When I was still a little kid, my family and I stayed in a big house. That was the ancestral house of my dad's side of the family. It was somewhat a modern house. I will not be blogging about the house but about the monkeys you see on the left of your screen.

My aunt used to have a tiny metal cast depicting the same picture, the same image you see here. I was curious and later on found out that it meant "hear, see, speak no evil". That's what I will always remember about those monkeys although sometimes, they refer to it as the naughty kids like us. The older folks would always say, this is you, and your brother, and somebody else. Now, after learning about Charles Darwin, what I though was a tease, had in fact a scientific basis. For the evolution theory, I leave it to the scientists.

To conitnue with my story. I thought it was an image of monkeys being ashamed to show they faces in full view. That's just it! Growing up, however, reminds me of this figure -that it is better to zip your lips if you have nothing to say; better close your eyes if what's in front of you is disgusting; and shut your ears if you hear others are just gossiping. Life could be easier.

You have to close your eyes, shut your ears and zip your lips at the right time but it doesn't mean you remain dumb of the wrong things going on around you. Now, that is the role of your brain and make those bones and muscles move! Life could have been easier, simpler, happier, you think?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Madilim ang iyong paligid (Your surroundings are dark)
Hatinggabing walang hanggan (Midnights are never-ending)
Anyo at kulay ng mundo sayo'y pinagkaitan (You were denied the image and color of the earth)

Huwag mabahala kaibigan (Do not worry my friend)
Isinilang ka mang ganyan (You were born like that)
Isang bulag sa kamunduhan (Blinded with worldliness)
Ligtas ka sa kaslanan (You're saved from sins)

CHORUS
Di nalalayo sa'yo ang tunay na mundo (You are not far from the true world)
Marami sa amin nabubuhay nang tulad mo (A lot of us live like you)
Di makita, di madinig, minsa'y nauutal (Can't see, hear, sometimes can't speak)
Patungo sa hinahangad na buhay na banal (Towards a life that's holy)

Ibigin mo mang umawit (You wanted to sing)
Di mo makuhang gawin (but you cannot)
Sigaw ng puso't damdamin (Shouts of your heart and feelings)
Wala sa'yong pumapansin (Noone notices)
Sampung daliri, kaibigan (Ten Fingers, my friends)
Dyan ka kanila pakikinggan (The means you'll be heard)
Pipi ka man nang isinilang (You were born mute)
Dakila ka sa sinuman (You are noble to everyone)

CHORUS
Di nalalayo sa'yo ang tunay na mundo (You are not far from the true world)
Marami sa amin nabubuhay nang tulad mo (A lot of us live like you)
Di makita, di madinig, minsa'y nauutal (Can't see, hear, sometimes can't speak)
Patungo sa hinahangad na buhay na banal (Towards a life that's holy)

Ano sa iyo ang musika (What is music to you)
Ito ba'y mahalaga (Is this important?)
Matahimik mong paligid (Your quiet surroundings)
Awitan ay di madinig (Their singing you cannot hear)
Mapalad ka o kaibigan (You are lucky my friend)
Napaka-ingay ng mundo (The world is so noisy)
Sa isang binging katulad mo (A deaf person like you)
Walang daing walang gulo (There's no complain, no war/disaster)

CHORUS
Di nalalayo sa'yo ang tunay na mundo (You are not far from the true world)
Marami sa amin nabubuhay nang tulad mo (A lot of us live like you)
Di makita, di madinig, minsa'y nauutal (Can't see, hear, sometimes can't speak)
Patungo sa hinahangad na buhay na banal (Towards a life that's holy)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
GULO - it means anything without order.

I believe this song was also revived by Yeng Constantino.

BULAG, PIPI AT BINGI - Freddie Aguilar

I have always admired Joey Albert, other than she will always remind me of my Aunt (who is in the US right now), because of her voice and the message of her songs.
This is one OPM song I enjoy singing because it is an epitome of a true love that really waits.

This one talks about an endless love -loving a person no matter what. To wait is the message; about fate bringing them back, closer together. It says: "there's a time we need to part" either physically or figuratively. Have you ever felt cold when you are in a relationship? The coldness that meant no sweet-nothings, not even a goodnight kiss nor "I love yous" on the phone. Those are the times we want some space, the couple has to part, albeit in thoughts.

