New song on equality, inclusivity

Singer-songwriter David Mercado dreams of an inclusive world where members of the LGBTQ+ community are fully accepted and loved in his new single "Pantay," featuring his real-life partner Rye Tan and released by Star Music last June, during LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

Mercado and Tan have been together for many years and their story has been featured in TV Patrol where they expressed optimism for a fair world that respects all kinds of love.

"I hope we can witness an equal world, not just for us but for all the members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I hope we can be given the chance to be heard and live truthfully without the fear of being honest about ourselves and who we love," Mercado said.

Tan also reminded the community that they deserve to love freely. He stressed, "Don't be afraid to love, I think that's very important. Follow your heart's desires because there is nothing wrong with you."

Mercado and Tan, who have been together since 2015, teamed up in writing the song while Theo Martel arranged and produced it. The couple had an intimate ceremonial union in 2018, scenes of which are shown in the song's music video that also spotlighted other queer persons.

Mercado is also an events host. He is also the songwriter behind the 11th Himig finalist song "Kahit Kunwari Man Lang," interpreted by Moira de la Torre and Agsunta, which bagged the Most Streamed Song award in the competition.

The couple share bits of their life together on social media, especially on TikTok (@davidandrye) where they have over 186,000 followers and a YouTube vlog.

"Pantay" is on various digital music platforms. Watch the music video on ABS-CBN Star Music's YouTube channel.