Set in her hometown in Iloilo City, Fil-Brit indie singer Beabadoobee takes us to a charming and relatable homage to the vibrant tapestry of Filipino culture
If you’re in need of a cultural pick-me-up, indie-rock singer Beabadoobee’s got you covered with her latest music video for “Glue Song.” Shot in her beloved hometown of Iloilo, the video is a technicolor dream that seamlessly weaves together Filipino cultural references, from jeepneys to traditional Pinoy games. It’s as if Beabadoobee has bottled up the essence of the Philippines and sprinkled it all over this two-minute ode to her heritage.
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“I’ve never smiled so big in a music video before. I wanted to capture how beautiful Iloilo is as I haven’t seen much of it on the internet and I needed that when I was growing up,” Beabadoobee tweets as she pulls off all the Filipino references in her music video, which includes pagmamano, riding a jeepney, children playing on the streets, and even a spontaneous family gathering.
Vibrant ode to the colors and culture
One of the things that make the “Glue Song” music video so captivating is the way she balances the vibrant colors and patterns of Filipino culture with a nostalgic feeling of provincial life. Perfectly depicting a peaceful life away from the city, we see Beabadoobee wandering through idyllic landscapes and interacting with locals, all while wearing outfits that feature intricate patterns and monochromatic colors of pink and green.
The visuals create a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the feeling of returning to a beloved childhood home. The scenes are both familiar and fantastical, a perfect representation of Beabadoobee’s memories of growing up in Iloilo. The colors, patterns, and overall aesthetic of the music video contribute to a sense of warmth and comfort, making “Glue Song” feel like a treasured memory.
Exclusive snapshot of the singer’s life
One of the most endearing aspects of Beabadoobee’s music video is the exclusive snapshot it provides of the singer’s personal life. This shows the ultimate connection of her music to Filipinos. Throughout the video, we see Beabadoobee surrounded by loved ones, many of whom she grew up with in her hometown. Her grandfather even makes a special appearance, having planted the trees in the background of several scenes in the video. The house where she filmed some of the scenes is also a significant location, as it was where she grew up with her grandmother.
Filipino influence
With Beabadoobee’s release of “Glue Song,” more Filipinos were able to appreciate her music more. Although known for its independent soft rock vibe, her musical influences are rooted in her Filipino heritage. According to reports, Beabadoobee grew up listening to Filipino bands like Eraserheads and Apo Hiking Society, and their music had a big impact on her creative style.
Photos from BEABADOOBEE (via YouTube and Instagram)