Today is the anticipated arrival day of yet another typhoon visiting the Philippines.  The news says this is going to be a super-typhoon having a wind of at least 150kph.  


As one of our task to be of aid to the community, we were assigned to render an overtime work to monitor the movement of the storm and most especially to monitor the general situation of the local governments.  We are in a coastal area so that is one of the gravest considerations.  We are not so worried about lands slides since the mountains in our locality still have lots of trees.  But we are hoping to survive this typhoon.


Since the typhoon "Ondoy" wrecked havoc in my beloved province in 2009, I am here in the office right now, with the only intent to be able to help the people in any little way I can.  Sending information as to the location of the gravely affected communities is for me, constitutes a big help to the people.


Now is the start of our monitoring so I have to focus on the work now. I am leaving you with the lyrics of the song Bangon (Rise Up) written and sung by Rico Blanco  dedicated to the victims of typhoon "Peping".


Enjoy!


BANGON (RISE UP)
Pinaluhod tayo, (we were forced to our knees)
Sa isang hagupit (with one wrath)
Niragasa, sinalanta, (pushed, damaged)
Pinaluha (brought to tears)

Humupa ang unos, isang bahaghari! (The disaster had stopped, one rainbow)
Dala ng bukang liwayway- (brought by the dawn)
Pag-ibig, Pagkakaisa (Love, Unity)


BANGON (RISE UP)
Pilipinas kong mahal (My beloved Philippines)
Akay ang pananampalataya sa may kapal (Armed with faith in the Almighty)
AHON (STAND UP)
Buhay sa yong dugo (Alive in your blood)
Ang tibay na tatak ng tunay na Pilipino (the strength which is the mark of a true Pilipino)

At nagising ang bayanihan* (and unity was awaken)
Milyon milyon naging isa (millions became one)
Walang kami (there is no us)
Walang kayo (no YOU)
Walang sila (no THEM)
Tanging ligaya (the only joy)
Ay pag alay ng sarili sa iba (is giving oneself to others)

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/r/rico_blanco/bangon.html ]
BANGON (RISE UP)
Pilipinas kong mahal (My beloved Philippines)
Akay ang pananampalataya sa may kapal (Armed with faith in the Almighty)
AHON (STAND UP)
Buhay sa yong dugo (Alive in your blood)
Ang tibay na tatak ng tunay na Pilipino (the strength which is the mark of a true Pilipino)

Bridge:
Hindi ka namin iiwan (We will not leave you)
Hindi tayo susuko! (We will not surrender)
Lulusong tayo't magtatagumpay (We will move forward and succeed)
Magtatagumpay! (We will succeed!)

BANGON (RISE UP)
Pilipinas kong mahal (My beloved Philippines)
Akay ang pananampalataya sa may kapal (Armed with faith in the Almighty)
AHON (STAND UP)
Buhay sa yong dugo (Alive in your blood)
Ang tibay na tatak ng tunay na Pilipino (the strength which is the mark of a true Pilipino)

Coda:
Lahat nitong mga pagsubok (All these challenges)
Ay ating kayang lagpasan (we shall overcome)
Lahat nitong mga pagsubok (all these challenges)
Ay ating kayang lagpasan (we shall overcome)

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/r/rico_blanco/#share

This is the first time that I am writing about a beauty pageant.  This is the first time that I commented on such contest because it's been a while since I watched or monitored it.  It just so happened that I adore Shamcey so much, a fellow UPian! (UP - University of the Philippines)  It is only today that I've proven that when God loves you, He will give everything to you like Beauty and Brains ;-)


Miss Universe of 2011 has been crowned to Leila Lopes of Angola! What a beauty indeed! God created this beauty for us to appreciate and of course, give back the honor to the One who created it.


I didn't get the chance to watch these beautiful ladies modeled because our working station does not have a television set. I just relied on the updated text message from my beloved.  I was the first in our office to know who the winner was. Thanks to SMS!


We are for Ms. Shamcey Supsup of course. She topped the polls prior to the pageant.  The question to her was: 
which I answered, not knowing what her answer was.  "Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love? Why or why not"


I answered No. Being trained in the legal way of answering questions, I qualified my answer: Religion is a way of life. Marriage is also a way of life but not as deep as religion.  I chose my religion because I have lived all my life with the belief in my God and I will not be happy with a person or an act that is being forced on me and it will not be abruptly changed by someone I barely know.  Marriage is a lifetime commitment but my religion will go with me beyond my grave. (I forgot to say "Thank you" since we don't use this in the bar exam. haha!)


