figured in your life in exile?
JMS: I am always elated to know that there is an increase of
people downloading my songs, whenever I check the You Tube. It is fun to catch
the interest of more people.
VC: On behalf of the Inquirer, maraming salamat po at Mabuhay kayo!
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