I am but a small voice

a Vicente Manansala painting

"Luksong Tinik" by Vicente Manansala.
Oil on canvas. 1973

In conjunction with Roger Whittaker (famous British singer, songwriter and whistler)'s first American tour in 1980, a major international song writing competition was launched, the "Children Helping Children", from the United Nations in New York through UNESCO. Children from all over the world were encouraged to submit lyrics and poems on the subject of promoting peace and understanding, the best of which Mr. Whittaker would put to music and record.

The contest attracted over one million entries from 57 countries. One composition stood out. It was written by a 13- year-old girl, Odina Batnag from Manila, Philippines. Young Miss Batnag was flown to New York and introduced to the huge audience at Mr. Whittaker's Radio City Music Hall concert where her entry, "I Am But A Small Voice", was performed for the very first time. The song has been released worldwide with all proceeds raised by sales being donated to UNESCO's education for handicapped children programme. That year also finished on a note of extreme triumph when Mr. Roger Whittaker received America's prestigious B'nai B'rith Humanitarian Award for his work with children.

You will see below the full text of the song "I am but a small voice". Simple child's words put together to create a winning composition that sends out a very powerful message of Hope, Freedom and Harmonious co-existence amongst all people in the world and a dream of a clean and unspoilt surroundings. A message of peace, better future and Love from a thirteen year old girl Odina Batnag.

The webmaster would like to thank Mr. David Roduner of Sir Launcelot's Spiffy Page! for the use of "I am but a small voice" midi and also to the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir for performing it.

Rachel Mendoza
Capayawan, Botolan, Zambales
ZambalesForum (ZF2) moderator

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I am but a small voice
(R. Whittaker/ D. Batnag)

I.
Ako'y munting tinig
May munting pangarap
Samyo ng bulaklak
Sa hanging malinis

II.
May ngiti sa araw
At kung umuulan
Makapagtampisaw
Malayang daigdig
Ng kawalang malay

III.
I am but a small voice
I am but a small dream
The fragrance of the flow'r
In the unpolluted air

IV.
I am but a small voice
I am but a small dream
To smile upon the sun
Be free to dance and sing
Be free to sing my song to ev'ryone

Chorus:

Come young citizens of the world
We are one, we are one
Come young citizens of the world
We are one,, We are one
We have one hope
We have one dream
And with one voice
We sing...

Coda:

Peace, Prosperity And Love for all mankind
Peace, Prosperity And Love for all mankind

(Instrumental)

Repeat IV, Chorus and Coda

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