Johnoy Danao Drops New Version Of “Ang Panata” From ‘Manila’s Finest’ – Listen

Johnoy Danao has just released a brand new rendition of his beloved track, “Ang Panata.”

The newly released version, which soundtracked the recent Filipino film, Manila’s Finest, from the 2025 iteration of the Metro Manila Film Festival, features a more stripped-down take on the song (save for the addition of a harmonica), amplifying the emotional weight of the film itself. Johnoy Danao’s “Ang Panata” was originally released back in 2019 as part of his extended-play, Troubadour Tales Part 1, with the original version featuring the backing of a full band.

Together with the new rendition’s release on digital and streaming platforms, an accompanying music video featuring scenes and vignettes from Manila’s Finest was also dropped online. Check it out in its entirety below:

Directed by Raymond Red and starring Piolo Pascual and Enrique Gil, Manila’s Finest revolves around a group of police officers working in Manila’s Police District during the period of Martial Law under Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in the year 1969.

At the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival, the film was recognized for its musical impact in addition to Danao’s new version of his classic song, given the film’s win in the Best Original Theme Song category for Vehnee Saturno’s original song, “Sandalan,” as well as in Best Original Score, with Frederik Sandoval and Emerzon Texon’s compositions for the film.

Manila’s Finest was also awarded in the categories of Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Float, and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, as well as ranking third place for the Best Picture lineup.

Listen to Johnoy Danao’s “Ang Panata” below: