Song Trivia

It’s wonderful when your website reader comments, but even more brilliant when they offer noteworthy trivia! This trivia comes from my wonderful reader GOLD who answered my age-old question, What the fuck does Spolarium mean?

*original comment here

Gold Says:
November 13, 2008 at 9:40 pm edit

If you wanna know what this song actually means, I could share it with you. Professors here in the University of the Philippines know about it and they share it in class whenever the song comes in discussions. It is actually the story of the rape victim Pepsi who were allegedly raped by Vic, Joey, and someone –I forgot the name. She was made to drink too much by the three (this is described in the first 3 stanzas of the song) and when she was unconscious, they raped her. Pepsi died when she was about to cry out for justice. There were rumors that Pepsi did not commit suicide but she was killed to stop her from testifying in court. So after knowing that, the song is pretty much direct except for some parts like “itigil muna ang pag-ikot ng mundo”. We can interpret this part differently. It can mean that the victim wanted her oppressors to stop their manipulations or she was just too tired of everything that’s happening that she wanted the world to just stop.

Pepsi was not able to receive justice. Until now, there is no closure to her case. And whether Vic and Joey were guilty, no one can prove it.

I assume Ely Buendia, who wrote the song, learned about Pepsi’s misery when he was still in the university. Maybe for him, even if Pepsi was not able to testify, the song would speak out the truth.

Sundo, IMAGO

I’m not the best person to ask about contemporary OPM of any genre. However I do know I good band when I see one, and the songs of IMAGO are one of the nicest songs I’ve heard. WEll this one’s not so new, it goes a few years back, but i really adore the lyrics. very sweet and melancholic. Perfect for the faint of heart. It basically speaks about singer willing to look for and fetch the person from his sadness, and patch him up new.

Sundo

by imago

—

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Kay tagal kong sinusuyod
Ang buong mundo
Para hanapin,
Para hanapin ka
Nilibot ang distrito
Ng iyong lumbay
Pupulutin, pupulutin ka

It’s been a long time that I’ve been searching

the entire world

Just to look for

Just to look for you

I’ve wandered down the district of your loneliness

To pick you, To pick you up

Sinusundo kita,
Sinusundo…

I’m fetching you*

I’m fetching…

Asahan mo(Asahan mo) mula ngayon
Pag-ibig ko’y sayo
Asahan mo (Asahan mo) mula ngayon
Pag-ibig ko’y sayo

Trust it (Trust it) from now on

My love is yours

Trust it (Trust it) from now on

My love is yours

Sa akin mo isabit
Ang pangarap mo
Di kukulangin
Ang ibibigay

Isuko ang kaba
Tuluyan kang bumitaw
Ika’y manalig
Manalig ka..

Hang your dreams upon me

It will be enough, what I’ll give you

Give up your doubts

And Let go

Believe in me

Believe…

Sinusundo kita I’m fetching you
Sinusundo… fetching…

Asahan mo (Asahan mo) mula ngayon
Pag-ibig ko’y sayo
Asahan mo (asahan mo) mula ngayon
Pag-ibig ko’y sayo (repeat 2x)

Trust it (Trust it) from now on

My love is yours

Trust it (Trust it) from now on

My love is yours (repeat 2x)

(Asahan mo) Trust it

Handa na sa liwanag mo
Sinuyod ang buong mundo
Maghihintay sayo’ng sundo (repeat 3x)

Ready for your light

Searched the whole world

Waiting for you to fetch me (repeat 3x)

–

*Fetch-Sundo. Although “sundo” has more abstract connotations of waiting for someone (a family member, a mom, a dad, a lover) and bringing the said person to be fetched home.

Lyrics from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/i/imago/sundo.html

Sugod, by Sandwich

Sugod
written and performed by: Sandwich

Sugod mga kapatid //CHARGE** brothers
Tayo ay magsama-sama //join together
Iwagayway na ang bandera //Wave the banner
Rakenrol hanggang umaga  //Rock and Roll up to the morning
Itext mo na sina shaun at jopet//Text Shaun and Jopet
Lagyan ng gel
Ang buhok na bagong gupit//Put the gel on your newly cut hair
Ilabas mo na//Get it out
Sapatos at lonta//The shoes and jeans
Hanep pumorma//Cool style
Walang kokontra//Don’t argue with me