To which Shamcey answered: ” If I had to change my religious beliefs, I will not marry the person that I love. Because the first person that I love is GOD who created me. And I have my faith and my principles. And these what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God too, Thank you.”


Like the usual, our countrymen are contented with what Shamcey received during the pageant.  For me, it could have been another crown to the Philippines.  My aunt is mad at me for acting so negatively. She seems to imply that I don't know how to appreciate the efforts of our beauty queen. Don't get me wrong please but I truly appreciate what we have garnered in the Miss Universe. It could have been the crown itself and our sour-graping with what we received in the pageant will only proliferate our attitude of getting contented with what we have.  I am afraid this will just give us the attitude of saying "At least, better than the rest of the 80 contestants" then we will not do anything anymore in the future to prepare even more.  This is typical Filipino attitude.


I am happy for what we have achieved in the pageant but I could have been happier ;-)


I would suggest that next time, we give an answer that has an audience impact; make longer answers and most importantly, hire an interpreter because tagalog construction is different from English.  That is a fact. Shamcey is intelligent, very intelligent, I know that. But intelligence is not equivalent to superior verbal communications especially in a foreign language.


I propose that the Miss Universe Committee (if there is such a thing) should look into the possibility of hiring or training an interpreter for our beauty queens.


Nevertheless, in my heart, I am overwhelmed to know that a lot of people were entertained by the most beautiful women in the world today... and that is all because God created us beautifully... in every single way.


Mabuhay Shamcey!


Lyrics of the song
Beautiful - Christina Aguilera


Everyday is so wonderful 
And suddenly, it's hard to breathe 
Now and then, I get insecure 
From all the pain, 
I'm so ashamed 

I am beautiful no matter what they say 
Words can't bring me down 
I am beautiful in every single way 
Yes, words can't bring me down, oh no 
So don't you bring me down today 

To all your friends you're delirious 
So consumed in all your doom 
Trying hard to fill the emptiness, 
The pieces gone, 
Left the puzzle undone, 
Ain't that the way it is? 

You are beautiful no matter what they say 
Words can't bring you down, no, no 
You are beautiful in every single way 
Yes words can't bring you down, oh, no 
So don't you bring me down today 

No matter what we do 
(no matter what we do) 
No matter what we say 
(no matter what we say) 
We're the song inside the tune 
(yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah) 
Full of beautiful mistakes 
And everywhere we go 
(and everywhere we go) 
The sun will always shine 
(sun will always, always shine) 
But tomorrow we might awake 
On the other side 

'Cause we are beautiful, 
No matter what they say 
Yes, words won't bring us down, oh no 
We are beautiful in every single way 
Yes, words can't bring us down, oh no 
So don't you bring me down today 

Don't you bring me down today 
Don't you bring me down... 
Mmm, today

Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/christina-aguilera-lyrics-beautiful-cnc27bq#ixzz1Xpgv7LTQ
LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community 

Here is a song for my number one advertising site: NUFFNANG what else?

My number one Nuffnang has officially announced summer is over and that, together with my ultimate and number one toothpaste brand, are cooking another blog-excitement that every blogger is waiting for.

I consider my Nuffnang first class so I branded it number one because it is a site where bloggers earn and interact at the same.  This is one of a kind thus giving you the feeling that in the midst of robotic responses that filled the virtual world called www.com, it is nuffnang that gives life to our blogging and advertising experience.

What makes my Hapee first class? It is my brand, I use it once - everyday or I may say I use it twice - morning and afternoon! The number one toothpaste for me which gives me strong and white teeth plus cool smile! That is breath taking! captivating!  Not to mention the Filipino pride in every tube that I buy.

Nuffnang and Hapee together, that makes it double fun! When 2 first class collides, what we'll get is FUN!

