February is widely known for two things: it is the shortest month and it is associated with Valentine's Day. Love is a complex word. It could refer to a feeling, emotion, action, a term of endearment, verb, and noun. And though we may say love exists anytime, anywhere (love is all around...all we need is love...yada yada), February really made its name as the love month, thanks to the Luperci. But let's not also forget that February 5 is 'Nutella Day', another kind of love, I guess. But yeah, sure, let's give in to stupid cupid's day.
In this episode of TunogLokal, we featured some home-grown songs that involve, one way or another, the notion of love. From unrequited love to a child-mother love to sexy and tender love. This is the February episode of TunogLokal, featuring love songs in the local flavour.
Combo Panda (Bohol): Hinaut
When you have been in love for the first time and then one day be suddenly heartbroken, 'Hinaut' really strikes the heartstrings. Even if you haven't actually felt that way before, this song is one for the books. The emotions, words and music really hit right through. One of the things that drive such feeling in the song is the way the keyboards give the mood that someone is leaving or has left. The resonance and effect of the delay when the intro comes in is an emotion in itself. As the cymbals shimmer to give way to the full accompaniment, the music gives a sense of awakening and being hopeful, as the word 'hinaut' in Bisaya means.
Adding also the song's emotion and quality is the vocals, which has a wide range and distinct tone to it. The vocalist opens up his heart and voice in Hinaut as heard in the various parts of the song. The verses use a low tone to convey melancholy then slowly builds up in the pre-chorus before hitting a sing-song chorus. The chorus do not use obvious rhyming to achieve symmetry and it still gives the same impact. Overall, the song deserves more airplay and the band needs to get more recognition as they could become key players in spreading Filipino music in the Bisaya language.
Cagayan Roots (Tuguegarao City): Lambingan
Cagayan Roots tries to soothe and woo in another original song, 'Lambingan' (an act of affection and flirting). Staying true to their reggae and soul influence, the band offers an acoustic tune that tickles your ears and heart. As they sing, 'Sa oras na ika'y kapiling/ramdam ko'y saya o giliw' you get the familiar Filipino music fused with reggae rhythm.
Like their song 'Island Groovin'', Cagayan Roots also capitalises on their guitarist for the intro riff of Lambingan. But more than the intro, he goes on to add an equally slinky guitar solo. The backup vocals whispering to your ears in the chorus part also adds to the sexiness fitting for a flirty and cuddly night. Speaking of chorus, the simplicity of the lyrics is a big factor in the song's character 'Oh, oras ng lambingan/mahal tayo'y maglambingan/Oh, oras ng lambingan/ako'y sa iyo, ika'y akin lamang'. Some parts of the song remind me of lite 80s OPM tunes from APO Hiking Society or Rico J Puno ('Sorry Na Pwede Ba?') in a reggae vibe.
The band recently made a new rendition of the song as a full band and it sounds as good. Substituting the guitar intro with a more soothing windy organ sound, the song is taken to another atmosphere. The new version also unrolls a chord change in the instrumental part and an interesting bridge riff before the band transitions to a whole note higher. Whichever version you listen to, the song undoubtedly oozes with charm and affection.
Jerika Teodorico (Cebu City): Labyu Langga
Winning a songwriting competition is not easy, but Jerika Teodorico makes it seem like a breeze with her song 'Labyu Langga'. With a feel-good melody and enjoyable singing, the song tells the world that it deserves the award.
While the song somehow sounds like another popular Vispop winner 'Balay ni Mayang' by Martina Sandiego and Kyle Wong, Labyu Langga is livelier and more charming, thanks to the xylophone intro (care of the arranger, Jad Bantug), the groove and the special embellishments here and there. The fun element of the song is also sustained especially in the bridge with the use of a trumpet that is simulated by Jerika's voice. With the addition of back-up vocals at the ending, you really feel the fun emitted by songwriters.
