Sana'y Di Ko Na Nakita by Carol Banawa

Album: "Carol" (originally released in 1997, re-released by Star Records in 2000)
Composed by: Freddie Saturno
Lyrics by: Freddie Saturno
Arranged by: Gerry Paraiso

UPUAN by GLOC-9 feat. Jeazell Grutas (of Zelle)

I came across this phrase awhile back, "The measurement of a society is how it looks after the least of its peoples." The video below (posted by youtube user, JPacena) is a powerful track, "Upuan" (Sony Music Philippines, 2009) by Gloc-9 (Aristotle Pollisco) and Jeazell Grutas (of the band, Zelle) with incredible imagery by prominent Filipino director, J.Pacena II). To everyone involved in this project, keep up the great work! To everybody else out there fighting for the greater social good, MAKE THEM HEAR YOU! Maraming salamat po. ~ MS

UPUAN by GLOC-9 feat. Jeazell Grutas (of Zelle)



Kayo po na naka upo,
Subukan nyo namang tumayo
At baka matanaw, at baka matanaw na nyo
Ang tunay na kalagayan ko

Ganito kasi yan eh...

Verse 1:

Tao po, nandyan po ba kayo sa loob ng
Malaking bahay at malawak na bakuran
Mataas na pader pinapaligiran
At naka pilang mga mamahaling sasakyan
Mga bantay na laging bulong ng bulong
Wala namang kasal pero marami ang naka barong
Lumakas man ang ulan ay walang butas ang bubong
Mga plato't kutsara na hindi kilala ang tutong
At ang kanin ay simputi ng gatas na nasa kahon
At kahit na hindi pasko sa lamesa ay may hamon
Ang sarap sigurong manirahan sa bahay na ganyan
Sabi pa nila ay dito mo rin matatagpuan
Ang tao na nagmamay-ari ng isang upuan
Na pag may pagkakatao'y pinag-aagawan
Kaya naman hindi niya pinakakawalan
Kung makikita ko lamang siya ay aking sisigawan

Chorus:

Kayo po na naka upo,
Subukan nyo namang tumayo,
At baka matanaw, at baka matanaw na nyo
Ang tunay na kalagayan ko

Verse 2:

Mawalang galang na po
Sa taong naka upo,
Alam niyo bang pantakal ng bigas namin ay di puno
Ang ding-ding ng bahay namin ay pinagtagpi-tagping yero
Sa gabi ay sobrang init na tumutunaw ng yelo
Na di kayang bilhin upang ilagay sa inumin
Pinakulong tubig sa lumang takuring uling-uling
Gamit lang panggatong na inanod lamang sa istero
Na nagsisilbing kusina sa umaga'y aming banyo
Ang aking inay na may kayamanan isang kaldero
Na nagagamit lang pag ang aking ama ay sumweldo
Pero kulang na kulang parin,
Ulam na tuyo't asin
Ang singkwenta pesos sa maghapo'y pagkakasyahin
Di ko alam kung talagang maraming harang
O mataas lang ang bakod
O nagbubulag-bulagan lamang po kayo
Kahit sa dami ng pera niyo
Walang doktor na makapagpapalinaw ng mata niyo
Kaya...

Wag kang masyadong halata
Bato-bato sa langit
Ang matamaa'y wag magalit
O bato-bato bato sa langit
Ang matamaan ay
Wag masyadong halata
Wag kang masyadong halata
Hehey, (Wag kang masyadong halata)
(Wag kang masyadong halata)

Mama Filipina

Allen Pineda Lindo (apl.de.ap aka "The Alligator" of The Black Eyed Peas) having been born and raised in Pampanga, Philippines (up until he was 14 years old) is fully aware of the stark realities permeating his homeland. Nevertheless, he's still fiercely proud of how his people do the best they can with the cards they've been dealt with. In the 2003 Black Eyed Peas track, "The APL Song" (Pineda/Williams, 2m:54s, Elephunk, A&M/Interscope Records), Mr. Pineda unleashed, "Everyone helpin' each other whenever they can We makin' it happen, from nothin' to somethin,' That's how we be survivin' back in my homeland..."

Despite the nation's many beautiful places and people, poverty directly and indirectly caused by cultural, socio-economic, and political forces limit the opportunities of many to reach their full potentials. The Filipino Diaspora continues. Mama Filipina, we'll always come back home. We'll always come back home.. ~ M.S.