REFRAIN
sang linggong pinag-ipunan//One week you’ve saved for it
Isang buwan mong inabangan//One month you’ve waited
Ang feedback ng mga gitara/For the feedback of the guitars
Mga paborito mong kanta(hala bira)/of your favorite songs

CHORUS

Sugod mga kapatid //CHARGE** brothers
Tayo ay magsama-sama //join together
Iwagayway na ang bandera //Wave the banner
Rakenrol hanggang umaga  //Rock and Roll up to the morning
Ngayong gabi ay magsasaya//Tonight we’ll have revelry
Manonood ng mga banda//We’ll watch all the bands
Sumayaw na parang asong ulol//Dance like mad puppies
Sa bajo at tambol na lumilindol//To the earthquakes which the drums let loose.

REFRAIN
Isang linggong pinag-ipunan//One week you’ve saved for it
Isang buwan mong inabangan//One month you’ve waited
Ang feedback ng mga gitara/For the feedback of the guitars
Mga paborito mong kanta(hala bira)/of your favorite songs

CHORUS

Sugod mga kapatid //CHARGE** brothers
Tayo ay magsama-sama //join together
Iwagayway na ang bandera //Wave the banner
Rakenrol hanggang umaga  //Rock and Roll up to the morning

disclaimer:  filipino lyrics courtesy of  metrolyrics.com

Misterio by Slapshock [request by akuji]

Misterio

by Slapshock

Tumatawag, Naghihintay!)
Sa tuwing pag-gising mo…
(Lumilingon Papalayo!)
Sa tuwing pag-titig mo…

Calling, Waiting!

Everytime you wake up

I’m glancing farther every time

With your every stare

Nagtataka kung bakit ka pa nag-iisa
bawat lungkot bumabalot ang iyong tuwa

I wonder why you’re still alone

Why sadness blankets your happiness

napapawi ang lumbay…
Dahil sayo…Dahil sayo…(Dahil sayo!)
lumiliwanag ang buhay…
Dahil sayo…Dahil sayo…(Dahil sayo!)

The sadness fades

Because of you… Because of you (because of you!)

Life illuminates

Because of you… Because of you (because of you)

(Sumisigaw bawat araw!)
ng makikita ka…
(Natatanaw ko ang mundo!)
sa iyong mga mata…

(Shouting each day!)

Whenever I see you…

(The world comes into sight)

Inside your very eyes…

Nagtataka kung bakit ka ba nag-iisa
bawat lungkot bumabalot ang iyong tuwa

Wondering why, you are alone

Why sadness blankets your happiness

napapawi ang lumbay…
Dahil sayo…Dahil sayo…(Dahil sayo!)
lumiliwanag ang buhay…
Dahil sayo…Dahil sayo…(Dahil sayo!)

The sadness fades

Because of you… Because of you (because of you!)

Life illuminates

Because of you… Because of you (because of you!)

Ito na nga ba ang misterio
na bumabalot sayo,
na ka tago sayo,
lumalapit sayo…
(Ako’y bumabalot sayo, na ka tago sayo, lumalapit sayo…)

Is this the mystery

That’s wrapped all over you

It’s hidden from you

It’s coming closer to you

(I’m wrapped all over, hidden from view, coming closer to you.

Wag Ka Matakot, Eraserheads

No intro needed. This is my ultimate favourite Eraserhead’s song. And I know I should be getting Mylene’s request done but haha I couldn’t resist doing this first. But thanks anyway. Keep the request’s coming.

————–

WAG KA MATAKOT

by the Eraserheads

Wag kang matakot //Don’t be afraid

Di mo ba alam nandito lang ako //Don’t you know that I’m right here

Sa iyong tabi// beside you?

Di kita pababayaan kailanman // I’ll never ever leave you alone

REFRAIN

At kung ikaw ay mahulog sa bangin //And if you fall off a cliff

Ay sasaluhin kita // I’ll catch you

CHORUS

Wag ka Matakot na matulog magisa //Don’t be afraid to sleep alone

Kasama mo naman ako //Because I’m always with you.

Wag ka Matakot umibig at lumuha //Don’t be afraid to love and cry

Kasama mo naman ako// Because I’m always with you

Wag ka Matakot //Don’t be afraid.

Aah….