Although 'langga' is a common term for endearment that directly translates to 'love', Labyu Langga is actually about a mother's love. 'Hugti ang pagtoo nga dili ko mobiya sa kasadya'g kabalaka/Kanunay kang may kasangga...I labyu, langga.' The unconditional, genuine, unquestionable love. You can also imagine Jerika enjoying singing the song almost smiling while saying the words. The cheerfulness and authenticity of the song gave a motherly love a fresh meaning.
Obet Rivera (Manila/Singapore): Hindi Na Kita Mamahalin
Straight from his latest album released in December 2019, Obet Rivera delivers an honest and faithful expression of love through his song 'Hindi Na Kita Mamahalin' (I Won't Love You Anymore). At first glance, the title denotes a withering love, but a closer listening of the lyrics shows unconditional love that defies the forces of nature, 'Pag di na sumisikat ang araw/Pag wala nang tubig na dumadaloy/At di na nakakapaso ang apoy/Hindi na Kita Mamahalin' (The moment the sun won't shine/The moment there's no water flowing/And the moment fire can't burn/I won't love you anymore). An illustration of a great songwriting no less.
The catchy guitar line in the intro just opens it up right off the bat then tells you to listen to him, 'Ito ang tamang pagkakataon/Na sabihin ang tunay na damdamin' (This is the right time/To tell what I truly feel). By saying this, it gives the listener the tension in the story but turns it around immediately in the chorus through a confession of love and affection. The solo part gives off a classic rock feel a-la Journey and Heart, especially with that string bending and a high note ending. This track has a distinct quality over the other tracks in Tres as it is not as cheesy as 'Pag-Ibig ng Buhay Ko' but not as rock 'n roll as 'Ihip ng Hangin' or 'Read My Mind'. Interestingly, the last track in the album is an English version ('I Will Not Love You Anymore'), however, it's not as effective as the original Filipino version.
Brixio Lakbai Musika (Baguio City/Catanduanes): Mapaglaro
How can you know that you've been in love when you haven't been hurt because of love? Brixio brings back this feeling of heartbreak and longing by asking 'Kumusta ka na?/Sa iyong bagong minamahal/Nais kong malaman mo/Ikaw parin sa puso ko' (How are you?/with your new lover/I want you to know/That you are still in my heart).
The song's message of loving and losing is accompanied by the alternating melancholy and upbeat melody, almost reminiscent of Noel Cabangon and James Taylor. 'Mapaglaro' (Playful) is not an overly depressing song. In fact, it voices hope, acceptance and moving on 'Kahit na sinaktan mo/Ang puso kong tapat sa iyo/Sana ikaw ay magbago/Ang natutunan sa iyo/Sa tulad mong mapaglaro' (Even if you hurt me/my faithful heart/I hope you change/A playful person like you). The half step key change is also a reflection of this hope as it leads to clarity and resolution towards the song's end. Mapaglaro is a simple tune with a lighthearted lyricism that could surely be a mainstay in Filipino airwaves.
And this is TUNOGLOKAL, the sound of our town. Listen to the songs and tell us what you think. The independent artists would really appreciate your reviews and support. Subscribe to their channels and pages:
COMBO PANDA - @combopandabanda
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FivLTd
CAGAYAN ROOTS - @cagayanrootsofficial Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjahZdpCRe45WhdWQstt0Jg
JERIKA TEODORICO - @JerikaTeodoricoMusic
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2E8Xt49 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/62zC91nHpGsDw9oWhwyDZf?si=YOaQqIBQTmSv_MlEl7VcDg
OBET RIVERA - @songwriter.guitarist
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Ctfz0n Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6y74pdYPhONzLDu08clckW?si=0TUX65SnSPCl74iG9CGl1Q
LAKBAI MUSIKA NI BRIXIO - @lakbaimusika101
TUNOGLOKAL RADIO AU - @tunoglokalradioau
Youtube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk8W8swEl50bBh3tgn1ppq4sMNCeQCx5O
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0alvtCyFnuGrl7Yl1lHzVC?si=sm2VAXdTRaewTywnKHjXFw
Comments