After the space, after the coldness, sweet romances set in. That's a good experience I think, you agree? That is like receiving flowers or chocolates from someone special, for the first time. It has the same level as feeling that first kiss, that first twinkle in the eye, that "love at first sight"... Ahhh... I hate talking about romance and relationships in times like this that its raining but I'm longing. huhuhu!

Just sharing my love thoughts for today.

Here is my translation:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin (I will love you only*)
by Joey Albert/Martin Nievera

Sa bawat pag-ikot ng ating buhay (In every turn/rotation of life)
May oras, kailangan ng maghiwalay (There's a time we need to part)
Puso'y lumaban man, walang magagawa (The heart may fight/struggle, but it can't do anything)
Saan pa, kailan ka muling mahahagkan (Where else, when can I kiss you again)

Kulang man sa 'tin itong sandali (This moment may not be enough)
Alam ko na tayo'y magkikitang muli (I know that we will still see each other)
Hangga't may umaga pa na haharapin (Until there is morning to look forward to)
Ikaw lang ang mamahalin (I will love you only)

Puso'y lumaban man, walang magagawa (The heart may fight/struggle, but it can't do anything)
Saan pa, kailan ka muling mahahagkan (Where else, when can I kiss you again)

Puso'y lumaban man, walang magagawa (The heart may fight/struggle, but it can't do anything)
Saan pa, kailan ka muling mahahagkan (Where else, when can I kiss you again)
>>>>>>>>>
*Etimology of the title:
IKAW - you
LANG - only
ANG - the
MAMAHALIN - be loved (future tense)
It can be translated either "You will be the only I will love" or "I will love you only", I chose the latter for ease. I expect your consideration :-)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin - Joey Albert

This is a story about Juliet (not her real name). She was still a kid when she experienced difficulty dealing with people. We started our correspondence when I was still a teacher. I recalled her story when we were discussing about a law on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). I can't help but sympathize with her plight.

She was a victim of child molestation and growing up with that predicament, she said going to school was difficult especially when their subject is about Biology or physical education or anything that tackles body organs of reproduction or sex. During discussion, she cannot understand the teacher because all she hears was the loud beating of her heart. It was uncomfortable talking about sex, according to her. She knows she is different from every girl in the classroom because her puberty experience was a deviation from normal. She knew this because she had that sad experience from a drug addict relative.

She never told me the name of that person but I know it was someone dear to her or her family. She never had real girl friends because she doesn't want to be confronted with girl talks about the opposite sex and anything that goes with such topics. It was just uncomfortable.

Now, putting myself into her situation... I find it hard but I realized that her experience prevented her from getting in touch with reality, with relationships. I wonder how she is right now.

If only children were fully protected...

...and here is a song relevant to this blog:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bawat Bata (Every child/Each Kid)

Ang bawat bata sa ating mundo (Each kid in this world)
Ay may pangalan may karapatan (has a name, has rights)
Tumatanda ngunit bata parin (they grow old but remains a kid)
Ang bawat tao sa ating mundo (Each person in this world)

Hayaan mo’ng maglaro ang bata sa araw (Let the kid play under the sun)
At pag-umulan nama’y magtatampisaw (And in rain let them get wet)
Mahirap man o may kaya, maputi, kayumanggi (Whether poor or wealthy, white or brown/tan)
At kahit ano ma’ng uri ka pa (And whatever kind are you)
Sa’yo mundo pag bata ka (World is yours if you're a kid)

Ang bawat bata sa ating mundo (Each kid in this world)
Ay may pangalan may karapatan (has a name, has rights)
Tumatanda ngunit bata parin (they grow old but remains a kid)
Ang bawat tao sa ating mundo (Each person in this world)

Ang bawat nilikha sa mundo’y (Each creature in this world)
Minamahal ng Panginoon (is loved by the God)
Ang bawat bata’y may pangalan (Each kid has a name)
May karapatan sa ating mundo (Has rights in this world)