You Are Number One lyrics by Whispers
Rainbows in the sky, ice tea in July
Watching shooting stars can be so much fun
But they don't mean a thing if you're not with me
You're a miracle, you're number one

You are number one
(You are my one and only one)
You are number one
(There will never be another you)

You are number one
(You and me, you and me belong together)
You are number one
(We'd meet, we'd meet each other)

We are living in a world
Spinnin' 'round from day to day
(Spinning around)
Inside the Milky Way
And if the world catches you off guard
And spins you off, I will bring you back

If I think of all the things that mean so much to me
The words don't mean as much as actions, actually

Rainbows in the sky, ice tea in July
[. From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/w/whispers-lyrics/you-are-number-one-lyrics.html .]
Watching shooting stars can be so much fun
But they don't mean a thing if you're not with me
You're a miracle, you are number one

You are number one
(My baby, well, well, well, well)
You are number one
(I wanna tell the world about my girl)

You are number one
(You're my number one, my only one)
You are number one
(Ooh)

You are number one
(Happy, happy, happy as a baby)
You are number one
(I'm gonna stay with you, honey, till eternity)

(My world)
You are number one
(I'm so glad I found you, be my baby, yeah)
You are number one
(Hey guys, tell the world one more time, how I feel about my lady)

You are number one

Till next post folks!

Today is the last day of the year 2010 and I am ending this year's entry with a beautiful song I just heard today. I didn't have a second thought that this song was by Gloc9 and it is definitely worth blogging for me.

I was teary eyed while I was absorbing all the lyrics of the song. The lyrics is in Filipino, our language and I intend to translate it, but I have to suspend that for the moment. I just want to write about this song for the meantime and why I was close to tears when I heard this.

I have always been an advocate of loyalty and passion to our nation, to our beloved Philippines so that I could at least have a hope that something, if not everything will turn out fine in the end for our country.

The song talks about industrious people, professionals, learned people who leave our motherland for a greener pasture. In the academe, they call this "brain-drain" but to common people, this is understood to be settling for the "surplus". We just settle for what's left with us. Imagine visiting a hospital, public of private, being served by a fresh graduate, nurse. I don't intend to demean this profession, on the contrary, I so admire them, but we have to face the thought that the more matured and experienced nurses are leaving and the patients in pain will have no choice but to settle to the young nurses. The same goes to our Engineers, Teachers, Accountants or even our domestic helpers.

It is not a secret to what has happened to our country. The more professionals and industrious people leaving the country, chances are, the ruling elites, the traditional politicians, the greedy capitalists etc will have more "happy hour" in perpetuating their evil motives by simply lifting a finger and telling people what to do.

This song is so true, straightly detailing what is really happening in our country.

We are welcoming 2011 and we had changed political leaderships so in the coming new year, our hopes for the country will remain high, even higher. God bless Pilipinas.

The lyrics of the song from http://www.lyrics-buddy.com/2010/12/walang-natira-by-gloc-9/

Napakaraming nurse dito sa amin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira ahh
nagaabroad sila ahh
gusto kong (yumaman 5x)
nagaabroad sila ahh
gusto kong (yumaman 5x)
nagaabroad sila

yung bayang sinilangan ang pangalan ay Pinas
ngunit bakit parang puno na ang prutas ay pitas
nauubusan ng batas parang inamag na bigas
lumalakas na ang ulan ngunit ang payong ay butas
tumatakbo ng madulas mga pinuno ay ungas
sila lamang ang nakikinabang pero tayo ang utas
mga kabayan natin ay lumilipad, lumalabas
para pumunta ng ibang bansa at doon magtamas
ng kamay para lamang magkakalyo lang muli
ang pahinga’y iipunin para magamit pag-uwi
dahil doon sa atin mahirap makuha buri
mapahiran ng chokolate ang matamis na ngiti
ng anak na halos di nakilala ang ama
o ina na wala sa tuwing kaarawan nila
dadarating kaya ang araw na ito’y magiiba
kung hindi ka sigurado magisip-isip ka na
Napakaraming inhinyero dito sa amin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira ahh
napakaraming karpintero dito sa amin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira ahh
nagaabroad sila ahh
gusto kong (yumaman 5x)
nagaabroad sila ahh
gusto kong (yumaman 5x)
nagaabroad sila
mabuti kung mabuti ang kinakahinatnan
ang kapalaran ng lahat nang nakipagsapalaran
kahit nag-aalangan para lang sa kapakanan
ng mahal sa buhay ang sugal ay tatayaan
sasanlaan lahat ng kanilang pag-aari
mababawi din naman yan ang sabi pagnayari
ang proseso ng papeles para makasakay na sa eroplano
o barko kahit saan man papunta
basta kumita ng dolyar na ipapalit sa piso
ang isa ay katumbas ng isang dakot ng mamiso
ganyan ba ang kapalit ng buhay ng pilipino
kung lilisanin ang pamilya ang amo na kahit na sino
gugtumin, sasaktan, malalagay sa peligro
uwing nasa kahon ni wala man lang testigo
darating kaya ang araw na itoy mag-iiba
kung hindi ka sigurado magisip-isip ka na
Napakaraming kasambahay dito sa amin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira ahh
napakaraming labandera dito sa amin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira ahh
nagaabroad sila ahh
gusto kong (yumaman 5x)
nagaabroad sila ahh
gusto kong (yumaman 5x)
nagaabroad sila
subukan mong isipin kung gaano kabigat
ang buhat ng maleta halos hindi mo na maangat
ihahabilin ang anak para ito sa kanila
lalayo upang mag-alaga ng anak ng iba
matapos lamang sa kolehiyo mututubos din ang relo
bilhin mo na kung anong gustong laruan ni Angelo
matagal pa kontrato ko titiisin ko muna to
basta ang mahalaga ito’y para sa pamilya ko
Napakaraming guro dito sa amin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira ahh
napakaraming nurse dito sa amin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira ahh
nagaabroad sila ahh
gusto kong (yumaman 5x)
nagaabroad sila ahh
gusto kong (yumaman 5x)
nagaabroad sila
napakaraming tama dito sa atin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira ahh

