Noble Queen Universe International Maffi Papin Carrion has defended her mom, popular singer Camarines Sur Vice Governor Imelda Papin, who is being bashed on social media for her new song being alluded to the West Philippine Sea issue.
“People judged prematurely before fully understanding the song. And it truly breaks my heart with how they are reacting. I understand having the freedom of speech which everyone is entitled to on any level. However when you start condemning people that is a different story,” said Maffi during an exclusive online interview Sunday morning.
Maffi said that she is also being bashed after she defended her mom’s song on social media.
“The bullying is so inhumane by a lot of our kababayans that it is unfathomable,” the beauty queen said.
She added: “I understand the ongoing issue with our Sea and of course I will always be on our countries side to protect our land. The song never meant to pertain to anything more regardless of what they are continuously saying.”
Imelda has just recorded a song titled “Iisang Dagat” (One Sea) which was written by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.
She sang parts of the song, along with Chinese diplomat Xia Wenxin, Filipino-Chinese singer Jhonvid Bangayan, and Chinese actor Yubin.
But this didn’t sit well with Filipinos considering the alleged current intrusion of China in the West Philippine Sea.
Maffi likened “Iisang Dagat” to the popular OPM classic “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit” by Lea Navarro which won first prize in the 3rd Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1980.
“Ang awitin na ‘Iisang Dagat’ is about pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, at pag-asa. Parang ‘Isang Mundo, Isang Awit,’ ” she said.
Maffi said that she is honored that her mom was chosen by Ambassador Huang to join the song.
“Sa lahat na singers s’ya ang pinili. Ano’ng masama po doon artist sya? Secondly, maganda naman ang lyrics – its all about unity – pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan at pag asa. Eversince, unity has been her advocacy kaya tinanggap n’ya po ang project,” she added.
Maffi said: “I found out about the song the same time my family did. There’s no insensitivity within the song. It doesn’t criticize the Philippines at all. It’s all about unity and I cannot emphasize that enough.”
She pointed out that her mother did not also receive any fee for this new recording.
“My mom didn’t even charge a single cent from this. It’s purely out of love, care and unity especially during this critical time. The morale of the people is so low dahil hindi natin nakikita ang kalaban dito sa COVID 19. Kaya baka yong boses na binigay ng Diyos sa kanya makatulong sa pagbigay inspiration man lang sa iba at tumaas ng konti ang kanilang moral,” she said.
Maffi also said that she will just pray for the world during this time. “Let’s pray together to be healed as one.”
Imelda, who is known for her blockbuster OPM songs “Bakit?” and “Isang Linggong Pag-ibig,” reacted to the negative comments of the netizens.
“I was requested to sing and the only Filipino singer that was chosen by no less than the China Ambassador Xilian as one of the singers together with the Chinese stars with no pay at all. Not a single cent was given;
“With all sincerity as an artist, I accepted to join the recording because I don’t see anything wrong when it comes to singing a unity song;
“COVID-19 is the main reason why I would also like to join the other Chinese stars. It is now that we need to be united and help one another for we do not see our real enemy,” said Imelda in a statement. (Robert R. Requintina)