Hayaang mong bigyan na ng pagmamahal (Let them be given love)
Katulad nang sinadya ng may kapal (Like God has intended)
Mahirap man o may kaya, maputi, kayumanggi (Whether poor, wealthy, white, brown)
At kahit ano ma’ng uri ka pa (And whatever kind are you)
Sa’yo mundo pag bata ka (World is yours if you're a kid)

Hayaan mo’ng maglaro ang bata sa araw
At pag-umulan nama’y magtatampisaw
Mahirap man o may kaya, maputi, kayumanggi
At kahit ano ma’ng uri ka pa
Sa’yo mundo pag bata ka(4x)

Ang bawat bata sa ating mundo
Ay may pangalan may karapatan
Tumatanda ngunit bata parin
Ang bawat tao sa ating mundo

Ang bawat nilikha sa mundo’y
Minamahal ng Panginoon
Ang bawat bata’y may pangalan
May karapatan sa ating mundo…….

Bawat Bata - Apo Hiking Society

I associate this song with a Pilipino movie of the same title. It was about family, relationships and values. I believe this song is a Bukas Palad Music Ministry original song. I had the chance to mingle with the group when they had a concert here in Dagupan last February. The community I belong to, And Lingkod ng Panginoon - Dagupan Branch, was the sponsor of the concert. I arrived early at the concert venue and was assigned to secure the room of the group Bukas Palad. Bags, guitar, food and bread were all over. I was just told to sit inside the room and look after their belongings because strangers might come in.

I was really embarassed that time because I was just there in the corner. I cannot mingle with the group because I didn't know a single soul in that room. Despite that, I had fun listening to their songs, all the songs they sung. They are really adorable and they had great voices... my heart couldn't help but leap. It didn't beat. haha!

This song is just very short but it means so much to me. It talks about my Saviour, my God and my all.

Here is my translation:

Ikaw ang aking Tanging Yaman (You are my only treasure)
Na di lubasang masumpungan (Which I cannot fully comprehend)
Ang nilikha mong kariktan (The loveliness you created)
Sulyap ng 'yong kagandahan (A view of your beauty)

Ika'y hanap sa t'wina, nitong pusong (My heart longs for you)
Ikaw lamang ang saya (You are my only joy)
Sa ganda ng umaga, (In the beauty of the morning)
Nangungulila sa'yo sinta (I long for you)

Ika'y hanap sa t'wina, (I always search for you)
Sa kapwa ko kita laging nadarama (In my fellow, I always feel you)
Sa iyong mga likha, (With your creations)
Hangad pa ring masdan ang 'yong mukha (I still long to see your face)
-----------------------
Note:
KARIKTAN - is "Karikitan" which also means beauty, but this normally refers to a beautiful lady. It was just awkward to use the word "pretty-ness" so I used beauty and loveliness interchangeably.
GANDA - is literally translated as beauty
TUWINA - Its like "Every now and then"

Tanging Yaman - Carol Banawa and Bukas Palad choir

I have loved this song before and I appreciated it even more when this version was released a long time ago before I started to work in Manila.

The last part of the original says: Laklak ka ng laklak, mukha ka nang parak! (You keep on drinking, you already look like a cop). It caught my attention because that was the time when cops/police officers here in the Philippines were directed to trim down. I believe it was the term of Sen. Panfilo Lacson. There were initiatives on reforming the ranks of the Philippine National Police.

Oh well, it's about time they change. But have they really changed? I always wonder if I will really feel secured when I am with a cop. Sometimes, one can't stop and wonder what kind of officer is this? The good one or the bad one?

I once heard of a cop story. He was assigned to a new place and because he held higher position, he was sanctioned to give protection to a politician. The latter, being happy with the services of the officer, eventually ordered the cop to hit a rival. The good cop then, despite his shame of serving the politician personally, finally decided to quit. I have heard of this cop before and per records, he is indeed a good cop, a moral one. I applaud him for quitting that dirty job. And as for that politician.... to bad he didn't stay long in the position.

We can't deny that indeed, there are rotten eggs in the basket. Why you may ask? because there are cuddlers as well. Ah! My blood pressure's rising. Let's drink to that! Tagay!

