US-based Filipino writer-musician Yugel Losorata pays tribute to the everyday Filipino who chooses honesty and fairness in his moving new single, “Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas.” Performing under his mononym YUGEL, the multi-awarded journalist, author of five books, musician, happy and loving husband and father, and a friend, not just a colleague, channels his creative voice into a song that honors integrity amid a world of corruption.

Moving anthem

“I should have been written this song long ago when I was there in the Philippines since we, Filipinos, have long felt the existence of corruption in our society. Despite this, there are those who choose to play it fair,” said Losorata when asked why he composed “Sa Lumalaban Nang Patas.” “I was triggered by a video clip where I saw someone flaunting affluence and when they mentioned that their fortune changed through some project bidding. You could sense there was something odd.

“In my mind, instead of focusing to criticize society’s alleged villains, I chose to put the spotlight on pure-hearted people who endure the daily grind and simply do what is right,” said the 2024 Filipino American Press Club of California outstanding author and journalist awardee. 

“These are the people who do their job and treat the deserving ones righteously. When you can’t be caught stealing with conspirators to protect you, and you choose to still not steal, then you have it in you,” said the songwriter about real life fair and just individuals. “You can’t be a daily grinder, while at the same time you’re a home-wrecker or you’re scamming some officemates. Your overall character should be truly God-loving.”

On his being a singer, musician and composer, said he: “I’ve been recording and releasing music since 2005 as member of a band called Syato and later in a group we named The Pub Forties.”

He added: “I wasn’t the lead vocalist for either band but often I do the second voice. I’ve been the de facto chief songwriter, too, so along the way I found my voice and since I am venturing to making music without a band, it’s a natural progression to sing solo.”

“I have three released records as ‘YUGEL: Hosanna Kapiling Ka,’ ‘Stranded Man’ and this latest ‘Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas’ which was dropped by NSFU Records last October,” said the soloist. “ I haven’t done full-blown promo for any of the songs. So to be featured in traditional media and posted on social media every once in a while is a privilege.”

He emphatically said: “Frankly speaking, lumalaban lang din ako nang patas dito sa US. 

“In the Philippines, if I may say this, integrity ‘is such a lonely word.’ A lot of people are so corrupt,” said Losorata. “So by honoring those who can’t be eaten by the bad system because they’re naturally good, in a way we can spread the necessary positive vibes and, little by little, we can build a collective character who believes that fortune and comfort in life can be achieved by being purely righteous.”

Methinks

Listening to “Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas”—its opening line, “Sa mga walang takot na mamuhay ng imoral, sa iligal na paraan, gahaman sa yaman (To those without fear living in immorality, through illegal means and greedy of riches)”— one is immediately struck by its sincerity. At just three minutes and 33 seconds, the song is short but piercing: a bittersweet, heartfelt tribute to Filipinos who choose to live with honor.

It delivers the message of it giving tribute and respect to Pinoys choosing to be righteous, fair and just. Bittersweet because the realities in the lyrics are truthful. The feels, pain and sting are close to home and our collective hearts. Impactful because the group of people the singer and songwriter expresses admiration and gratitude to totally deserves it.

The track joins the legacy of anthems like Florante’s “Kahit Kaunti,” Joey Ayala’s “Karaniwang Tao” and Heber Bartolome’s “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy”—songs that celebrate the quiet strength, decency and dreams of the everyday Juan and Juana who live by faith, perseverance and honesty.

“Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas” is available on Spotify, Apple Music and other major streaming platforms. A lyric video can also be viewed on YouTube.