Wag ka Matakot// Don’t be afraid

Dahil ang buhay mo’y walang katapusan// Because your life is neverending

Makapangyarihan ang pagibig na hawak mo sa ‘yong kamay // The love you hold in your hands is powerful

REFRAIN

Ikaw ang dyos at hari ng iyong mundo //You are the god and king of your world

Matakot sila sa’yo //They’re the ones who should be afraid of you

CHORUS

Wag ka Matakot na matulog magisa //Don’t be afraid to sleep alone

Kasama mo naman ako //Because I’m always with you.

Wag ka Matakot umibig at lumuha //Don’t be afraid to love and cry

Kasama mo naman ako// Because I’m always with you

Wag ka Matakot na magmukhang tanga //Don’t be afraid to look stupid

Kasama mo naman ako //Because I’m always with you.

Wag ka Matakot sa hindi mo pa nakita //Don’t be afraid of things you haven’t seen

Kasama mo naman ako// Because I’m always with you

Wag ka Matakot //Don’t be afraid.

Aaah…

Wag kang matakot //Don’t be afraid

Di mo ba alam nandito lang ako //Don’t you know that I’m right here

Sa iyong tabi// beside you?

Di kita pababayaan kailanman // I’ll never ever leave you alone

Wag kang matakot //Don’t be afraid

Di kita pababayaan kailanman // I’ll never ever leave you alone

Spolarium, by Eraserheads

This song written and first performed by the Eraserheads is one of those melodies meant to be heard and misunderstood. It’s vague words, allusions to general trivia (confusing to me at least becauseI was just a tot when it came out), and general drunken quality can be attributed to the fact that this song does involve beer—lots of it. Nevertheless, it displays Eraserheads timeless ability to capture moments of one;s life and frame it in the awesomest manner. I love this song. It’s pretty obvious. And not to mention that out of all songs covered by recent artists, the one made by Imago comes out as a crowd favorite.

SPOLARIUM*

written and performed by: Eraserheads

——

dumilim ang paligid //The surroundings dimmed
may tumawag sa pangalan ko//Someone called my name
labing isang palapag //Eleven floors
tinanong kung okay lang ako // and asked if I was okay
sabay abot ng baso //while handing me a glass
may naghihintay //someone’s waiting
at bakit ba pag nagsawa na ako // and why is it when I’ve had enough
biglang ayoko na //suddenly I don’t want it anymore

at ngayon di pa rin alam //and now, I still have no idea
kung ba’t tayo nandito //why we are here
pwede bang itigil muna //can we please just stop
ang pagikot ng mundo //the earth from revolving

lumiwanag ang buwan //The moon shone
san juan** // San Juan
di ko na masasakyan //I’ll never be riding it.
ang lahat ng bagay ay gumuguhit*** .
na lang saking lalamunan //Everthing is just drawing a line/trailing across my throat
ewan mo at ewan natin //You don’t know and we don’t know
sinong may pakana // who’s to blame
at bakit ba tumilapon ang
gintong alak dyan sa paligid mo //and why did the golden beer spill all around you.

at ngayon di pa rin alam //and now I still have no idea
kung ba’t tayo nandito //why we are here
pwede bang itigil muna //can we please stop just for now
ang pagikot ng mundo //the world from revolving

umiyak ang umaga //the morning cried
anong sinulat ni enteng at joey**** dyan //what did enteng and joey write
sa gintong salamin //in the golden mirror
di ko na mabasa //I can’t read anymore
pagkat merong nagbura ahhh… //cause someone erased it ahh…

ewan mo at ewan natin // You don’t know and we don’t know
sinong may pakana //who is to blame
at bakit ba tumilapon ang spoliarium
dyan sa paligid mo //why did the spolarium spill all around you?

at ngayon di pa rin alam //and now I still have no idea
kung bakit tayo nandito //why we are here
pwede bang itigil muna //can we just stop it for now
ang pagikot ng mundo //the world from revolving
pwede bang itigil muna //can we stop it for now
ang pagikot ng mundo //the world from revolving
pwede bang itigil muna //can we stop it for now
ang pagikot nga mundo //the world from revolving

——-

*Spolarium– refers to a 19th century painting by Juan Luna, depicting a scene in the Coliseum with the soldiers dragging out the corpses of gladiators (it supposedly alludes to the oppression of natives during the Spanish period). As to it’s relation to the song. I HAVE NO IDEA.