LAKLAK - (Contraction of words drink alcohol)
Nagsimula sa patikim tikim (It started with frequent tasting)
Pinilit kong gustuhin (I tried to like it)
Bishoy nagsimulang lumalem (The vice grew deeper)
Kaya ngyon ang hirap tanggalin (That's why it is hard to quit)
Kabilin bilinan ng lola (Grandma always told me)
Wag nang uminom ng serbesa (Do not drink cerveza)
Ito'y hindi inuming pam bata (This is not for kids)
Mag softdringks ka nalang muna (Drink softdrinks first)
Pero ngyon akoy matanda na (Now that I'm older)
Lola pahingi ng pantoma (Grandma give me money for my drink)
Yan na nga (This is it)
Tumataas na ang amats ko (I am getting drunk)
Kasi laklak maghapon magdamag (Because I drink all day, all night)

(This is the rap part)
HOY!
Tayo na halika (Let's go, com'om)
Isalin mo na serbesa (Pour out the cerveza)
Ilabas mo na yang mesa (Bring out the table)
E baso bote o tasa hoy! (the glass, bottle or mug)
Bumili ka na ba ng yelo (Did you buy ice)
Luto na pala kutyero (Is the menu cooked?)
Ng tyuhin mong bumbero (Menu of your fireman uncle)
At tatay mo na kutyero (And your jockey father)
Ipasa mo nayang tagay (Pass the shot glass)
Marami naka antabay (A lot are waiting)
Na humahaba na hanay (The line is getting longer)
Na meron pang makipag away (Some even fight)
Ng alang-alang sa alak (Because of the alcohol)
Na parabang naka batak (They who seem like in drugs)
Hindi yan naka tapak (Not because he stepped)
Ng mga utak na may lamat (On a brain with cracks)
Tulad nito siguro si bruno matigas ang ulo (Like Bruno who is hard headed)
Hindi mo na mapipigil humalik sa bote o baso (You won't resist kissing a bottle or glass)
Pag may nag kakasiyahan (If there is merry-making)
At may nagkaka tugtugan (And there is music)
Hindi mo na mapigilan habang nag kakainuman (You can no longer resist while you are drinking)
Sige na umuwi kalasing kana (Go ahead, you go home)
Na sumusuka pa (You're throwing up)
Teka bakit umiikot ang yong mga mata (Wait, why are your eyes spinning?)
Sino bang may sabing uminom ka ng labing lima (Who told you to drink 15?)
Hindi ka rin naman pala tanga (You are not a fool)

Gloc-9 Feat. Dong Abay - Laklak - Gloc9

I have a new task in the house: to wake up 4:30 in the morning and cook breakfast, prepare the kids' pack lunch and wake everyone up around 5:15AM. This song is my alarm tone because the instrumental at the start is really startling... it would surely make me stand up at an instant.

Anyway, I am blogging about OPM music this month so I might as well write someting about this song which primarily talks about one of the most popular modes of public transport in the Philippines: the Jeepney (Please refer to the photo above). I once read from a sociology book that the word jeepney "mutated" from the word Jeep. It used to be a brand name for a durable transport used by the Americans when they came to the country. The same time the word jeepney transformed, so as its image.

The way to stop the PUJ (Public Utility Jeep), when you want the driver to pull-over, just say "PARA" (pronounced as 'pah-rah'). They would stop from wherever, even in the middle of the road. Of course that's true only to those undisciplined jeepney drivers. "PARA" is like a culture to us also. However, some things has to change when people do not use the word "Para" anymore but they would just knock on the wooden ceiling of the jeepney, whistle or strike a coin or anything metallic against the metal railing of the jeep, just to signal the driver to pull-over.

I still use "para" as my manifestation of respect to the drivers. Saying para is like talking politely with the driver. Respect should be given to those deserving it.

