Aside from “Bahay Kubo” and “Da Coconut Nut”, this new song called “Prutas Pilipinas” by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab was created in collaboration with local juice brand, Locally, which aims to educate on and celebrate Filipino fruits.

Filipinos have always had music deeply connected in their lives. Most often, folk and traditional songs are passed down orally — usually sung by the everyday people and are considered to be part of Philippine culture that we know of today. Because the Philippines is an archipelago, almost every island has its own folk song associated in their region.

Having the same lively tropical vibe as classic songs like “Bahay Kubo” and “Da Coconut Nut”, Ferrer wrote the lyrics with “a collective push for a healthy nation” in mind. We’ve never really had an anthem that talks about the different and wide range of unique fruits in The Philippines but “Prutas Pilipinas” just does that.

Locally Category Manager, Gretchen King, in a statement, expressed her gratitude in having this project fully realized. “We are extremely proud of this unique collaboration between icons. Cayabyab is a national artist, Ferrer is a well-known and respected lyricist with a deep knowledge of Filipino culture, The Company, is an amazing group of talented Filipino singers, and Maribel Garcia is a passionate advocate of the arts being the head of BGC’s art program as well as Mind Museum.” She continued, “Filipinos are of course known to love music, so we wanted to reach out to them through this medium.”

You’d probably hear in the song unfamiliar fruit terms like dayap and balimbing and a few other things, but this isn’t perceived as a bad thing. In fact, it’s the very reason why it’s essential, as it brings awareness and feeds curiosity on fruit varieties that’s usually not commonly known, like chico, mangosteen, and dragonfruit. The song also mentions how nutritious and good these local fruits are, Locally’s way of bringing their healthy product and showing how they make it proudly Filipino.

The Company founding member, Moy Ortiz, best described the collaboration as such, “Prutas Pilipinas is that rare moment in OPM where we get to tick all of the right boxes. This contemporary folk song is entertaining, educational and edifying. Transcending merely sensory enjoyment, this song becomes a pro-active participant in nation-building,”

“Nature, music, and science come together in our song “Prutas Pilipinas.” What better way to celebrate life than to sing a song about our fruits that give us life!” shared Cayabyab.

Most importantly, the song is made to be shared in schools nationwide through DepEd, this version is short and easy to memorize. Set to be released soon, another version incorporates “bugtungan” at the song’s intro. The main song which has already been released and is quickly growing in popularity on Spotify.

“This song is just the beginning,” said King. “We have exciting plans in collaboration with DepEd to integrate learning about Filipino fruits in the curriculum. We strongly believe that loving local and supporting our own is a culture that can be taught and encouraged at a young age. Our country produces some of the best and most amazing fruits in the world, and it’s time for all of us to know about and be proud of them,” she concludes.

Folk songs are an integral part of history. It holds within the lyrics, a glimpse into the life of our ancestors and by having contemporary songs released, it brings in a new flavor of what it’s like now.

“Prutas Pilipinas” will soon be available on YouTube and is currently available for streaming on Spotify at this link: