Filipino rapper Gloc-9 recently opened about the unexpected success and deeply personal inspiration behind his 2012 hit, "Sirena."

The song is an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, carrying a message that resonates with them. In a recent interview with ABS-CBN News, he shared the emotional journey that led to the creation of "Sirena" and how the song became a gift not just to his fans but, most significantly, to his own gay son.

He recalled the initial fear he felt when releasing "Sirena," expressing concerns about unintentionally offending people. However, the song's impact became evident when he received heartfelt feedback from various individuals, including a production group that visited him for an interview. The realization that the song touched the lives of many, including the fathers of gay children, was both surprising and heartwarming for the rapper.

Little did Gloc-9 know that his son, who had not yet come out at the time of the song's production, was gay. The rapper quoted, “My son is gay. No’ng sinulat ko 'yon, hindi niya pa sinasabi sa amin. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa anak ko na, kung gaano ko siya kamahal.” He added, “Hindi naman ako ma-showbiz and I think para sabihin ko ito now, ako ay proud na proud sa anak (ko.) Ako ay excited sa kung ano man ang kaya niyang ma-achieve sa buhay niya.”

The rapper shed light on the creation of "Sirena," revealing that the idea was suggested by musician Raimund Marasigan. Inspired by the need for a first-person perspective on gay issues, Gloc-9 wrote the lyrics and chorus immediately after the inputs. The collaboration with Ebe Dancel for the song's performance added to its success, becoming a standout song in the album, "Mga Kwento Ng Makata."

Gloc-9 credited his upbringing and the environment he grew up in, particularly in Binangonan, Rizal, for instilling in him a sense of appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized the importance of respecting sexual orientations.

Listen to “Sirena” HERE: