Since August is the month we celebrate “Buwan Ng Wika” / the [Filipino] Language Month, thought I’d share a Filipino song. I’d like to share my native language to the world. :D
Here’s my favorite Filipino song, Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika (How Beautiful Our Music Is) performed by my favorite Filipino singer, Hajji Alejandro. It’s such a beautiful song and Hajji is such a wonderful performer! I’ve seen him perform live three times already and what a treat! Got the chance to meet him twice as well. From his performances and talks during concerts, one could really see his love for music. On a side note, I’ve met the composer of the song (Ryan Cayabyab) as well and he is a famous musician in the country. :D
Here is the lyrics of the song and my translation of it. (I can’t guarantee 100% accuracy. It’s a mix of literal and semantic translations but I did my best. :3)
I hope you enjoy the song! :D
Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika
Performed by: Hajji Alejandro
Composed by: Ryan Cayabyab
Magmula no’ng ako’y natutong umawit
Naging makulay ang aking munting daigdig
Tila ilog pala ang paghimig
Kung malalim, damdami’y pag-ibig
Kung umapaw, ang kaluluwa’t tinig
Ay sadyang nagniningning.
Ever since I learned to sing
my small world became colorful
Humming seems like a river
If deep, emotion is love
If it overflows, the soul and voice
are intentionally trembling
Magmula no’ng ako’y natutong umawit
Bawat sandali’y aking pilit mabatid
Ang himig na maituturing atin
Mapupuri pagka’t bukod-tangi
Di marami ang di-magsasabing
Heto na’t inyong dinggin
Ever since I learned to sing
I tried so hard to understand every moment
The melody that we can consider our own
will be praised because it’s one of a kind
Not many will not say
here it is, listen
Koro:
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Ito ay atin, sariling atin
At sa habang buhay awitin natin.
Chorus:
How beautiful our music is
How beautiful our music is
It is ours, our very own
And forever, let us sing it.
Magmula no’ng ako’y natutong umawit
Nagkabuhay muli ang aking paligid
Ngayong batid ko na ang umibig
Sa sariling tugtugin o himig
Sa isang makata’y maririnig
Mga titik, nagsasabing:
Ever since I learned to sing
My surroundings livened up again
Now that I understand to love
our own music or melody
From a poet we can hear
Letters, saying:
(Ulitin ang Koro ng dalawang beses)
(Repeat the Chorus two times)
Kay ganda ng ating musika!
Trivia: The genre of Filipino music in general is called OPM or Original Pilipino Music. :)
*Lyrics copied from “Hajji’s Best” cassette tape album (1982)
*Video from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KITOXop-luM
(Filipino Web Entertainment YouTube channel)