Anyway, I will translate the lyrics below:

Beep Beep Beep (It is the sound of a blowing horn)
Juan Dela Cruz Band

Beep beep, beep ang sabi ng tsuper ng jeepney (Beep3x, said the driver of jeep)
Beep beep, beep tabi kayo baka kayo maipit (Beep3x, move away, you might get caught in between)
Sakay na ka yo kahit hanggang kanto (Ride on, even up to the street corner)
Ang buhay ng tsuper ay hindi gawang biro (A driver's life is not a joke)

Beep beep, beep dadalhin ko kayo kahit saan (Beep3x I will bring you anywhere)
Beep beep, beep dalian ninyo hindi pa ako na nanghalian (Beep3x hurry up I still have to eat lunch)
Sakay na kayo kahit hanggang kanto (Ride on up to the street corner)
Ang buhay ng tsuper ay hindi gawang biro (A Driver's life is not a joke)
Ohh!! naku ang hirap namang magdrive ng buong hapon (Oh! It's so hard to drive the whole day)
Mainit pa (It is also hot/sunny)
Ay naku kailangan pa akong pumila (I still have to fall in line)
Para ako'y makapagmiriyenda (In order to have a snack)

Beep, beep, beep oras na ng reliyebo (Beep3x, it's time for the next shift)
Beep, beep, beep naghihintay na ang pamilya ko (Beep3x, my family is waiting)
Sakay na kayo kahit hanggang kanto (Ride on even up to the street corner)
Ang buhay ng tsuper ay hindi gawang biro (A driver's life is not a joke)

Sakay na kayo kahit hanggang kanto
Ang buhay ng tsuper ay hindi gawang biro

Sakay, sakay na kayo kahit hanggang kanto lang
Ang buhay ng tsuper ay hindi gawang biro
>>>>>>>>>>>>
TSUPER - is a borrowed French word of chauffer which in tagalog, it generally means driver, any kind of driver.

beep beep beep - Juan Dela Cruz Band

This is the picture:

Kumusta na, ayos pa ba (How are you? Still Okay?)
Ang buhay natin, kaya pa ba (Our life, can you still make it?)
Eh kung hinde, paano na (If not, how?)
Ewan mo ba, bahala na? (You don't know? Whatever?)

Napanood kita sa tv, sumama ka sa rali (I saw you on TV, you joined the rally)
Kasama ang mga madre, pinigilan mga tangke (Together with the nuns, stopping the tanks)
Umiiyak ka pa sa harap ng mga sundalo (You were crying in front of the soldiers)
Namigay ka pa ng rosas na nabili mo sa kanto (You handed roses you bought from the corner)

Dala-dala mo pa, estatwa ni Sto. Nino (You were carrying statue of Sto. Nino)
Eskapularyo't Bibliya, sangkatutak na rosaryo (Scapular, Bible, a lot of rosaries)
At sa gitna ng EDSA, lumuhod ka't nagdasal pa (And in the middle of EDSA*, you knelt and prayed)
Our Father, Hail Mary from thy bounty thru Christ our Lord amen

Pebrero, bente-sais nang si Apo ay umalis (February 26 when Apo** left)
Ngiti mo'y hanggang tenga (Your smile was ears-wide)

Sa kakatalon, napunit pa'ng pantalon mo (You kept jumping, you torn your jeans)
Pero hindi bale, sabi mo, marami naman kame (Never mind, you said, we are many)
Kahit na amoy pawis, tuloy pa rin ang disco sa kalye (We may smell all sweat, street dancing/disco goes on)

Nakita kita kahapon, may hila-hilang kariton (I saw you yesterday, pulling a wooden cart)
Huminto sa may Robinson, tumanga buong maghapon (You stopped by Robinson, blank stares)
Sikat ka noon sa tibi kase kasama ka doon sa rali (You were famous in TV because you took part during the rally)
Pero ngayo'y nag-iisa, naglalakad sa may EDSA (But now you're alone, walking in EDSA)

Ewan mo ba, bahala na (You don't know, whatever)
Bahala na, bahala na (Whatever, Whatever)

Here are important words for this song:

*EDSA - Epifanio delos Santos Ave, a mainstream road connecting almost all of the cities/towns of Metro Manila. It is more famous for EDSA People Power in 1986

**APO - It is an Ilokano word denoting respect, commonly associated with the late President Marcos who hailed from the Ilocos region.

BAHALA NA - is a favorite word of Filipinos. I'd say this is equivalent for the phrase "Que sera sera"

ROBINSON - is a mall along EDSA which served as the gathering point of people during the people power. This is the building behind the famous EDS Srhine.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This day in 1983, Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino was assassinated upon leaving the plane in Tarmac of the Philippine Airport. In 1986, his wife Corazon Aquino, together with people power, was able to oust Ferdinand Marcos who held on to the presidential seat for more than 20 years.

