Gloc-9's 2012 hit 'Sirena' is undeniably a timeless anthem within the gay community. It's not just a rap song but a ballad that resonates deeply, capturing and reflecting the realities that the community experiences.
In a recent interview, the hit song 'Sirena' takes on new meaning as the iconic rapper reveals that the song, is now a gift for his gay son.
“'Yung song na 'yan, nung ire-release namin 'yan, takot na takot ako. Takot na takot dahil ayaw kong maka-insulto ng tao. Alam ko kasi nung sinulat ko 'yan, hindi ko tsinelas o sapatos ang suot-suot ko. Ako’y nagsuot ng ibang sapatos o tsinelas," Gloc-9 said.
However, after Gloc-9 dropped the song, people immediately gave him feedback. He shared an incident where a group of production people visited him for an interview. They watched the music video, and one person was in tears by the end, saying, "Nararamdaman ko 'yan kasi 'yan ang buhay ng best friend ko. Maraming salamat.’”
Gloc-9 also shared an experience on an ABS-CBN show, where a bouncer thanked him for the song, “Minsan nag-guest ako sa isang show sa ABS, isang bouncer, ‘idol, salamat ha.' Sabi ko, ‘bakit?’ 'Kasi yung anak ko sirena rin eh, nung narinig ko 'yung kanta mo, naliwanagan ako.”
While the song connected with many, Gloc-9 didn't realize it would hit so close to home. "My son is gay. Nung sinulat ko 'yun, hindi niya pa sinasabi sa amin. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa anak ko na, kung gaano ko siya kamahal,” He revealed.
“Hindi naman ako ma-showbiz and I think para sabihin ko ito now, ako ay proud na proud sa anak. Ako ay excited sa kung ano man ang kaya niyang ma-achieve sa buhay niya.”
“Minsan iniisip ko how life gives you hints of magic here and there. Nung natapos ko 'yung ‘Sirena’ hindi ko naman alam. And I don't mind. Anak ko 'yun.”
A few short years ago, his son opened up about his identity, and Gloc-9 couldn't be happier and prouder. Looking back over more than a decade, he came to the realization that what he wrote 12 years ago was not merely a personal gift but, above all, a meaningful present for his son, “'Yun na 'yung regalo,” he said.
