Popular Filipino song "Paubaya" got a unique American take after it was covered by a group of military musicians from the United States Navy as part of its efforts to strengthen its bilateral relations with the Philippines.
The US Pacific Fleet Band posted its version of Paubaya, an original song by Moira dela Torre, on its Facebook page last August 5 which has since garnered at least 83,000 views and over 200 reactions. Their post was shared by the US Embassy in the Philippines on Wednesday, August 11.
"Performing songs in the language of our Pacific Partnership host nations and partners is one of our favorite ways to connect with our foreign friends," the US Pacific Fleet Band said.
According to the US Embassy, Pacific Partnership is an exercise which aims to "foster enduring friendship and cooperation among partner and host nations."
"As our final musical gift, and in homage to the popularity of ballads in the Philippines, we chose to perform a tune about the emotional struggles a person goes through while letting go of the one they love," the US Pacific Fleet Band said.
The US Pacific Fleet Band is the musical team of the US Pacific Fleet which provides American naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
It is comprised of 47 musicians who support nearly 600 engagements per year throughout US Pacific Fleet's 100 million square mile area of responsibility.
In the Philippine Navy, it also has its own team of musicians called the Seabees Band which often performs during important military activities.
In June, the Seabees Band performed at the Virtual Musikalayaan 2021 in celebration of the Independence Day.