The recent passing of Filipino music icon Freddie Aguilar has left a deep sense of loss across generations of fans and artists who grew up listening to his music and stories. Revered for his timeless anthem “Anak,” Aguilar gave the world a song that transcended language and culture; a deeply emotional tale about family relationships, youthful rebellion, and heartfelt repentance. Just weeks before his passing, Aguilar witnessed a powerful reimagining of “Anak” by talented American OPM artist Sahara and accomplished Filipino singer-songwriter Paul Sapiera. The rendition, which they released shortly before Aguilar’s death, was not originally meant to be a tribute. And yet, it has become one, poignantly and unexpectedly. So moved was Aguilar that he commented “Awesome” on the pair’s Facebook page. It would be one of the last public responses he gave to a reinterpretation of his most iconic work. For Paul Sapiera, the connection to Aguilar ran deep; not just as an admirer, but as a friend and former mentee. Their first meeting was in the early ‘90s: Paul, then seeking a vehicle to transport band equipment, was introduced to Freddie, who occasionally sold used vans. The two struck a barter deal: music gear in exchange for a van. That trade sparked a friendship rooted in shared experiences, mutual respect, and their Ilocano roots. “We bonded over more than just music,” Paul recalled. “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.” That same van still runs to this day, now used by a pastor in Zambales, a quiet symbol of how legacies can echo in unexpected places. As a mentor, Aguilar left his mark on Paul by encouraging authenticity above all. “Freddie always said, ‘Don’t try to sound like someone else,’” Paul shared. “He believed in preserving the soul of a song, of staying real no matter the trend.” Having come up in the vibrant music scene of Olongapo alongside legends like Wally Gonzales and Sampaguita, both Freddie and Paul knew the value of staying grounded in one’s roots. Paul’s connection to “Anak” began early. He sang it to win a singing contest at age 10, and later taught himself to play it on guitar. 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.” That moment—an impromptu, goosebump-filled conversation over drinks—sparked a collaboration months in the making. Together, Sahara and Paul poured heart and history into the remake, staying faithful to the original arrangement while bringing in new emotion. Paul recalls the emotional weight of recreating the orchestral parts, and the pride he felt watching Sahara master difficult Tagalog phrases with raw feeling and grace. “For a foreigner to sing ‘Anak’ in Tagalog is already something special,” Paul said. “But to sing it well, with deep emotion and authenticity, that’s what made it unforgettable.” For Sahara, the recording of “Anak” marked a meaningful milestone, both musically and emotionally. “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. To her fans, Sahara’s message is simple and sincere: “Mahal kayo ni Sahara.” And to Freddie 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.” Paul’s message echoes the sentiment shared by many: “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.” Though Freddie Aguilar’s voice is now silent, his message, his music, and his memory live on—carried by those who sing his songs, and those who see themselves in his lyrics. For more information on Sahara and Paul, visit their social media channels. Paul’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sapieramusic Sahara’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voiceofsahara Sahara’s Socials: https://bio.to/sahara Stream Anak: https://lnk.to/sahara_sapiera_anak Watch ANAK : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hKfwVhPUNI
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