Music Commentary by Giana Tomas
Ruby Ibarra turns hip-hop into a powerful record of Filipino migration, womanhood and resistance.
After winning NPR Music’s 2025 Tiny Desk Contest with “Bakunawa,” the Filipina American rapper brought Filipino mythology, multilingual storytelling and an unapologetic call for change to one of music’s most influential stages.
What sets Ibarra apart from many talented musicians is the craft with which she weaves artistry, Philippine history, language, politics and fierceness into her music.
In May 2025, Ibarra was named the winner of NPR Music’s 2025 Tiny Desk Contest.
Her bold performance and intriguing lyrics captivated not only Tiny Desk concert series adjudicators, but also her listeners.
Ruby Ibarra’s music speaks to diverse Philippine experiences and politics intertwined.
A closer listen to her music also reveals what it means to embrace a spirit of resilience, resistance, and revolution.
Netflix’s The Cleaning Lady soundtrack features six songs written and performed by Ibarra.
Seasons 2 and 3 also feature her songs.
The Cleaning Lady is a show about Thony, a Cambodian-Filipino surgeon who moved to the U.S. in an attempt to have her son’s acute medical condition treated.
Unfortunately, in her humble work as a cleaning lady, she gets caught up in criminal business.
The show follows Thony’s story of facing financial pressures while caring desperately for her ill child, and her constant straddling between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’.
In her song “Us”, lyrics talk about Filipina privilege.
So let it be known, if you don’t already
Pinays have always been part, and parcel,
if not, imperative and critical to the struggle
Filipinas are no strangers to wielding our own power
Of all the privileges that exist in this world,
none of which you may be a benefactor of
There is at least one you bear
And that is the privilege of having been born a Filipina
“Us” is a reflection of resilient women—migrant mothers, daughters, sisters—who are risking their comfort zone and fighting to survive.
In “7,000 Islands”, Ruby raps about the “American dream”.
Hello America, break your backs for dollars, they don’t carry ya
7,000 miles away from home with language barriers
Land of opportunity, tell me is good to ya?
But 6 feet deep on stolen land is where they bury ya
November 1991, papa came here with a wife
2 daughters, no money, but they wanted them a better life
Piso to their name, so they piecing up the pain
Ain’t no peace in a position as an immigrant that’s prayin’
To me, these lyrics express that it’s one thing to be grateful for opportunities offered, but it’s also valid to resist, to recognize injustice and call it for what it is.
Through “Bakunawa”, Ruby speaks to the revolutionary spirit of Philippine people, particularly women.
Ako’y hinahanap
Na parang diamante
Pilipina na babae
Hindi dalaga; militante
Ako ang bakunawa
Nakatira sa dilim
Akala mo nakatago
Pansinin sa salamin
She says, “I’m sought after, like a diamond. Not just an ordinary Filipina woman, but a militant.”
This song reminds me specifically of heroines like Gabriela Silang, a Philippine revolutionary who fought to resist colonialism and imperialism in the Philippines.
To me, these lyrics are a reminder to never underestimate the strength of Philippine women.
Giana Tomas is a learner, writer, community partner, and scholar who advocates for wellness of migrant and diasporic communities. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, she is dedicated to learning and sharing stories about how individuals and families from the Philippines draw connections to ‘home’ when they migrate. To connect with Giana, visit @giana_tomas on Instagram.
