Walang Hanggang Paalam - Joey Ayala

This Original Pilipino Music (OPM) has been at the tip of my tongue since I started blogging about music. I am just having second thoughts becuase, first of all, I am not sure if I can translate the song in English without really losing its meaning. Secondly, I have already blogged a nationalistic theme (Sabi Nila) in these site. I might leave the impression that I am an activist. I used to be but it would be injustice to the movement if I say that I am still an activist because as of the moment, I am left here, slumped on the computer chair, blogging, rather than chanting.

However, I miss those days, back when I was still a student in UP. It just runs through my veins because my loyalty to my country is a common feeling to all. I am not like others, though, who tried to forget their roots once they move out of this place they once call their home.

Ahhh!, It breaks my heart! As the song goes... "hope cannot be defeated!" I always tell that to myself and to others who are obviously losing hope most especially in the midst of bad news around our country. We have been liberated from the Spaniards, Americans, Japanese and from other local conquerors but we are still bonded with our negative attitudes.

Slowly but surely, we will get there and we'll arrive their safely, united and getting ready for future problems.

This song rekindles the activist in me or at least my love for my motherland. This will always remind me that once, I have experienced how to march on the streets of Baguio with out chant: "Makibaka, wag matakot" (join the movement, be not afraid)

And now for the lyrics and translation:
Di ba tayo’y narito (Isn't it that we are here)
upang maging malaya (so we could be free)
at upang palayain ang iba (and so we could free others)
ako’y walang hinihiling (I am not asking for anything)
Ika’y tila ganoon din (It appears you feel the same)
sadya’y bigyang-laya ang isa’t-isa (intentionally give freedom to each other)

[chorus]
Ang pagibig natin ay walang hanggang paalam (Our love is an infinite goodbye)
at habang magkalayo (and while we are distance away)
papalapit pa rin ang puso (our hearts draw near)
kahit na magkahiwalay (even if we are apart)
tayo ay magkasama (we are together)
sa magkabilang dulo ng mundo (on both ends of the earth)

Ang bawat simula ay siya ring katapusan (Every beginning is also an ending)
may patutunguhan ba ang ating pagsinta (is there progress in our affection)
sa biglang tingin kita’y walang kinabukasan (at one glance, we don't have a future)
subalit di-malupig ang pag-asa (but hope cannot be defeated)

[chorus]
Ang pagibig natin ay walang hanggang paalam (Our love is an infinite goodbye)
at habang magkalayo (and while we are distance away)
papalapit pa rin ang puso (our hearts draw near)
kahit na magkahiwalay (even if we are apart)
tayo ay magkasama (we are together)
sa magkabilang dulo ng mundo (on both ends of the earth)

Walang Hanggang Paalam - joey ayala