thanks!
Happy new Year everyone! Mabuhay Pilipinas!

I was trying to find the music from imeem but to no avail. I just hope you know or still remember this song despite its absence in the airwaves lately. I do have a CD although I haven't synched it yet with my ipod, which I regularly use. I was trying to get a song from my past and this popped up.

This was a song contest piece of my brother's peers when we were still kids. Every summer break, which is from April to May, we spend our vacation with our very generous aunt in Manila. They lovingly accommodated us, most especially my eldest brother whom they have vocally acknowledged to be their favorite. Ooops, I'm done with bitterness okay? Of course his sibling envied him especially that all attention are in him. We had a lot of fun as kids too. It was my first "immersion" with Manila kids (as compared to kids from the province, that is from prim and proper to an urchin. Ahh, I just don't know what is the appropriate word for that.)

In the province, we were raised to wake up early in the morning. You should get off the body before the sun shows its rays; we eat breakfast together and we seldom have hotdog on the breakfast table. We had omelet, most of the time. Those kinds of breakfast table that I seldom eat now nor the kids of the new generation wouldn't appreciate. Then again, we eat dinner at around 5PM then we stayed inside the house before the bats start to hover above us. We don't live in caves, alright? I just remember seeing bats, few of them, I now wondered where they were heading.

In Manila, however, hotdog is a breakfast must! Kids tend to rise up any time they want, even when sun rays are all over their face. They manage to bear the heat of the sun in their face, plus the thought that they remain asleep despite the brightness of the sun. Likewise, kids eat anytime, regardless of who they eat with or they eat alone. That same scenario also happens in any meals of the day. And here's what really got me: kids in Manila get to enjoy the games in the evening when all the street lights are on minus the vehicles traversing the populate streets or "eskinitas" of Manila. It was an experience of a lifetime: to be able to play in the evening!

One particular evening that my brother's peers were all out was that one fiesta moment. I think it was a celebration on the feast of St. Thomas happening every May. There was a singing contest and one contestant is Maricel. I still don't know how to appreciate music then. I was just amazed with the idea that a friend of my brother would join a contest, which would I unlikely do. I don't even know a single dance step before.

Perhaps, I was just raised conservatively or I was just to afraid to explore, like a chick who's always beneath hear parent's wings. This was an eye-opener to me and since I am, as I always was, a slow learner, I started spreading my wings, the way Manila kids do. Was I proud? Do I really have to rejoice that I somehow adapted their culture? Why not? I am now a blend of city/province girl, to complain is of no moment.

As a final word: regardless of our upbringing, we are one.

