The "HOY! GISING!" theme song, performed by Tropical Depression in 1992, became an iconic reggae-style anthem for HOY! GISING!, a public service and news magazine show that aired on ABS-CBN from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. The show, known for its investigative journalism, focused on exposing corruption, government inefficiencies, and public concerns, giving ordinary Filipinos a platform to voice their grievances. Hosted by respected journalists like Ted Failon and Korina Sanchez, the show was a trusted source of accountability, highlighting issues that directly affected the lives of Filipinos. The show’s signature phrase, “Hoy, gising!” (Hey, wake up!), was a call to action, urging both officials and the public to be more responsible and vigilant.

 

The theme song itself reflects the pressing issues of the time, such as infrastructure problems, environmental disasters, political instability, and everyday struggles like water shortages, traffic congestion, and power outages. It also acknowledges the country's susceptibility to natural calamities like typhoons and earthquakes, alongside man-made crises such as political turmoil and corruption. The recurring call to action, “Hoy, gising!”, served as a reminder that collective responsibility and social awareness were necessary for change. The song and show together conveyed the urgency for national improvement and better governance. It emphasized that Filipinos should not merely endure these challenges but actively work towards a better future. The show's impact is still felt today, as viewers recall its bold approach and investigative reports that called for real action, making HOY! GISING! a memorable part of Filipino pop culture and a powerful force for social change.

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Lyrics:

Ang ating bayan, kay raming problema
Walang tubig, tambak ang basura
Sobrang trapik, maya't maya'y brownout pa
Lubak-lubak ating mga kalsada!

HOY! GISING!!!
Panahon na upang bumangon ka
HOY! GISING!!!
Tayong Pinoy dapat magbago na

Baha, red tide, iba't ibang sakuna
Bagyo, lindol, lahar at kudeta
Taumbayan bugbog-sarado na
Dinadatnan pa sobrang pulitika!

HOY! GISING!!!
Panahon na upang bumangon ka
HOY! GISING!!!
Tayong Pinoy dapat magbago na
HOY! GISING!!! 

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#HoyGising #WakeUpPhilippines #TayoAngSolusyon #AyusinAngBayan #GisingPilipinas #LabanParaSaPagbabago #TapatNaPamamahala #ABS-CBN