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Anak

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<p>Filipino singer-songwriter Paul Sapiera and American singer Sahara honored the late Philippine music legend  Freddie Aguilar with their rendition of the OPM classic &quot;Anak,&quot; which they released weeks before the latter&#x27;s passing.</p><p>As of writing, the video uploaded on Sahara&#x27;s YouTube channel on April 25, has been viewed for over 168,000.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_hKfwVhPUNI?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Before his death, Aguilar praised the rendition of Sapiera and Sahara by commenting that it was &quot;Awesome.&quot;</p><p>In a press release, Sapiera described Aguilar not only as an idol but as a friend and former mentee, whom he met in the early ‘90s while he was looking for a vehicle to transport band equipment. </p><p>He was introduced to Aguilar and struck a barter deal: music gear in exchange for a van. That trade, according to Sapiera, sparked a friendship rooted in shared experiences, mutual respect, and their Ilocano roots. </p><p>“We bonded over more than just music. ... Freddie understood the life of a musician. He didn’t just give me a van, he gave me support at a time when I needed it,” Sapiera recalled.</p><p>As a mentor, Aguilar left his mark on Sapiera by encouraging authenticity above all. </p><p>“Freddie always said, ‘Don’t try to sound like someone else,’” he said. “He believed in preserving the soul of a song, of staying real no matter the trend.”  </p><p>Sapiera&#x27;s connection to “Anak” began when he sang and won a singing contest at age 10, and later taught himself to play it on guitar. </p><p>In the end, Sapiera thanked Aguilar for music and legacy he left behind.</p><p>“Freddie carried the Philippine flag across the world through his music. From Asia to the West, millions know him and his song ‘Anak,’ which has become a national treasure. On behalf of the Filipino public, I want to thank him for the music and the legacy he has given us.” </p><p>For Sahara, the emotional pull was just as strong, even across oceans. “The first time I heard it, I cried,” she said. “I kept practicing it but never felt ready to record it, until Paul told me I was.” </p><p>For the American singer who sings OPM, the recording of “Anak” marked a meaningful milestone, both musically and emotionally.</p><p>“During our recording session, when Paul said, ‘You sound like a Filipino,’ I got goosebumps and silently cried tears of joy. That moment will stay with me forever,” she shared.</p><p>She also shared her message to Aguilar: “It’s a bittersweet dream come true that you heard our version and liked it. I wish I could’ve met you, but I feel closer to you through your song. Thank you for letting me sing it.”</p><p>Born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, Ka Freddie died last month. He was one of the Filipino musicians who made it to the global music scene with his hit &quot;Anak,&quot; which was a finalist in the first Metropop Song Festival. It was released in March 1978 and translated in various languages worldwide.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/5/27/ph-s-music-legend-freddie-aguilar-passes-away-1141" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PH music legend Freddie Aguilar passes away</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/5/28/opm-legend-freddie-aguilar-laid-to-rest-0922" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">OPM legend Freddie Aguilar laid to rest</a></div><p>Aside from &quot;Anak,&quot; Aguilar was also known for his rendition of &quot;Bayan Ko,&quot; which became the anthem of the first People Power Revolution in 1986.</p><p>His other hits include &quot;Bulag, Pipi at Bingi,&quot; &quot;Magdalena,&quot; &quot;Pulubi, &quot;Ipaglalaban Ko,&quot; and &quot;Minamahal Kita.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/36Gn6FvR1yM?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SxsOdVzElHg?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fo3FLQK1764?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wv2mjm67AAE?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uw8bXMhS700?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Filipino singer-songwriter Paul Sapiera and American singer Sahara honored the late Philippine music legend Freddie Aguilar with their rendition of the OPM classic 'Anak.'</p>

Filipino singer-songwriter Paul Sapiera and American singer Sahara honored the late Philippine music legend Freddie Aguilar with their rendition of the OPM classic 'Anak.'

Paul Sapiera, Sahara honor Freddie Aguilar's legacy with 'Anak' cover

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Paul Sapiera, Sahara honor Freddie Aguilar's legacy with 'Anak' cover

ABS-CBN News

Published Jun 16, 2025 06:02 PM PHT

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Anak

Freddie Aguilar

Sahara

Paul Sapiera

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