**San Juan –another one of those things I don’t understand. It might refer to a place and because of their drunken binge, a jeepney (a public vehicle) route which he/she can’t ride anymore

***gumuguhit –this refers to that sharp, acidic line which a strong alcohol trails across the throat.

****enteng and joey– refers to Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon, respectively. They are two famous comedic icons in Philippine entertainment scene, or more appropriate mass culture. They also write and sing songs in their heydays.

And once again, I repeat. As to their relation to the songs, I’m still in the process of deciphering it. IN short. Ewan ko. I HAVE NO IDEA

KAILAN by Smokey Mountain, MYMP

From my limited knowlege, this song is originally from that 80’s group Smokey Mountain,

According to WIkipedia (my trusted source hehe)

“Smokey Mountain was a Filipino singing group formed by musical director, composer, and conductor Ryan Cayabyab. The original group was based in Manila, Philippines, and had James Coronel, Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Tony Lambino as its members.

he group’s first hit, Kailan (When), was number one on national airwaves for eight straight weeks and the album hit gold, platinum, and double-platinum status within months of its release.”

This song was recently revived by group MYMP. The general sweetness of the song made it a hit back then, and just as now. Sing it in every corner, and I’m sure somehow, somewhere someone would join you in duet, that’s how infectious it is. Trust me. I do it.

Aside from the catchy melody, the song is mostly about unrequited love. It’s about a girl who likes a guy she still doesn’t know the name of. It’s a song about introductions, and mostly young love. It brings to mind, highschool crushes and those innocent times when you put the picture of your love in your notebooks, bump into him in school hallways, and just wonder when when when will I finally meet him, or in Filipino, “Kailan?”

Kailan

music and lyrics by Smokey Mountain

——————————————

Bakit kaya nangangamba <Why do I feel anxious>

Sa tuwing ika’y nakikita? <Whenever I see you?>

Sana nama’y magpakilala <I wish that I could know who you are>

Ilang ulit nang nakabangga <We’ve bumped into each other many times>

Aklat kong dala’y <Even the book that I carried>

Pinulot mo pa <You picked it up too>

Di ka pa rin nagpakilala <But you never even introduced yourself>

Refrain

Bawat araw sinusundan <Every day I follow you>

Di ka naman tumitingin <But you never look back>

Anong aking dapat gawin? <What do I have to do?>

Bakit kaya umiiwas? <Why do you avoid me?>

Binti ko ba’y mayroong gasgas? <Do es my leg have a scratch?>

Nais ko lang magpakilala <I only want to introduce myself>

Dito’y mayro’n sa puso ko <Here in side my heart>

Munting puwang laan sa’yo <There’s a small space reserved for you.>

Maari na bang magpakilala? <May I finally know you?>

Refrain:

Bawat araw sinusundan <Every day I follow you>

Di ka naman tumitingin <But you never look back>

Anong aking dapat gawin? <What do I have to do?>

Chorus:

Kailan? <When?>

Kailan mo ba mapapansin ang aking lihim <When will you notice my secret?>

Kahit anong aking gawin <No matter what I do>

DI mo pinapansin <You never notice>

Kailan? <When?>

Kailan hahaplusin ang pusong bitin na bitin <When will you touch this heart which wants so much>

Kahit anong gawing lambing <No matter what affectionate things I do>

Di mo pa rin pansin <You never really notice>

Interlude

Dito’y mayro’n sa puso ko <Here in side my heart>

Munting puwang laan sa’yo <There’s a small space reserved for you.>

Maari na bang magpakilala? <May I finally know you?>

Repeat Refrain

Repeat Chorus

Kailan… Kahit anong aking gawin di mo pinapansin… oooh

NOTE::

SOme translations are tricky. I tried to convey the nearest meaning, because some words have no english equivalent, and I had to improvise.

But no matter. Isn’t the song just ridiculously sweet??? A bit stalker ish but still sweet.

The Company, Muntik na Kitang Minahal

I decided I should start with my personal favourite from that brilliant group hailing from me alma mater (nope not Eraserheads.) Haunting the OPM music scene for more than 20 years, they’ve grown old but their songs have proved to be nothing but timeless. This bittersweet piece has been covered by many artists (Erik Santos, Aiza Seguerra, Carol Banawa), and the company itself even produced two versions. However the appeal lies in the simple lyrics and soothing melody.

