From The Philippine Underground

I’ve been meaning to post this for sometime. For some reason I never got around to it until now. I guess this is just as good a time as any considering we are at the wake of President Aquino’s passing.

The video is a little shaky but just listen to the song. This is an excellent rendition by Cynthia Alexander (she never gets old, at least not in my books). I always did like her version better than her big brother’s. Then again, I’m partial.

Dumaan Ako

Music by Joey Ayala.

Lyrics by poet/painter Maningning Miclat who unfortunately took her own life in 2000. She was 28.

Dumaan ako sa tahimik na ilog
Ang buong mundo ay parang natutulog
Kung may bunga mang sa tubig ay mahulog
parang ang puso ko itong nadudurog

Kung mag-isa ako ay huwag nang isipin
Sa dilim ay dapat pa akong hanapin
Habang may luha ay huwag pang ibigin
Sa pangarap ko ay huwag nang gisingin

Kaya kong maghintay sa mga tula mo
makinig sa awit mula sa kabilang dako
At sa paglalakad sa lilim ng mga puno
matutuklasan ang laman ng pusong malayo

At mapapanood ang sayaw ng mga tutubi
sabay sa indak at lipad ng ibong humuhuni
At hihinahon na itong hindi mapakali
at makakahimlay sa mapayapang gabi

Dumaan ako sa tahimik na ilog
Ang buong mundo ay parang natutulog
Kung may bunga mang sa tubig ay mahulog
parang ang puso ko nga itong nadudurog
Parang ang puso ko itong nadudurog

 

Two Beers, A Bar, And A Ten-Track Songlist

Seeing as I am a self-confessed disciple of Cynthia Alexander’s music, I once again find myself sitting sheepishly at the Conspiracy Cafe on a Saturday night, slack jawed. And of course falling pray to the wiles of a CD purchase I cannot afford but have been thoroughly justified by the signature of the guitar guru herself.

This is the version of me I’ve never managed to come to terms with. When I admire someone’s work and I am endowed with rare privilege of meeting that person, I turn into this gibbering idiot. The worse thing about it is that I never get a chance to redeem myself because A) the icon in question will not likely remember me after the encounter (thank goodness!) and B) all those who will remember said encounter are my friends with a penchant to taunt me until I shrivel up and fade away.

I can be eloquent, dammit!! I just have all my brilliant ideas dawn on me hours after that point in time when I actually need them. Much like when somebody throws you an unexpected curveball and instead of an instant quip to return the insult, you stand there looking completely stunned. Not until much later when you’re done being flabbergasted do you say to yourself, “What the hell is wrong with me?! I could’ve zinged her!”

Anyway, I’m just venting. I’ve run out of reasons to accost Cynthia for anything else because I have all her records. Next time, I will simply sit at the back, consume whatever alcoholic beverage I happen to be holding and be all ears.

Again, pardon the pun.

                                             **picture by Lili Estoesta.