When a song like ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ brings hope, joy amid dark times

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The fresh rendition of singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis of the song Umagang Kay Ganda and its music video has received a warm response from netizens, inspiring Filipinos to look forward to a brighter and better day ahead.

Even the singer herself was elated with the overwhelming support the music video garnered when it went viral, in partnership with Dari Creme. The video, so far, has over 10 million views and 45.3 thousand shares.

“I was definitely touched by the way people responded to Umagang Kay Ganda," Almalbis said. "Some even made their own renditions, and others shared their stories and encouraging messages on social media.”

Many fans were touched as well.

“Am I the only one crying watching this video??" a netizen named Kristine Valez said. "This song has a lot of messages and it really touched my heart. Haharapin natin ang bagong umaga (let’s face the new day)! Thanks, Barbie, for this new arrangement of the song.”

Almalbis added that she is grateful that somehow, the song has helped people find joy and hope in the middle of these troubling times.

“Music has always been a great source of joy and comfort,” Almalbis shared. “There have obviously been many tough days during this lockdown, and music is one of the things that has helped ease our anxiety, encouraged us towards faith, and given us comfort and pockets of happiness.”

She is also offering the song as a special message to frontliners for the sacrifices they have made in the past six months. For Dari Creme, on the other hand, this is a way for them to continue to honor the hard work and dedication of the frontliners during this pandemic.

The song has encouraged people to face uncertainty with courage. Almalbis thinks that family and community play a big role in confronting the new normal the pandemic has demanded everyone to live in.

“I hope we continue to work together to see the end of this pandemic sooner than later," she said. "May we not give up encouraging one another, finding strength in God and holding on the hope that he has for us.”

At the end of the day, it is all about finding strength in each other as friends and families face new beginnings, just like how Dari Creme makes every breakfast meaningful for every household.

Umagang Kay Ganda by Barbie Almalbis in collaboration with Magnolia Dari Creme is now available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes. Visit Barbie Almalbis’ Facebook Page or Magnolia Dari Creme’s YouTube page to watch the full music video.