The 2012 hit “Sirena” by Gloc-9 has become an enduring anthem within the gay community, celebrated at numerous LGBT events and even highlighted in the finale of “Drag Race Philippines” season 1. In a conversation with ABS-CBN News, where the collaboration on “Walang Pumapalakpak” with Gary Valenciano was discussed, Gloc-9 opened up about the initial apprehension he felt upon the song’s release and the profound impact it has had on his life.
“‘Yung song na ‘yan, nung ire-release namin ‘yan, takot na takot ako. Takot na takot dahil ayaw kong maka-insulto ng tao. Alam ko kasi nung sinulat ko ‘yan, hindi ko tsinelas o sapatos ang suot-suot ko. Ako’y nagsuot ng ibang sapatos o tsinelas,” Gloc-9 admitted, highlighting his fear of inadvertently offending anyone and his desire to empathetically represent the experiences he was depicting.
The feedback from the community was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, touching hearts across the board, including that of parents of gay children. “Minsan nag-guest ako sa isang show sa ABS, isang bouncer, ‘idol, salamat ha.’ Sabi ko, ‘bakit?’ ‘Kasi yung anak ko sirena rin eh, nung narinig ko ‘yung kanta mo, naliwanagan ako,'” he shared, illustrating the song’s power to enlighten and connect.
More intimately, Gloc-9 revealed his personal connection to the song through his son’s coming out. “My son is gay. Nung sinulat ko ‘yun, hindi niya pa sinasabi sa amin. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa anak ko na, kung gaano ko siya kamahal,” he said, expressing how the song predated his son’s revelation and underscored his unconditional love and pride for him.
Reflecting on the journey since “Sirena”‘s release, Gloc-9 sees the song as a serendipitous gift to his son, Daniel. “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,” he affirmed, recognizing the song’s lasting legacy not just in the LGBT community but within his own family.