What makes a song powerful? Is it because of a genius songwriter? Is it because of the beautiful musical arrangement? Or is it because of a famous singer?

For the song ‘Rosas’, it was more than that.

“Kombinasyon siya ng lahat e—ng lyrics, ng melody, kasama ‘yung pagkanta ng tao, kasama ‘yung pakiramdam, kasama rin ‘yung inspirasyon na binibigay,” said Mark Escueta of Rivermaya.

(“It was a combination of everything–the lyrics, the melody, the performance, the emotion, and the inspiration it gives.”)

‘Rosas’ was written and performed by singer-songwriter Nica del Rosario, co-performed with theater actress Gab Pangilinan, and produced by Rap Sanchez. It started as one of the songs inspired by the presidential campaign of Leni Robredo — written initially from Robredo’s point-of-view. 

“Aksidente lang siya. Lagi kong sinasabi, isa lang siyang malaking tiyamba. Mabilis ko lang siyang nagawa. Pero everything else that followed… up until this documentary. That took so much heart and effort and dedication,” Nica said.

(“It was just an accident. I always said it was pure luck. I was able to finish it fast. But everything else that followed… up until this documentary. That took so much heart and effort and dedication.”)

What was supposed to be a song aimed to humanize the former vice president took a new meaning and became an anthem of hope for many Filipinos.

“Rosas is not just about 2022. Rosas is about tapping into the most beautiful parts of the soul and heart of the Filipino,” said Moy Ortiz of The Company.

Over a year since it captured the hearts of millions, a documentary relives the magic of the song. ‘Rosas: The Song. The Journey’ traces the story of the song ‘Rosas’ from its inception to its impact on people’s lives, both as a work of art and as a symbol of hope.

The documentary is a joint project by FlipMusic Productions and Happy House Manila and was produced through The Spark Project, a crowdfunding platform for creative projects. An exclusive premiere was held at Estancia Mall, Cinema 1 in Pasig City on February 25, 2023. 

With the help of the funds raised through The Spark Project, the producers hope to extend the documentary’s reach to a larger audience.

“Inspire… be patient… be active, be involved… be kind,” said Nolan Bernardino, director of the crowdfunded documentary.

“The little things that we do can ripple into waves. It can touch many hearts. It can move a nation,” Nolan added.

‘Rosas: The Song. The Journey’ will be streamed online via Ticket2Me. School tours and block screenings are also in the works to distribute the documentary to more audiences.

About the Author:

JM Nualla is the Managing Editor of SubSelfie.com. He is the Head of News and Public Relations of Outsource Accelerator. He also serves as an Assistant Professor at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Antipolo Campus, teaching communication, journalism, and multimedia subjects. Before his new stint, he was a longtime Senior News Producer at CNN Philippines, and a Segment Producer for the GMA News Special Assignments Team, and a Senior Producer/Online Content Manager for Claire Delfin Media. Broadcast Communication 2009, PUP Manila. MA Journalism 2014, Ateneo de Manila.

Read more of his articles here.