 |
| Luis Harder and daughter Adeline Lios (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Luis Harder) |
A family man raising his beloved daughter with down syndrome wrote and recorded a song that essentially captures the prevailing themes in the community of families challenged by fate, strengthened by faith. “Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan,” released last November 2023, is a digital single sung by Luis Harder, a former singer in a band who is the current president of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI). He put it out in time for the 13th birthday of his daughter Adeline Lois.
Harder, who equally acknowledges his wife Sannie’s role in the raising of their daughter, shared, “I recall playing the guitar one time when all of sudden, a four-chord song came out of thin air. With it I was able to summarize my experiences as a parent and express the depth of the emotions I have for my daughter Adeline Lois." Harder, who is also the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wings Technology Enterprise Inc., initially searched for someone else to sing his composition until the song’s record producer and arranger Aubrey Alamani convinced him to interpret it himself. The track quickly took the shape of an anthem for families raising children with special needs. It is a relatable ballad that definitely strikes a chord with Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). Its Tagalog lyrics reach out to those who wholly understand the challenges of having someone in the family who was born differently.
 |
| Luis Harder, President and CEO of Wings Technology Enterprise Inc. and President of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI) (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Luis Harder) |
The multi-faceted gentleman, who likewise does creative photography on the side, noted, “Literally my world turned into mere black, white, and gray when we found out our daughter’s condition.” He attributes his strength to God, saying, “God has opened new windows and doors and we started realizing something good is coming out of our situation. Pakiramdam kong merong kanta that needed to be written down.” A cousin of actress Carmi Martin, Harder is a talent poised to deliver when inspiration strikes. He used to be in a band when he was in college, and he continuously gigged during his 20s, performing in folk houses around Metro Manila. He also went to places like Baguio and Dagupan to showcase his musical skills that includes singing, bass playing, and songwriting. Harder’s artistic inclination goes deep with influences from classic acts like The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and The Rolling Stones. At some point he became a worship leader wherein his musicality was put to great use. He even won in a songwriting tilt with a piece he penned called “Isang Katauhan". Harder pointed out, “I really like playing music and singing. But I had to pursue other things in life like finishing studies, going to business, and raising a family.”
 |
| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Luis Harder) |
With the release of “Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan,” a marginalized sector of strong and united families has been provided with an appropriate tune that embraces their stories and showcases their heroism. The track promises to be a regular backdrop for the coming DSAPI activities as February is National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. Harder intends to continue producing music for noble causes. He further said, “As president of DSAPI, I’ve seen and talked with parents like me and Sannie who have a child with down syndrome. Alam ko ang sentiments nila at iisa lang ang pintig ng puso namin.” He continues, “My song also goes to other children with down syndrome, and to other children with special needs, whether they belong to Filipino families or from different nationalities. If parents get to sing this song for their children, then the purpose is well-served.”
