The Sentimental Songstress seems to be carrying a “sentimental overload” caused by a controversy generated by the song Iisang Dagat (literally translated “one sea”), written by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and sung on video by Chinese actor Yubin, Fil-Chinese singer Jhonvid Bangayan and Camarines Sur Vice Gov. Imelda Papin, the enduring Jukebox Queen who won the hearts of Filipinos with her sentimental/lachrymal songs (Isang Linggong Pag-ibig, etc.). The Chinese Embassy last week released the music video featuring the cooperation and mutual support between China and the Philippines in addressing the threat posed by COVID-19. It must be the word dagat (sea) that prompted some sector to react vehemently against it, especially since it was released amid the country’s diplomatic protest against China’s “aggression” in the West Philippine Sea.

Lo, R. (2020, April 30). Imelda Papin: My conscience is clear. The Philippine Star, p. C1.