Acclaimed Filipino artists collaborate for the SEA Games 2019 theme song

Tony awardee Lea Salonga, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and Palanca award-winning writer and director Floy Quinots have teamed up for the official theme song of the 2019 South East Asian (SEA) Games. Lea sings the heart-moving tune entitled, “We Win As One,”the music of which was composed by Ryan and the lyrics were written by Floy. The said theme song was unveiled at a launch held at The Grand Bar and Lounge of Resorts World Manila.

The 2019 SEA Games organizers proudly declared, “All three extremely talented and internationally acclaimed artists come together to create the official theme song for this year’s SEA Games… (It’s) a song written, composed and performed by the greats!”

This year marks the 30th edition of the prestigious biennial sporting event participated in by 11 countries, namely: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

The 2019 SEA Games— which runs from November 30 to December 11—is set to be the biggest to be held in the Philippines, with 11,000 athletes and officials, 9,000 volunteers, 530 events, 56 sports, plus 44 venues in Clark, Subic, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and La Union. The last time the country hosted the SEA Games was back in 2005.

From the start, the Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) had no other artists in mind to create the theme song except Lea, Ryan and Floy.

“I was excited,” said Ryan, fondly called Mr. C. “I was honored because they asked me.” The lyrics written by Floy came first and they were the basis for Mr. C’s composition. The Maestro initially wrote a draft piece and demo for 11 singers for the opening ceremonies finale but revised it when he was told that Lea’s participation was confirmed. “I made major adjustments in the structure, arrangement and melody to tailor fit Lea’s voice,” said Mr. C.

The arrangement for the recording was made by noted music director and producer Jimmy Antiporda, to which Mr. C added a layer of orchestral strings and horns. The actual studio recording with Lea was done after only one rehearsal and one take. Mr. C revealed that was possible thanks to Lea’s athlete-level discipline. “I have worked with Lea before and she always comes prepared,” Mr. C said of the Broadway star.  “She always takes good care of her vocal instrument so it is always in tip-top shape.”

The music video of “We Win As One” (produced by Equinox Manila and directed by Shem Hampac) features Lea singing amid the New Clark City as background. The video also shows footage of previous SEA Games highlights. The music video can be viewed at the 2019 SEA Games social media accounts and website.

For updates about the 2019 SEA Games, follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, and visit www.2019seagames.com