In anticipation of the brand new ikotMNL mobile app launching this September on google play and app store—which will provide commuters with valuable LRT-1 information such as train schedules, station and fare information, guides to nearby tourist destinations, and a lot more—the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) turns to two today’s fast-rising local pop superstars for its very own upbeat, funk-infused, and not to mention catchy jingle.
LRMC tapped OPM singer-songwriters Leanne and Naara, best known for their covers of “Someday” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” along with other original compositions, to give their sizzling take on the ikotMNL jingle, titled “Ikot Manila.”
LRMC tapped OPM singer-songwriters Leanne and Naara, best known for their covers of “Someday” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” along with other original compositions, to give their sizzling take on the ikotMNL jingle, titled “Ikot Manila.”
Courtesy of Light Rail Manila Corporation
The song is a lush, thumping, and upbeat earworm with a youthful vibe that’s heavily influenced by genres such as EDM, disco, and—aptly enough, since the jingle is about traveling in the city—Manila Sound, the country’s own homegrown dance music back in the ‘70s.
The song is more than that, though—not only does it sound great, but it also shines a light on how easy and convenient it is to commute across Manila on the LRT-1, and all the adventures you can have with it.
More than A to B
Multi-awarded composer Jungee Marcelo wrote the song after his own experience of rediscovering Manila through LRT-1. So there’s a delight at stopping at each station.”
Leanne and Naara “perfect” for the song
Marcelo considered the selection of Leanne and Naara to be a blessing, as he felt the duo could sing any genre well, and they represented the adventurous and inquisitive Filipino youth.
Leanne Mamonong was his mentee in Elements Music Camp, a masterclass in music for local singer-songwriters, and his familiarity with her skills made him confident the two were more than fit to interpret the jingle.
“Talagang swak sila (They were perfect) to sing the song,” he said.
