Manila: The short concert that was performed ahead of the oath-taking of President Benigno Aquino at Manila's Luneta Park on Wednesday highlighted the big dreams of many Filipinos, majority of whom are poor.

The singing of My Country (Bayan Ko), at the start of the program reminded everyone of the favourite anthem of activists who fought former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, after the assassination of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino at the international airport in 1983.

The tragic incident sparked a strong anti-Marcos sentiment that was capped by a people-backed military mutiny that ousted Marcos and propped Corazon Aquino to the presidency in 1986.

Many Filipinos believe that the son of martyred Ninoy and icon of democracy, Cory, will continue to protect his parents' legacy for change, even if his late other, a Cojuangco in central Philippines, belonged to one of the country's legendary old rich families.

Members of the Apo Hiking Society, sang an angry song that was composed for the oath-taking. Titled, "It's time to change, nation first (instead of self)," was both exhortative and inspirational, and full of advise on how people should continue changing.

"We are our enemies. There are no excuses," sang the singers who called for self-examination, not social change, as a major starting point for change.

"Believe in us and we will emerge (victorious)," the band members gave advise on how to keep on changing. "Work hard, heroic Filipinos.. Follow the law, think, work, and listen instead of talking," said the singers who asked the viewers of Aquino's oath-taking to sing with them.

Celebrity singer Ogie Alcasid sang his composition titled, Noynoy, the Nation's Only Salvation. It  was a virtual enumeration of Aquino's platform of government.

"The answer to poverty, fight corruption," Alcasid wailed with his song, adding, "There should be a new system of education, health care for everyone, and justice for all."

"Batman will not win (with Noynoy as president)," was Alcasid's punch-line. That line was  contrary to Aquino's recent statement that he is not a Superman who can fight the country's gargantuan problems in a short time.

"The nation's only hope, you are not alone," was one of the song's statement of support for the incoming president.

Singer Regine Velasquez, dubbed as Asia's  singing sensation, sang sweetly these lyrics, "We will be with you to the new future, even if the road (at the start) is dark."

Noel Cabangon dished a lilting song which talked about the rich and the poor, intense hardship brought about by graft and corruption.

"Let's move on for changes," urged Cabangon's music, "My country, now, let's move on for more changes."

That was not all at the concert.

World-famous Madrigal Singers sang, Say It, a song that did not carry a revolutionary message. Their perfect rendition of the piece was accompanied by Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by famous Ryan Cayabyab.

Young belter Charice Pempengo, known for her penchant for jazzy improvisations, toed the line of the National Historical Commission (NHI) and sang a tempered and careful rendition of the national anthem, based on the original score of the composer.

Tenor Christian Bautista sang a religious song about being raised up to the heights and fighting all the odds with God's help.