==================================
Will You Still Love Me lyrics

Take me as I am
Put your hand in mine now and forever
Darling here I stand, stand before you now
Deep inside I always knew
It was you, you and me
Two hearts drawn together bound by destiny
It was you and you for me
Every road leads to your door
Every step I take for evermore
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
I gotta lot of love and I don't want to let go
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
'Cause I can't go on
No, I can't go on
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
Take me as I am
Put your heart in mine, stay with me forever
'Cause I am just a man who never understood
I never had a thing to prove
'Till there was you
You and me
Then it all came clear so suddenly
How close to you that I wanna be
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
I gotta lot of love and I don't wan to let go
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
'Cause I can't go on
No, I can't go on
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
Do you believe a love could run so strong?
Do you believe a love could pass you by?
There was no special one for me
I was the lonely one, you see
But then my heart lost all control
Now you're all that I know
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
I gotta lot of love and I don't wan to let go
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
'Cause I can't go on
No, I can't go on
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
I can't go on
No, I can't go on
'Cause I can't go on (Will you still love me?)
No, I can't go on (Just say you love me)
I can't go on
Without somebody I can call my own
'Cause I can't go on (Will you still love me?)
No, I can't go on (Just say you love me)
Just stay around
'Cause I can't go on (Will you still love me?)
No, I can't go on (Just say you love me)
I can't go on
If you could say your love
'Cause I can't go on (Will you still love me?)
No, I can't go on (Just say you love me)
Stay around, you'll never be alone

Another Celine Dion song in time for our All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day celebration in the Philippines. Why do we call it as such? What we usually do during these days? And Why this song?

You still remember the phenomenal movie "Titanic" with Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet? I bet my bottom dollar you do. Who wouldn't? These people, including Celine Dion became popular, at least to me, because of this movie. I watched this movie with a special someone; add an exclamation point and a question mark. (haha!) This was the song when "Rose" was looking at "Jack" from the stairs. Such a lovely scene!

Well anyway, we remember our dead on November 1, some do it on November 2 or a couple of days before or after, every year. It is a celebration because this is another Filipino tradition where family members separated by distance and time, get together, in remembrance of our dead loved ones. We see each other, dead or alive (hoooh, afraid!). I mean the living ones visit the dead, not the other way around, gehehe.

I once told you about my Angel and she is the person who is... "every night in my dreams, I see you, I feel you". Or at least she is the person I know I dream of that reminds me about life. Ironic, you might say, that a dead person reminds me about life.

What does a dead person know about life? huh? Wait I am confused. I mean, are you confused? (There I go again, confusing people. Excuse me but I am just playing with words, with your permission. But to continue with my sentence, the unconfused one, with a wink, read below!)

Sophie, my angel, is a constant reminder that in life, we cannot bring back the past. It is just so impossible. I wouldn't even ride a time machine, if ever they exist. We have to move on, which I don't think I am capable of doing at the moment. This is my main purpose for this blog, remember, to remind me of the songs that connect me to people, events and anything under the sun. I can only move on if I can blog about these things. Not necessarily for the sake of talking about music, songs and the artists but most importantly to let you know guys, how the special people in my life remain special despite and all through these years.

My heart goes on because of the people from my past and the people I am with right now. I am just reliving the past, which is my means of coping with my present and future, that is why I blog about them. I likewise forget about a lot of things and somehow, my brain had served me right when it comes to people I love and to events I cherish.

And for my angel... I miss you! While you are there, please pray for me too that I may be able to meet you there.

Lyrics of the song
My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
(from the movie Titanic)
Every night in my dreams
I see you. I feel you.
That is how I know you go on.

Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on.

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never go till we're one

Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to
In my life we'll always go on

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

There is some love that will not
go away

You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

A network friend of mine from Facebook posted a portion of this song's lyrics today, the day after Typhoon Ondoy devastated the Philippines, specifically in Metro Manila. Everyone's hope is for the betterment of people affected and trapped in there.

My brother's family, including their 2 kids, were trapped somewhere in EDSA yesterday when I called them. They managed to turn back in order to avoid the flooded highway. They spent their night in a parking lot of a mall, thankfully unharmed. They are still stranded there up to this posting and I can't take my mind off them, together with my other friends who lives in the most flooded areas. I still haven't heard from them. What I have in mind right now is the fervent prayer and hope that they are safe.

This song is always about rain for me and I am sharing this to you right now hoping you'd be one with us, Filipinos, in praying for blessed days ahead.

