Cleansing & Distancing

The current prescriptions of social distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent hand-washing are not always easy to follow, especially in poor, overcrowded communities denied basic commodities like food, water, and shelter. How can families crammed into shanties no bigger than closets practice social distancing? Many have to choose between eating or buying sanitizers. A government that fails to provide for its neediest citizens while imposing cruel penalties for non-compliance betrays it most essential duty.

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Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is the Philippine Government’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is a draconian measure that disproportionately affects the poor while giving the military more power to suppress all forms of dissent. “Songs for the Pandemic” features five original songs in Filipino (with English subtitles) with lyrics by Joi Barrios, and music by Fabian Obispo. We tapped five remarkable singers to essay songs about Love, Poverty, Anger, Cleanliness, and The Future.

Inspired by the role of the traditional kundiman, in the 1896 revolution, we tell our stories through poetry and music.

NOTE: All performers and creative teams worked remotely and observed strict safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.