In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Filipino can still manage to smile.
Despite the many upheavals and disruptions life throws at us, the Philippines is still fortunate enough to have been witness to many acts of kindness, especially at the frontlines, where the valiant and selfless efforts and steady support from the country’s various front liners can be seen and felt. While Filipinos are well-known the world over for having warm smiles, we in the Philippines think little of it because we see it as something innate in us.
To pay tribute to this endearing attribute and hopefully buoy the spirits of every Filipino during this unprecedented crisis, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has released a video titled “Smile,” which features an update of the beloved Eraserheads song “With a Smile.”
The video salutes the resilient and brave men and women at the frontlines: medical health workers, grocery and convenience store clerks, delivery men, basic services and utility crew members, and the police and military officers who keep us safe.
Directed by Joel Limchoc, the video was pieced together from existing user-created videos and photos already posted online in social media and the news media. Much like the DOT’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign, it was put together through authentic, “100 percent” crowdsourced content, says a press release from the department.
Ely Buendia, lead singer of Eraserheads and the song’s composer, generously allowed DOT the use of his composition.
Singer and songwriter Bea Lorenzo provided the vocals over a sparse, cinematic reworking of the classic pop song. For Bea, part of the video’s subject matter struck close to home, as both her grandfather and father are medical doctors.
“Smile” is a reminder of what remains good in the Filipino. As the familiar tune reaches its uplifting climax, the video tries to remind every Filipino, despite the hardships, “nothing can [permanently] take our smile away.”
The video can be viewed here:
https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/videos/1693119867494856/
