Gloc-9 says 'Sirena' a gift to his gay son, gained a deeper significance in his life later on
Filipino rap icon Gloc-9 said his 2012 gay anthem Sirena is a gift to his son.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Gloc-9, or Aristotle Pollisco in real life, said that when he wrote Sirena, he wasn’t yet aware of the sexuality of his son, Sean Daniel, the twin brother of Daniele Shaun.
“Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa anak ko na, kung gaano ko siya kamahal,” Pollisco is quoted as saying.
Pollisco noted that Sirena gained a deeper significance in his life later on, especially when Daniel came out.
“Minsan iniisip ko how life gives you hints of magic here and there,” he said. “Ako’y proud na may anak ako na tulad ni Daniel. Mahal na mahal ko ang mga anak ko at gagawin ko ang lahat para sa kanila.”
In Sirena, the persona declares being a mermaid who is confidently beautiful despite criticism from others.
The persona also details how he discovered that he was gay since childhood, and how his father was beating him up. In time, the persona cared for his father anyway, and the father ultimately apologized for wronging him.
Upon the release of Sirena, Pollisco told ABS-CBN News that he was afraid that the song may offend people. But little did he know that he’d have supporters, even becoming an anthem of the local LGBTQ+ community.
He recalled an interviewer who said had cried after watching the music video since her best friend has a similar life story.
A bouncer who has a gay son also thanked Pollisco for getting “illuminated” upon hearing the song.
Pollisco’s songs often tackle the country’s social issues.
During his three-decade career, he has won over 60 awards, including the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ SUDI National Music Award, Awit Awards, and FAMAS Awards.
His hits include Simpleng Tao, Upuan (with Jaezell Grutas), Lando (with FrancisM), and Bagsakan (with Parokya ni Edgar and FrancisM).