Freddie Aguilar (Santo Tomas, 5 February 1953) is a Filipino musician and singer. Out of nowhere, he suddenly appeared. In the United States, in England, in the Netherlands and around the world, the Filipino Freddie made his mark once and for all. Because at the end of the seventies, the bittersweet 'Anak' scored well on all the charts.
Anak is the Filipino word for 'my child' and reached the final at the 1977 Metropop Song Festival in Manila. 'Anak' contained both a Tagalog and an English version. It was released in 55 countries in 26 different languages. However, the original version in Tagalog proved to be the most popular. In the Netherlands, the song reached number two in the Top 40. From 1999 until 2015, the record was in the Top 2000. The single was discovered by Fits Spits. On 4 August 1980, the Hilversum 3 DJ chose ‘Anak’ by Freddy Aguilar. He composed the song for his father, after wandering the world for five years. Much to his father's displeasure, who wanted his son to study to become a lawyer.
But Freddy left school when he was 18 and his father's plan fell apart. He celebrated his freedom with his guitar and often gambled. Afterwards, he regretted it and composed ‘Anak’, a song in which he asked his parents for forgiveness. Freddy returned home where he was welcomed with open arms. It also helped when his father read the lyrics of ‘Anak’. The relationship improved considerably. Freddy's return was just in time, because not long after, his father passed away.
‘Anak’ means ‘my child’ in Filipino. The single ‘Anak’ released by Freddie Aguilar was the Tagalog version (with the English version on the B-side). In fact, no fewer than 26 versions have been recorded! The single spent twelve weeks in the Dutch Top Forty, reaching number 2 as its highest position. The record reached 4th place in the National Hit Parade. From the proceeds, Aguilar founded a foundation, with which he established a school in the slums of Manila. Vader Abraham adapted the song into: ‘Mijn dorpje Elst bij Nijmegen’.
Top 2000
In the 23rd edition of the Top 2000, Freddie is no longer listed. The last time was in 2015, but as far as we're concerned, he should definitely return!
Sunday Morning Classic
On 18 September 2022, Freddie Aguilar took to the stage at the Sunday Morning Classic with his album Anak from 1978.
Anak (single) was released in 55 countries in 26 different languages. However, the original version in Tagalog proved to be the most popular.
Translation of Anak
You came to us on a beautiful night,
We had been expecting you for so long,
You were the only thing missing from our happiness.
Your mother prepared your milk
Nothing she did against her will
Although it was not always easy.
Your father also played with you every day
And he enjoyed you, with a tear and with a smile!
We were near you every night
And took turns keeping watch over you.
You grew older and remained loved
Although you were a headstrong child,
You formed your character and your will
You grew more year by year
We were always there for you.
For every wish and even for every whim
You changed, even became stubborn and cheeky
What we said sounded like a foreign language to you
Good advice you ignored
And did not realise how much we loved you then.
You learned a lot and found your way
And criticised what I said
There were days, son, that hurt a lot.
We loved you as always
And supported you without regret!
It was a duty to be there for you!
You chose a life of pleasure and entertainment
You amused yourself and wasted your money recklessly
No friend, nothing in the world you still had
You regretted so much after all that time of self-deception. (2x)
No, you no longer wanted such a life
At your wit's end, you returned again,
Your parents have always loved you.
You turned your back on your past
Learned to abandon bad habits
And came back as our dear child
You changed what you did and what you thought
And lived better with much courage and strength
You felt alone, soon experienced
What you needed was a loving woman
And yes, you met that woman
Living with her did you good
And soon you also had your own child.
That was your dearest wish
You felt like a better person
And endured all weathers for her
You care for her all day and all night
And together with the mother you always keep watch
Now you also understand what we have done for you
We never shied away from problems for you
Now you feel love in your heart yourself
And are stronger than pain and sorrow
You understand well what we have done for you
Your mother was indeed right
She now feels infinitely rich
Because you want to fully understand her
You no longer question our ideas
And you no longer call me an old grump
My child, I see: you like it just as much (2x)
But how difficult it is to be a good father (2x)
Photo: Martine Girardo Source: Wikipedia
Freddie has released a whole series of albums. We have not included these here. If you are looking for a specific album, please let us know. We would be happy to search for it for you.
