Bayang Barrios

Early life

Bayang Barrios, a Manobo, was born in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. She was given the nickname Bayang in keeping with her tribe's tradition of naming a child after the first word the mother hears during labor. Born on June 12, 1968, Philippine Independence Day, at exactly 7:30 a.m., Barrios got her nickname from the first word of Lupang Hinirang, the national anthem of the Philippines, as government employees were heard singing it during a flag ceremony.

Because of bullying and discrimination during her childhood due to her ethnicity, which caused her trauma, she initially resisted her indigenous roots but later embraced her identity when she entered the music scene.

Barrios earned a bachelor's degree in education, majoring in catechesis. Although she had initially planned to become a nun because of her major, she ultimately pursued a career as a teacher.

Career

Barrios started her musical career when she met Joey Ayala in Davao before she graduated in college. She joined Ayala's band, Joey Ayala at ang Bagong Lumad, bringing indigenous music with a modern beat and vibe to a mainstream audience. She later embarked on a solo career with the release of her first single, "Ka Tribo Ko", from her debut album Bayang Makulay in 1996. The album received the Lorenzo Ruiz Award for Music from the Catholic Mass Media Awards in 1997, which was personally presented to her by Cardinal Jaime Sin.

Her second album, Harinawa, was released in 2001 under the independent label Tao Music, co-founded by fellow Bunawan native and musician Grace Nono. In 2003, she joined the Metropop Song Festival and her song entry, "Malayo Man, Malapit Din", which she wrote, won the Grand Prize. Eventually, "Malayo Man, Malapit Din" became the opening theme song of GMA Public Affair's show Pinoy Abroad. Her music combines folk and alternative influences, often telling stories rooted in folklore, personal narratives, and everyday experiences. These influences reflect in her 2004 album, Alon, her the third album second indie release.

Among her most notable works is "Tadhana", the theme song of GMA Network's hit television series Encantadia in 2005. The original piece, composed and arranged by Allan Feliciano, had no lyrics. After hearing the instrumental, Barrios improvised the chants at Feliciano's direction, feeling the music as if she were the Encantada, with the forests gone and her people violated.

Also In 2005, Barrios' composition "Isipin Mo Na Lang", co-written with her husband Mike Villegas, played at the ending credits of the indie Filipino film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. In 2008, she released her fourth album, Biyaya, which won Best Alternative Album of the Year at the 1st PMPC Star Awards for Music. This album is another indie release under Mayumi record label, named after her daughter, Mayumi.

In 2012, she joined Lolita Carbon and Cooky Chua to form the female group Tres Marias, while continuing their respective solo careers. September 2013 saw the release of her fifth studio album entitled Malaya. Another one of her famous work, the single "Pag Nananalo Ang Ginebra" that was originally composed by Gary Granada and released in 1997, regained popularity in 2016 when the Philippine basketball team Barangay Ginebra San Miguel won the 2016 PBA Governors' Cup.

Her sixth album, Sariwang Hangin, was released in 2021 with her band Naliyagan. Officially known as Bayang Barrios at ang Naliyagan, the group was formed in 2016. In 2023, after 35 years in the music industry, Barrios held her first solo concert at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez.

Personal life

Barrios began her advocacy for defending the rights of indigenous peoples when she became a solo singer. Through her music, she promotes the recognition and respect of indigenous cultures as well as the broader Filipino identity.

Barrios married to Rizal Underground guitarist Mike Villegas in 2002. They have a daughter, Mayumi, born in 2006, who has mild autism.

Discography

Albums

• Bayang Makulay (1996)
• Singles (Bayang Barrios)
• Harinawa (2001)
• Alon (2004)
• Biyaya (2008)
• Malaya (2013)

Singles

• "Hade!! (Etheria Theme Song)"
• "Alay Sa Aking Mga Kapatid"
• "Ayoko Na"
• "Bagong Umaga"
• "Habang Narito Pa"
• "Ka-Tribo Ko"
• "Kay Tsong"
• "Lalalala-laryang (Himig ni Inay)"
• "Malayo Man, Malapit Din" – (Theme from Pinoy Abroad)
• "Mekaniko Ng Makina Ko"
• "Mulat" – (Theme from Limang Dekada)
• "Nasaan Na Tayo Ngayon"
• "Saan Nanggagaling Ang Himig?"
• "Sanggol Sa Sinapupunan"
• "Matanglawin"
• "Alon"
• "Gising Na Kaibigan"

Awards

References

References

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4. "Bayang Barrios on Apple Music".
5. Agbayani, Susan Claire. (2014-02-25). "Rock goddesses unite".
6. Gil, Baby A.. "A welcome alternative from Bayang Barrios".
7. Sanchez, Giselle. (October 7, 2024). "GOSSIP GIRL: Bayang Barrios stages Bagong Umaga concert at Music Museum on Oct. 26".
8. Layug, Margaret Claire. (2021-08-27). "Mike Villegas on wife Bayang Barrios: 'It's a gift to wake up to someone who sings like her'".
9. Jorge, Rome. (2005-03-04). "Bayang Barrios beyond anthems".
10. "Ka Tribo Ko".
11. Nono, Grace. (December 17, 2001). "'Harinawa': Wishing success for Bayang Barrios".
12. GMA Public Affairs. (2022-12-17). "Giant Panda bears, sikat sa China! Episode 26 (Stream Together) {{!}} Pinoy Abroad".
13. Malig, Kaela. (2021-08-27). "Bayang Barrios reveals story behind famous 'Encantadia' theme song 'Tadhana'".
14. Santiago, Erwin. (October 30, 2009). "Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid lead winners in the 1st Star Awards for Music".
15. Gil, Baby A.. (August 25, 2008). "Bayang celebrates motherhood". [[The Philippine Star]].
16. Abunda, Boy. "Tres Marias a musical powerhouse".
17. "Malaya".
18. (2016-10-20). "WATCH: Bayang Barrios and Gary Granada reprise Ginebra song".
19. Giongco, Mark. (2016-10-19). "Brownlee nails buzzer-beater as Ginebra wins title, ends drought".
20. Anarcon, James Patrick. (June 12, 2021). "Bayang Barrios set to release new album inspired by the pandemic".
21. "Sariwang Hangin - Album".
22. (2021-08-28). "Mike Villegas and Bayang Barrios on being live musicians amid pandemic: 'It's depressing'".
23. "Alon". iTunes Store.
24. "Malaya". iTunes Store.
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