Ben&Ben has released the music video of “Paninindigan Kita“, starring the Filipino nine-piece collective’s very own Pat Lasaten and Agnes Reoma. It was directed by Niq Ablao, who co-wrote the screenplay with the group’s Paolo Benjamin.

Lasaten is a keyboardist while Reoma is a bassist. Recognizing the importance of celebrating queer love and engaging in the fight towards greater acceptance, the visuals reflect the real-life experiences of the Ben&Ben’s power couple as they live and love fearlessly in a world that rarely gives them a sense of belongingness.

“We’re both excited and nervous because we’re not very public about our relationship,” Lasaten said. “We also aren’t into PDA. In fact, our bandmates seldom see us hold hands.”

According to Ablao, the visual narrative of “Paninindigan Kita” tackles the journey of Lasaten and Reoma from the first time they decided to stand up for love regardless of gender and how they chose to stand by each other no matter what. Ablao has directed some of the most enduring music films in recent memory including Moira’s “Paubaya” featuring Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto and Ben&Ben’s “Upuan” featuring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano.

“Expressing this story to a wider audience will be a fun challenge as we aren’t actors,” Reoma said. “Nonetheless, we’re excited for the number of queer kids who’d see it.”

Ablao is optimistic that the music would shed a new light and a deeper understanding of how love should be. According to the director, the video shows some of the struggles and challenges especially of those in the LGBTQ+ community, who feel like they have to hide simple expressions of love.

“Regardless of gender and sexuality, we love who we love and we stand by them no matter what,” Ablao said. “Brave are those who fight and take pride for it.”

Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin wrote “Paninindigan Kita”, the first Ben&Ben song recorded in an actual studio since the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic started. Ben&Ben made the entire track at Spryta in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines, the same place where the band recorded its multiplatinum full-length album “Limasawa Street”. 

“Paninindigan Kita” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. It follows Ben&Ben’s LGBTQ+ anthem “Di Ka Sayang“.