23 years ago, we Filipinos really felt victorious. I was only 10 back then and perhaps the turning point in my life which made me become curious of what really happened to this country. For the first time in my life, I gained social and political awareness. I remember I was spending my vacation in my relative's place at Makati. I was really afraid and thought a was would spring. This song, which became popular in the 90s, reminded me of a lot of scenes during the EDSA Revolution, which we fondly call.

This song is telling me now that there has never been a revolution. We are as we were before EDSA. Revolution means change, but nothing has changed. When Cory Aquino recently died, I had goosebumps all over my body because the icon for change, the person who saved us from the wrath of Martial Law has passed away. My goosebumps continued as the TV show giving tribute to the late President kept showing the events of EDSA.

We hope, we re-live, we move on. Mabuhay Philippines!

This is another song that has a nationalistic theme. I didn't wonder when this song was chosen as one of the songs during the funeral mass for the late President Cory Aquino. Leah Salonga was the chocen singer for the piece and it was marvelous.

I guess this song goes without much words to describe it. I just know that when I hear songs of nationalistic theme, I get goosebumps and surely, tears would form at the corner of my eyes.

I will always claim that I love my country and I may not be able to tell you great contributions I might have for my country... in my heart I know that to love this country is the first step towards totally embracing my poverty-striken country, likewise the land of corrupt politicians and abusive business people.

Here is my translation:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bayan Ko - My Country
Ang bayan kong Pilipinas (My country the Philippines)
Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak (Land of gold and flowers)
Pag-ibig ang sa kanyang palad (Love on its palms)
Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag. (Sacrificed beauty and virtue)
At sa kanyang yumi at ganda (And of her modesty and beauty)
Dayuhan ay nahalina (Foreigners were enticed)
Bayan ko, binihag ka (My country, you were conquered)
Nasadlak sa dusa. (Trapped/slumbered on hardships)

Ibon mang may layang lumipad (A bird has a freedom to fly)
Kulungin mo at umiiyak (Cage it and it is crying)
Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag (Much more a country with such beauty)
Ang di magnasang makaalpas! (Who will not hope to get rid or overcome such situation)
Pilipinas kong minumutya (Philippines that I adore)
Pugad ng luha ko't dalita (Cradle/Nest of my tears and deeds)
Aking adhika, (My aspirations/goals)
Makita kang sakdal laya. (To see you to be truly free)

(You will also see an English translation from this site and note that there are differences in the translation but we both mean the same thing. Also, there is a brief history on this song so check out the link.)

Here is the song I got from Imeem as sung by Asin.

All the while I thought Quezon City day is August 29 but my friend told me, today is the day! At the beginning of this month, I mentioned that I shall be blogging about my favorite OPM songs as my way of giving honor to President Manuel Luis Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth; and president who encouraged widespread use of Filipino or Tagalog dialect as a major Philippine language. His single goal: to unite the archepelagic country at least in one major language.

He somehow achieved that because "Tagalog" has now evolved to "Filipino" as new words and borrowed terms are widely used these days. In fact, the word "university" meaning an institution for higher learning, has now an accepted Filipino term of "unibersidad" or "pamantasan" and can be used interchangeably.

There was a time that when a Filipino speaks the English language, it won't convey a clear meaning because it was "carabao english". I really don't know how the term came about but it only means that a person says "Why are you eat tinapay naman?" When what was actually meant was "Why are you eating bread?" Sentences like that. It was really the first phase of Filipinos trying to learn and adopt the English language.

At the height of glabalization and international competitivenes in the outsourcing business, Filipinos have learned to speak English being a booming "call center country". Now, speaking English is a must in order to receive a decent paycheck as a call center agent. I wonder how the OPM singers and language advocates react to that? For me, that is a fine choice because it's truly an advantage to be able to communicate with freinds and relatives from English-speaking countries.

