Florante

Florante is a famous 1970s Filipino folk singer. He is famous for the undying hit "Handog" (Offer). Many musicians and performers look up to this song because of its message. When OPM rose to fame, Freddie Aguilar became the new folk icon. But even though, Florante's Handog is still an undying classic.

HANDOG

"Tatanda at lilipas rin ako" (I will age and fade away)

"Ngunit mayrong awiting" (But there will be songs...)

"Iiwanan sa inyong ala-ala." (...left behind with your memories)

"Dahil minsan" (Because there was a time...)

"Tayo'y nagkasama." (When we were together)

Handog is a very inspiring classic song. They say that you cannot be a Filipino musician if you don't know it. A lot of musicians, especially Superstar Nora Aunor, look up to the song. She sings it every time she performs at concerts. It says that even if a musician passes away, people shouldn't be sad because they live on through the music and memories that they've left behind in the hearts and minds of everyone.

AKO'Y ISANG PINOY

"Ako'y isang Pinoy*" (I am a Filipino) (*Note: "Pinoy" is a slang word for Filipino)

"Sa puso't diwa." (In heart and mind)

"Pinoy na isinilang" (A Filipino born)

"Sa ating bansa." (In our country*) (Note: Florante is referring to the Philippines_

This song promotes a strong sense of nationalism among Filipinos all over the world. The folk song makes every Filipino proud to be Filipino. It may be just another nursery rhyme but it teaches Filipinos to never forget and always be proud of their heritage no matter where they are.

ABAKADA

A Ba Ka Da E Ga Ha I

La Ma Na Nga O

Pa Ra Sa Ta U

Wa Ya

It may also be called the Tagalog Alphabet.

Manila Sound

Even though a folk singer, Florante also became a part of the 1970s' Manila sound. Manila sound also gave birth to songs which give pride to Filipinos. Heber Bartolome's "Tayo'y mga Pinoy" is an example. At present, Join the Club's hard rock revival of Handog is included in Hopia Mani Popcorn revival album.

References: http://www.divisoria.net/florantemcd.html