PINOY GROOVE EXPERIENCE (Philippine Popular Music Revisited):
Juan De La Cruz “Himig Natin” (1973)
Juan De La Cruz Band ushered in the Pinoy Rock revolution of the late 60’s and 70’s. Their heavy psychedelic blues rock reinvigorated the local rock music scene during Martial Law and eventually help spawn Philippine Disco, Pinoy Folk, Punk and OPM (Original Pilipino Music). Like all iconic bands, they had line up changes, but eventually Pepe Smith, Mike Hanopol and Wally Gonzales would comprise the Juan De La Cruz we know today. With songs in Tagalog and speaking of the troubles of the country while being proudly nationalistic, Juan De La Cruz spoke clearly and raucously to a generation of Filipinos and influenced a nation of musicians.
Record collectors worldwide have sought the original vinyl pressings of UP IN ARMS, HIMIG NATIN and MASKARA. Ebay prices reaching in the $400-$500. Regardless of this interest, they are still not recognized internationally, nor do I feel they have been given even enough credit in the Philippines.
“Himig Natin” is the landmark title track of their 2nd record in 1973 and the first with the line up that would put Juan De La Cruz at the head of the pantheon of Pinoy Rock. A clarion call of unity and compassion, “Himig Natin” is a somber, dreamy piece that eventually reaches cathartic heights with its simple yet evocative lyrics and Gonzales’s stirring guitar solo. This song’s message gets more relevant as the Filipino diaspora disconnects us more, whether geographically, culturally, politically and economically.
Message aside, it’s a timeless, passionate, atmospheric piece that will conjure strong emotions from anyone who allows themselves to be taken by its beauty.
This is the anthem of Pinoy Rock and one of the greatest songs ever recorded in the Philippines.
Lyrics roughly translated in English:
I’m alone and no one with me. I can’t see any hope for us. Our melody and our song so that we can come together in the highest of hope.
I have a friend and they are having trouble. Are you all ready to help. You should sing our hymn so that we can all be together in the highest of hope.
MASKARA - Juan De La Cruz Band
HIMIG NATIN - Juan De La Cruz Band
UP IN ARMS - Juan De La Cruz Band
MASDAN MO AN KAPALIGIRAN - Asin
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