Bamboo plans to rock it.

Q: How did you approach crafting this song for Philam Life?
All the materials and photos used in the advertising campaign which were the bases of the song were a great source of inspiration for me. Good stuff! Very moving.

I had a pretty good idea in terms of where I wanted to take it. And the theme of empowerment was just right up my alley.

Q: And how did you initially react to seeing the commercial and how the song would play a role in it?
Upon seeing the first cut of the television commercial, I knew a section of a song just didn't fit right. So I just thought it best to retain the first section of the song and follow the rhythm of the edits, almost like scoring a film. And that seemed to work well.

Q: What made you sing the song and arrange it the way it sounds now?
The touching images in the commercials guided the way.

I just had to match the same emotion of the visuals with the music. It was like I had a block of marble. The song was always in there. I just had to keep chipping away at it.

Q: What did you want the song to convey or achieve?
A quiet confidence. That feeling that you can cope with anything life throws your way. Basically, I wanted to give a voice to the real people in the ads… make other people think that they can do it too.

Q: They say every great artist puts in something of himself in his work. What did you put in the song that was personal or unique to you?
In everything I do, I always make it a point to put a bit of me in the work… to make it personal and find that connection. When that happens, the easy part comes. Everything just falls into place. It’s like Alice in Wonderland falling into the rabbit hole. In the end, we hope we find something special. For me, it’s about being real. Being hopeful.

Q: Can you relate to the lyrics of the song?
Like I said earlier, the theme was right up my alley. I'm a soul searcher… I'm here for the journey. But the journey’s not something you do alone. It wouldn't be much of a ride if you were alone. Yeah, there are bits and pieces of me in the song... and I think, pretty much everyone I bump into. That whole theme of empowerment – overcoming struggles and achieving dreams – is something all of us can relate to. It’s our story, not just mine.

Q: Has having a plan ever helped you achieve dreams or overcome challenges in your life?
Definitely. This is what life is all about. If you’re not on the rollercoaster and your tummy's not turning then something’s missing. I wouldn't want it any other way. And with how fast things go these days, a plan is essential.

I have a plan A & B. And then life comes and throws you in for another crazy loop… there we go... here's plan C. With a plan, with a direction, no matter what... I'm on solid ground.

Q: Have you developed songs for other brands before?
Yes I have. A couple here and there... always good exercise.

Q: How was it like working with the brand Philam Life?
It was great! A real family environment they got there. Kudos to them for allowing me the breathing room to simply create. And I felt that trust. It just makes the work a thousand times sweeter.

Q: How do you think your fans will react to the final cut?
I'm excited so what does that mean… I can't wait!

Watch the music video of Bamboo’s latest empowering single “Basta’t may plano, kaya mo ‘yan” on www.anongplanomo.com now!