================================
I guess you heard, I guess you know
In time I'd have told you, but I guess I'm too slow.
And it's overly romantic but I know that it's real
I hope you don't you mind if I say what I feel.
It's like I'm in somebody else's dream,
This could not be happening to me.
(Chorus)
But you were there, and you were everything I'd never seen.
You woke me up from this long and endless sleep.
I was alone.
I opened my eyes and you were there.
Don't be alarmed, no don't be concerned.
I don't want to change things
Leave them just as they were.
I mean nothing's really different
It's me who feel strange.
I'm always lost for words when someone mentions your name.
I know I'll get over this for sure
I'm not the type who dreams there could be more.
(Chorus)
But you were there, and you were everything I'd never seen.
You woke me up from this long and endless sleep.
I was alone.
I opened my eyes and you were there.
Can I take your smile home with me,
Or the magic in your hair?
The rain has stopped, the storm has passed
Look at all the colors now the sun's here at last.
I supposed that you'll be leaving but I want you to know
Part of you stays with me even after you go.
Like an actor playing someone else's scene
This could not be happening to me.
But you were there, and you were everything I'd never seen.
You woke me up from this long and empty sleep.
I was alone.
I opened my eyes and no, I'm not alone, I'm not alone.
I opened my eyes and you were there.

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 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

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)
------------------------------
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

This is another Ryan Cayabyab masterpiece which became a hit in the airwaves sometime in the 90s or even before that. There was a kiddie group back then, all composed of kids from their elementary years. I remember a Jeffry Hidalgo and Geneva Cruz, who became singers in their own right when they decided to go solo. The name of their group was called 14k and some of the few members left formed another group called "Smokey Mountain".

The message of this song is really nice and although I haven't heard of it for quite some time now, I can still sing it, together with my sister. We have somehow retained the lyrics of the song in our minds because it is truly a wonderful song. It roughly says: "Singing is my means to get along with life's problems and loneliness".

I like it because the kids sang it and you know how kids sing. It's like they are professional singers even at a young age because they can rech high notes of a song. I also remember Ryan Cayabyab used to make these kids sing in Acapella so they are really experts at getting their own notes and have them blend with the other kids during a concert or at the recording.

Ahh, here is another benefit of music: we tend to forget our problems when we sing. Thanks to our music!

Here is the lyrics and my own translation:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Ang buhay ay laging may lungkot at saya, ganyan ngang talaga (Life is always sad and happy, it is like that)
kung bakit kakambal lagi ang problema sa tuwina (It is always coupled with problems)
kung ikaw naman ay magmumukmok, dadami lamang ang mga kulubot (But if you will throw tamtruns, you'll have more wrinkles)
tatanda ka't puputi ang 'yong buhok (You'll grow old and have white hairs)

ang awit at himig na 'yong naririnig ay nagpapasaya (This song and tune you listen to gives happiness)
sa pusong nalulungkot at laging mayroong problema (to a heart that is lonely and is always problematic)
'di lahat ng araw ay kabiguan, bukas ang ngiti na may makakamtan (Not all the days is a failure, tomorrow a smile will be achieved)
heto lamang ang naiisip kong paraan (This is the only way I can think of)

chorus:
dadaanin ko na lang sa kanta (I'll make way for singing)
dadaanin ko na lang sa tawa (I'll make way for laughters)
ang lahat, pati na ang problema (for everything, even the problems)
bawat sandali bigyan mo ng ngiti (Give a smile to any moment)
kahit man ito ay sandyang sasandali (Even if it is just for a short while)
sumabay sa kanta, sama-sama tayo ay magsaya (join me in my song, together, we will have fun)

ang awit at himig na 'yong naririnig ay nagpapasaya
sa pusong nalulungkot at laging mayroong problema
'di lahat ng araw ay kabiguan, bukas ang ngiti na may makakamtan
heto lamang ang naiisip kong paraan

(chorus)

dadaanin ko na lang...
dadaanin ko na lang...
dadaanin ko na lang sa kanta...

Perhaps you already heard of the US artist Black Eyed Peas. One of the singers there is Apl, a proud Filipino. He made an adaptation to this song which is an Asin Original. Asin, in english means Salt, is an OPM group. I would like to refer to them as an institution of OPM singers or band.

I used to hear a lot of their songs when I was still little. My mom's brother love to play their songs in his guitar. He is an excellent guitar player. That was the moment I got so oriented with this Band. I heard a lot of their songs and found them to be really "nationalistic". I could almost identify myself to them. They have song about nature, about meaning of life, the eents in our country and a lot more.

