Florante
| Florante de Leon | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Florante |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
Florante de Leon, popularly known simply as Florante, is a Filipino singer-songwriter.
Career
He was a pioneer and leading exponent of Pinoy folk rock[1] during the DZRJ-AM radio boom in Manila during the 1970s. His more popular singles include the hit ballad, "Handog" (Offering) and other songs, such as "Ako'y Isang Pinoy" (I Am A Filipino), "Abakada" (A-B-C-D), "Digmaan" (War) and "Pinay" (Filipino Woman),[2] which form part of the musical genre called Manila sound. He influenced other singer-songwriters that followed, particularly during the emergence of OPM; these artists include Joey Ayala,[3] Freddie Aguilar and Heber Bartolome.
Manila sound
Even though a folk singer, Florante also became a part of the 1970s Manila Sound. Manila sound also gave birth to songs which give pride to Filipinos. Heber Bartolome's "Tayo'y mga Pinoy" is an example. In 2006, Join the Club's hard rock revival of "Handog" was included in Hopia Mani Popcorn revival album.