Oh well, here goes the song and my English translation:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Tayo'y mga pinoy, tayo'y hindi kano* (We are Pinoys, we are not Americans)
Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango (Don't be ashamed if you're nose is flat)

Dito sa silangan ako isinilang (Here in the East, I was born)
Kung saan nagmumula ang sikat ng araw (Where the sun begins to rise)
Ako ay may sariling kulay-kayumanggi (I have my own brown color)
Ngunit di ko maipakita, tunay na sarili (But I can't show my true self)

Kung ating hahanapin ay matatagpuan (If we will seek, we shall find)
Tayo ay may kakayahang dapat na hangaan (We got skills that we should admire)
Subalit nasaan ang sikat ng araw (But where is sun shine?)
Ba't tayo ang humahanga doon sa kanluran? (Why do we admire west?)

Chorus 1
Bakit kaya tayo ay ganito? (Why are we like this?)
Bakit nanggagaya, mayron naman tayo (Why do we imitate, we have our own)
Tayo'y mga pinoy, tayo'y hindi kano (We are Pinoys, we are not Kano)
Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango (Don't be ashamed if you are flat-nosed)

Dito sa silangan ako isinilang (Here in the East, I was born)
Kung saan nagmumula ang sikat ng araw (Where the sun begins to rise)
Ako ay may sariling kulay-kayumanggi (I have my own brown color)
Ngunit di ko maipakita, tunay na sarili (But I can't show my true self)

Chorus 2
Mayrong isang aso, daig pa ang ulol (There is a dog, fooler than a fool)
Siya'y ngumingiyaw, hindi tumatahol (It says "meow", it doesn't bark)
Katulad ng iba, painglis-inglis pa (Just like the others, speaking in English)
Na kung pakikinggan, mali-mali naman (but if you'll listen, it's wrong)
Wag na lang (So never mind)

Wag na, oy oy (Never mind, oy, oy)
Oy, ika'y pinoy (Oy, You are Pinoy)
Oy oy, ika'y pinoy. (Oy, Oy, you are Pinoy)
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PINOY - is a shortened/slang word for a person with Philippine blood, either resident, citizen, or in another place

Kano - is a shortened/slang term for American people who defended the country against Japanese in WWII but whose influence in our culture was so strong.

Tayoy Mga Pinoy - Heber Bartolome

As I was blogging about Mike Hanopol the other day, I kept recalling the OPM songs that my sister always sings. I remember the band Aegis, one of her favorites as a matter of fact. One song that pops up was this: Luha (it means Tears). I knew this wasn't an original song of Aegis because I have heard of this song long before Aegis band was conceptualized (and long before Aegis members were born? I hope not.)

I keep hearing my sister sing this song during videoke time. Who introduced me to this song first? My aunt who, long before videoke became popular, loves to sing in the bathroom. I can her her singing in my room upstairs. That was the time when we stayed in their house, temporarily. There's just two of them in the house so they were kind enough to let my entire family in... for the second time. She loves this song. That's what I sense from her way of singing because she sings her heart out with this. A gesture that made me guess... she wants to shout at somebody because she is mad. Ahhh... I was still a school girl then but surely this song reminds me of her.

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Here is my translation:
LUHA - (Tears)

Akala ko ikaw ay akin (I thought you were mine)
Totoo sa aking paningin (Real in my sight)
Ngunit nang ikaw ay yakapin (But when I hugged you)
Naglaho sa dilim (You disappear from darkness)
Ninais kong mapalapit sa’yo (I wanted to get near you)
Ninais kong malaman mo (I wanted to tell you)
Ang mga paghihirap ko (All my sacrifices)
Balewala lang sa’yo (Meant nothing to you)

Ikaw ay aking minahal (I have loved you)
Kasama ko ang Maykapal (Together with the Almighty)
Ngunit ako pala’y naging isang hangal (But I was a fool)
Naghahangad ng isang katulad mo (Aspiring for someone like you)

Hindi ko na kailangan (I don't need 'you')
Umalis ka na sa aking harapan (Move away from me)
Damdamin ko sa `yo ngayon ay naglaho na (My feelings for you have vanished)
At ito ang ‘yong tandaan (And remember this)
Ako’y masyadong nasaktan (I am really hurt)
Pag-ibig at pagsuyo na kahit na sa luha (My love and affection that even in tears)
Mababayaran mo (You are going to pay)

Tingnan mo ang katotohanan (Look at reality)
Na tayo’y pare-pareho lamang (That we are all the same)
May damdamin ding nasasaktan (We have aching feelings)
Puso mo’y nasaan (Where is your heart?)