For this blog entry, I want to share with you what their song means by giving you a rough translation of the lyrics that follows.

I just want to say this kind of song reminds me of the old days, my childhood days, the day when I was still vulnerable yet so full of conviction to uphold and respect nature more than anything else.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Translation of the song:
Balita (News)
By Asin (Salt)

Lapit mga kaibigan at makinig kayo (Come closer my friends, and listen)
Ako’y may dala-dalang balita galing sa bayan ko (I brought with me a news about my country)
Nais kong ipamahagi ang mga kuwento (I want to share the stories)
At mga pangyayaring nagaganap sa lupang ipinangako. (and the events happening in my promised land)

Ang lupang pinanggalingan ko’y may bahid ng dugo (The land I came from was tarnished with blood)
May mga lorong di makalipad nasa hawlang ginto (There are birds that can't fly, inside a golden cage)
May mga punong walang dahon (There are trees without leaves)
Mga pusong di makakibo (Hearts that cannot move)
Sa mga pangyayaring nagaganap sa lupang ipinangako. (With the things happening in the promised land)

Mula nang makita ko ang lupang ito (Eversince I've seen this land)
Nakita ko rin ang munting apoy sa puso ng tao (I also saw the tiny fire in the heart of the people)
Binatukan ng mga kabulukan (Stoned with crap or garbage)
Hanggang sa lumago (Until it blossomed)
Ngayon ang puso’y may takot sa lupang ipinangako. (Now the heart is with fear in the promised land)

Lapit mga kaibigan at makinig kayo
Ako’y may dala-dalang balita galing sa bayan ko
Nais kong ipamahagi ang mga kuwento
At mga pangyayari nagaganap sa lupang ipinangako

Dati rati ang mga bukid ay kulay ginto (Before, the fields are color gold)
Dati rati ang mga ibon singlaya ng tao (Before, the birds aare as free as the people)
Dati rati ay katahimikan (Before, it is silence)
Ang musikang nagpapatulog sa mga batang (is the music that brings to sleep our children)
Walang muwang sa mundo. (Who are innocent)

Ngayon ang lupang ipinangako ay nagsusumamo (Now, the promised land is begging)
Patakan niyo ng luha ang apoy sa kanyang puso (Drop tears to the flame in its heart)
Dinggin niyo ang mga sigaw ng mga puso ng tao (Listen to the shouts of the heart of its people)
Kung inyong dadamhin kabilang sa inyo. (That if you're going to feel it, is one of you)

This is a local dialect's translation of the first stanza, i think this is Bisaya, a dialect widely used in the Visayas
Duol mga kaigsuonan ug paminaw kamo
Duna koy dala nga mga balita gikan sa banwa ko
Gusto ko nga ipahibalo ang mga istorya

Balita - Asin

I saw my blogsite statistics and it turned out that majority of my entries last July was about OPM or Original Pilipino Music. Here in the Philippines, we celebrate Buwan ng Wika (It means "Month of Language", our native language which is Filipino). There is some sort of confusion between "Pilipino and Filipino" even before when I was still in college. I am not sure if this is still being observed this day because before, when you say Pilipino with the "P", it pertains to the person, the citizens of the Philippines. Filipino, on the other hand, with the "F" pertains to the language or what is commonly known as "tagalog".

It was during my college days that some words were changed and I wonder if the Committee tasked to come up with a Filipino Dictionary is successful. I'd somehow agree because I observe the technicals. In fact, I mentioned to you from my previous post that I was tasked to edit a Philosophy book by Willhelm Wittgenstein translated in Filipino. It was one of our projects in Philosphy, which was my major course at the University.

This is a new favorite song of mine because it speaks about love for the motherland, the Philippines. It was written by a well-known hero who revolted against Spanish conquerors in the 19th Century. He is Gat Andres Bonifacio. His life depicted the lives of most Filipinos because he also came from poor family.

And the rest is history...