My friend once told me that this song aptly describes one of the tragedies of budding relationships, and proves (this friend is a man) how silly some girls could be. Here’s a link to the song

http://www.imeem.com/imissrehab/music/fBfQaVLm/the_company_muntik_na_kitang_minahal/

Muntik na Kitang Minahal

Music and Lyrics by: The Company

May sikreto ako

Sasabihin sa’yo

Mayroong nangyaring hindi mo alam

Ito’y isang lihim itinagong kay tagal

Muntik na kitang minahal

I have a secret I wish to tell

Something happened that you never found out

It’s a secret I’ve hidden for a very long time…

I almost loved you ***

Refrain *

Di ko noon nakayang

Ipadama sa’yo

Ang nararamdaman

Ng pusong ito

At hanggang ngayon

Ay naaalala pa

Muntik na kitang minahal

I never could try

to express to you then

all that my heart felt for you

and up to now, I still remember

How I almost loved you

Chorus **

Ngayon ay aaminin ko na

Na sana nga ay tayong dalawa

Bawa’t tanong mo’y iniwasan ko

Akala ang pagibig mo ay di totoo

Di ko alam kung anong nangyari

Damdamin ko sayo’y di ko nasabi

Hanggang ang puso mo’y napagod

Sa paghihintay

Kay tagal

Saka ko lang naisip muntik na kitang minahal

And now I do confess

How I wished there was the two of us

Every questions of yours I evaded

Because I thought that your love was untrue

And I don’t know what happened

My emotions were left unsaid

Until your heart grew weary

Of waiting

Such a long long time

And only then did I realize

I almost loved you

Repeat *

Repeat **

Hangang ang puso mo’y napagod

Sa paghihintay

Kay tagal…

Saka ko lang naisip

Muntik na kitang Minahal

Until your heart grew weary

Of Waiting

Such a long long time

And then I realized

I almost loved you

Notes::

***The phrase “muntik na kitang minahal” could convey a lot. The literal translation of the title was that “I almost loved you” But it could also mean other things. Actually, I was initially confused about the song. Did the singer mean that she almost loved him. Or did the words mean that she loved him, but never said it, and therefore they almost became lovers. OR something like that. Anyone please clarify for me.

Another, I’d like to clarify that this could apply to both girls or boys. (especially to my friend *rawr*) Boys could be just as stupid. Sadly this is how it goes for some people I know. Love here isn’t as well-spoken or as straightforward, because we don’t have that characteristic western bluntness. (aka. “I love you. Do you love me back?” then cinematic push on the wall and make out) and we often rely on other methods of knowing.

Sadly, bashfullness could lead to this result. Well I wish I could relate. My ex dumped me hahaha

Hello ^_^

Hola! I type this post from my desk in a certain village, in a certain city, in a certain region in the country called The Republic of Philippines.

And there are two facts about this country.

1. WE LOVE TO SING.

I’ve always read in books and travel papers and such, that we’re known for being musically inclined. And we are actually. We sing and dance in all occasions, and that instinctive drive to sing may very well be genetic to us. I should know. We’ve taken to karaoke as if it was our own. This is probably the only place in the world where Sinatra’s “My Way” has a fatal track record. (More on that another day).

2. WE LOVE TO TRAVEL

Randy David once commented on his book that, the wandering jew has turned into the wandering Filipino. Face it, third world crappiness has forced many to wander about and as far I know, my race occupies almost every single part of the world.

So what does that mean? This means well actually it didn’t mean anything except to say, that I want to spread Filipino music all over. It’s not any patriotic desire or anything. It’s more of that, “Hey! this song’s nice. LIsten to it!! QUick!” but I can’t because too little people know of my beloved language. Even hybrid PInoys out there might not even understand some of the language. It sucks. I’ve always wanted to share songs in Filipino to my foreign friends. Especially before when I wanted to rant to my English ex- about Eraserheads. But how can I? He doesn’t understand those mind provoking lyrics that those deities made. And back then I was too lazy to translate it. And sadly, there are only a few Filipino-to-English song translation sites in the net.

Well I’m bored now .extra extra time ^__^

Therefore, I’ve decided to make it my personal mission to transcribe songs from my playlist and translate it for my hybrid countrymen out there who somehow managed to forget how to speak in this language.

God bless the deed and god bless the worker.

OH! And if you find another site with content like this, please do tell me and I’ll post links ^__^ I love company.

And if I miss some songs, just refer them to me and I’ll do my best to translate it for you. LOVE LOVE LOVE mwuah.

<<<oh and if I get bored I might just blog here too haha>>