Ayaw ko nang mangarap (I don't wanna hope/dream)
Ayaw ko nang tumingin (I don't wanna look anymore)
Ayaw ko nang manalamin (I don't wanna see the mirror)
Nasasaktang damdamin (My feelings are hurt)
Gulong ng buhay (the wheel of life)
Patuloy-tuloy sa pag-ikot (Continues to turn)
Noon ako ay nasa ilalim (I was at the bottom before)
Bakit ngayon nasa ilalim pa rin (But why am I still in the bottom?)
Sana bukas nasa ibabaw naman (I hope I will be on top tomorrow)

LUHA - AEGiS

It is now the "wet season" here in the Philippines. Because of the changing environment and climate, we have already experienced rains as early as April this year, the month which used to be the "summer". There were rains during the dry season or summer and somehow, I enjoyed it.

On the other hand, I hate summer because I love the rainy season more. I like the wind, the sound of the rain, the cold nights and of course, I have someone to hug me. Rain has always been a picture of the heart for me. I specially loved this song because it says "Each time it rains and you are with me" the original lyrics said: "Tuwing umuulan at kapiling ka", the title of the song. I liked it even more when my favorite band - Eraserheads - recorded this song in their own version. There were flaws the way it was sung, I know but I just consider that as part of the band's interpretation of Ryan Cayabyab's music.

Have you tried hugging someone while it rained? I always remember the scenario of couples hugging or queitly listening to the rain. Although it's raining right now and I am alone, I have already established my attachment to rains... even if it is a storm, or the so called "hurricane". But a little rain will do.

I love it when it rains!

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Here is my translation of the song:

Pagmasdan ang ulan (Observe/Notice the rain)
Untiunting pumapatak sa mga halama't mga bulaklak (Slowly pouring unto the plants and flowers)
Pagmasdan ang dilim (Observe/Notice the darkness)
Untiunting bumabalot sa buong paligid t'wing umuulan (Slowly wrapping the surroundings, everytime it rains)

Kasabay ng ulan bumubuhos ang 'yong ganda (As the rain pours, so is your beauty)
Kasabay rin ng hanging kumakanta (together with the wind singing)
Maari bang huwag ka na (Can you please not)
Sa piling ko'y lumisan pa hanggang ang hangi't ula'y tumila na (Leave my side til the wind and rain stops)

Buhos na ulan aking mundo'y lunuring tuluyan (Pour out rain, drown my world)
Tulad ng pagagos mo (Just like your flow)
'Di mapipigil ang puso kong nagliliyab (my heart won't stop from it flare/blaze or blazin)
Pagibig ko'y umaapaw (My love overflows)
Damdamin ko'y humihiyaw sa tuwa (My feeling shouts for joy)
Tuwing umuulan at kapiling ka (Each time it rains and you are with me)

Pagmasdan ang ulan (Notice the rain)
Unti-unting tumitila (as it slowly stops/leaves)
Ikaw ri'y magpapaalam na (You are also leaving)
Maari bang minsan pa mahagkan ka't maiduyan pa (Can I kiss and hug/cuddle you once more)
Sakbibi* ka't ulan lamang ang saksi (we are together and the rain is our only witness)

Minsan pa ulan bumuhos ka't h'wag nang tumigil pa (Once more, pour on rain and never stop)
Hatid mo ma'y bagyo dalangin ito ng puso kong sumasamo (You may bring storm but it's my hearts wish)
Pagibig ko'y umaapaw (My love is overflowing)
Damdamin ko'y humihiyaw sa tuwa (My feeling shouts in gladness)
Tuwing umuulan at kapiling ka (Everytime it rains and we are together)

Maari bang minsan pa mahagkan ka't maiduyan pa
Sakbibi* ka't ulan lamang ang saksi
*This is an old tagalog word which I tried to translate from the way it was used in the sentence/lyrics.

Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka - EraserHeads