By the way, Buwan ng Wika is also celebrated in commemoration of the birthday or the first President of the Philippin Commowealth Manuel L. Quezon. One of the cities in Manila was named after him - Quezon City.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love for Birthland*)
Andres Bonifacio

Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya (which love could be greater)
Sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila (in purity and majesty)
Gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa (like the love to the birthland)
Aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga wala. (Which love? Nothing else, nothing)

Walang mahalagang hindi inihandog (Nothing worthy cannot be presented)
Ng may pusong wagas sa bayang nagkupkop. (with an everlasting love for the country that cared)
Dugo, yaman, dunong, katiisa’t pagod: (Blood, wealth, reason, sacrifice and fatigue)
Buhay ma’y abuting magkalagot-lagot (Even life may become too difficult)

Ang nakaraang panahon ng aliw (The past season of fun)
Ang inaasahang araw na darating (the hope that tomorrow brings)
Ng pagkatimawa ng mga alipin (the poorness of the slaves)
Liban pa sa bayan saan tatanghalin? (Other than this country, where else could they be honored?)
Sa aba ng abang mawalay sa bayan (The fear, the fear of losing the country)
Gunita ma’y laging sakbibi ng lumbay (Even if its memory is coupled with sadness)

Walang alaalang inaasam-asam (No other memory is ever hoped for)
Kundi ang makita lupang tinubuan. (than to see the land where we grow up with)

Kayong nalagasan ng bunga’t bulaklak (You who lost fruits and flowers)
Kahoy niyaring buhay na nilanta’t sukat (Wood stripped off of life and withered)
Ng bala-balaki’t makapal na hirap (with different fors of hardships)
Muling manariwa’t sa baya’y lumiyag (live once again and stand for the country)

Ipakahandog-handog ang buong pag-ibig (Offer your whole love)
Hanggang sa may dugo’y ubusing itigis (Until blood runs dry)
Kung sa pagtatanggol buhay ang kapalit (If in defending, life is the price)
Ito’y kapalaran at tunay na langit (This is fate and true heaven)

Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya
Sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila
Gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa
Aling pag-ibig pa wala na nga wala
Gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa
Aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga wala

Source: http://ederic.tinig.com/pag-ibig-sa-tinubuang-lupa/
*I translated "tinubuan lupa" with "birthland" although tinubuan means growth or growing while lupa means land. It's a tough job translating this one.

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

Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa -

This is the first Abba song I heard with Spanish lyrics on it. It caught my attention becuase of the word "manana" which reminded me of a negative Filipino habit.

Alright, you guessed it, I heard this song from my mom - the professional and number one singer in our family ;-) in addition, she also could speak the language.

So what is that negative habit all about? It is called "maniana habit" meaning putting for tomorrow what you can do for today. No offense meant but this is really happening in my country, well at least around 10 years ago, this was very rampant. I think technology have changed that a bit.

When I was still a student, I do not finish my projects on time. I always find myserlf saying, I can do that tomorrow or I still have plenty of time for that. Until I actually run out of time already. In a week, if an exam is scheduled for Friday, I'd tell myself I'll review tomorrow, of Wednesday or Thursday until crunch time. Well, from those experiences, I realized things would have turn much better had I prepared for it earlier. Because of that, I see to it that when I set deadlines, I beat it! I stopped telling myself "manana" or "mamaya na" (translation: later)

That's it. That is my simple story about this song. I continue to hope this negative Filipino habit would really die down and rest 6 feet below the ground. Let's move on.

This is the lyrics: (my apologies for I cannot search for the music)

"Hasta Manana"

Where is the spring and the summer
That once was yours and mine?
Where did it go?
I just don't know
But still my love for you will live forever

Hasta Manana 'til we meet again
Don't know where, don't know when
Darling, our love was much too strong to die
We'll find a way to face a new tomorrow
Hasta Manana, say we'll meet again
I can't do without you
Time to forget, send me a letter
Say you forgive, the sooner the better
Hasta Manana, baby, Hasta Manana, until then

Where is the dream we were dreaming
And all the nights we shared
Where did they go?
I just don't know
And I can't tell you just how much I miss you
Hasta Manana 'til we meet again
Don't know where, don't know when
Darling, our love was much too strong to die
We'll find a way to face a new tomorrow
Hasta Manana, say we'll meet again
I can't do without you
Time to forget, send me a letter
Say you forgive, the sooner the better
Hasta Manana, baby, Hasta Manana, until then

Hasta Manana, say we'll meet again
I can't do without you
Time to forget, send me a letter
Say you forgive, the sooner the better
Hasta Manana, baby, Hasta Manana, until then