Ilusyon
| "Ilusyon" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Abra | ||||
| from the album Abra | ||||
| Language | Tagalog | |||
| Released | June 1, 2013 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Label | Artifice Records | |||
| Lyricist | Raymond Abracosa | |||
| Producer | Jonathan Ong | |||
| Abra singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| Ilusyon on YouTube | ||||
"Ilusyon" (lit. 'Illusion') is a song by Filipino rapper Abra. It was released on June 1, 2013, and was later included on his self-titled debut studio album, released in March 2014. Its music video features actress Arci Muñoz.
Background
"Ilusyon" was released as one of the singles from Abra's self-titled debut album while the record was still in production. The track followed the success of his earlier single "Gayuma" (2012) and was included on the album when it was released in March 2014.[1] The lyrics question why many of the country's social problems continue despite repeated promises of reform from elected officials. Abra mentions issues such as corruption, flooding, traffic congestion, poverty, unemployment, education, and access to affordable healthcare throughout the song.[2]
Music video
The official music video features actress Arci Muñoz. At the 27th Awit Awards, it received the award for Music Video of the Year.[3] In 2026, the music video had surpassed 11 million views on YouTube.[4]
Reception
Over a decade since its release, "Ilusyon" regained popularity in 2026 when parts of its lyrics became widely circulated on social media. This included the sharing of the song via platforms such as Facebook and Reddit, in addition to going over its music video on YouTube for discussion regarding its content.[2] Billboard Philippines described "Ilusyon" as a politically conscious hip-hop song that makes an attack on corruption, inequality, and broken promises.[5]
Personnel
Credits are adapted from the official YouTube music video description.[6]
- Abra – vocals, songwriter, lyricist
- Jonathan Ong – producer
- Not Vinzons – recording engineer
- Brian Lotho – recording engineer
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 27th Awit Awards | Music Video of the Year | Won | [3] |
References
- ↑ de Leon, Cate (August 3, 2013). "Abra: Voice of a generation". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
- 1 2 "Abra's 2013 hit "Ilusyon" goes viral again over corruption and flooding issues". Easy Rock. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
- 1 2 "27th Awit Awards winners unveiled; Gloc-9, Regine Velasquez, KZ Tandingan & Daniel Padilla honored". Philippine Entertainment Portal. December 15, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
- ↑ "Abra's 2013 hit song "Ilusyon" about corrupt officials, floods resurfaces online". ABS-CBN. August 18, 2026. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
- ↑ Regis, Ralph (September 22, 2025). "11 Powerful OPM Anthems for Standing Together and Speaking Truth". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
- ↑ "Abra ft. Arci Muñoz – Ilusyon (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Abra. June 1, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2026.