"Mama Filipina" by: Apl.de.ap (video above posted by youtube user, tmudirector)
Album: U Can Dream (Jeepney Music Inc.)
Director: Michael B. Chait
Produced by Elevate Films and TMU Pictures LLC for Jeepney Music Inc. and the Elevate Film Festival.

mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america
mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america

listen everybody i got somethin to say
about the place where i came from back in the days
how we used to run around outside in the rain
and we didn't have much but we had everything

i'm reminiscing how we used to be
fresh fruits, blue sand but no equality
where the rich stay rich
and the poor stay poor
but if you look inside there's so much more

now it's a simple life
can't forget what it's like
weather so warm you can even swim in the night
but we still want to taste that american life, life
american life

mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america
mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america

i remember how we used to be
growing up in the land of poverty
now you gotta leave home
to feed the family
gotta make it in the land of opportunity

politician corrupting the economy
how they plan to buy the lies of the currencies
and they fail to see the sight and the real beleif
of my philippine island, beaches with white sands
hot springs made from volcanoes erupting
how people make life from nothing to something
filipina mama raising me right
for she still wanna taste that american life

mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america
mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america

i just wanna show you that i missed ya
i just gotta show you that i missed ya
miss ya, miss ya
i just wanna show you that i missed ya
i just gotta show you that i missed ya
miss ya, miss ya
and i never gonna let you goooo..

mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america
mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america
mama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to americamama, mama filipina
i never meant to give you up
i had to move to america

Kumadre by Sampaguita

Album: Best of Sampaguita (AMP/Vicor Records)
Composition: Gary Perez
Arranger: Jun Latonio

Pete Lacaba's SalinAwit

I usually have some reservations when it comes to poppy songs in English (or other languages) translated to Filipino (Tagalog) especially when NOTHING has been done to the cover (same arrangement) except a direct word-by-word conversion of the lyrics. At times, the effect (at least to me) seem diluted or at best, a monochromatic photocopy of the original version. On the other hand, when the translation is done properly, the music is magically transformed from another time, place, and culture to a form which can now be accessed (understood better, after all sometimes melody is enough to justify what beautiful music is) by those whose first language is Filipino. Can the same be done to other artistic works in music and perhaps classical literature? I challenge Filipino musicians and writers everywhere. I commend the beautiful job done by Mr. Pete Lacaba in his album, SalinAwit, and most especially his interpretation of "That's All" (a jazz standard written by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes in 1952, Great American Songbook) in his "Iyun Lang" performed by Mr. Arthur Manuntag (posted by youtube user, artmann99). I've always believed that Filipino singers (based on the musical range most of our singers are capable of and we have amazing instrumentalists) can really excel in the jazz scene. ~ M.S.



Iyun Lang by Arthur Manuntag (Filipino lyrics: Pete Lacaba)

Tunay na pagmamahal sa habangbuhay
'Yan lamang ang aking maiaalay
At ang tanging puso ko'y nakalaan sa 'yo
'Yun lang, 'yun lang

Alay ko sa 'yo'y pamamasyal sa araw
At kamay na kakapitan sa ulan
At mainit na dibdib sa gabi ng taglamig
'Yun lang, 'yun lang

Ang iba ay maraming pangako
At handang ibigay ang mundo
Tunay na pagsinta at pagsuyo
'Yan lang ang maihahandog ko

Kung pangarap ko ay ibig mong malaman
Ang isasagot ko'y simple lang naman
Basta't sabihin mong ako, ako lang ang mahal mo
'Yun lang, 'yun lang

Ang Ganda Ganda Mo by Jeffrey Hidalgo

Album: "Can This Be Love?" (Star Recording, 2000)

Composed by Norman Caraan

Jeffrey Hidalgo started his career as a member of the singing group Smokey Mountain, under the tutelage of Ryan Cayabyab. He won the Bronze Award for the New Singer Competition in the Shanghai Asian Music Festival in 1999. He was also a finalist in the Metropop Song Festival 2000 as a composer. His hits include "When I Met You" and "Ang Ganda Ganda Mo." ~ opm.org.ph

George Canseco - A Brilliant Filipino Composer

In November 2004, the great Filipino songwriter George Canseco died in Manila at the age of 70. It has been noted that Mr. Canseco is credited in writing more than 160 songs in a career which spanned three decades. Words such as timeless, classic, and unforgettable may describe his music however, Mr. Canseco's contribution to the development of Original Pilipino Music through the extensive use of the Filipino language can never be measured. For generations to come, his music will performed by artists looking to express the genuine form of Filipino music composed by a brilliant Filipino from the innermost layers of his soul.

From opm.org.ph:

George Masangkay Canseco (b. 23 April 1934) Unlike most masters of music, multi-awarded composer Canseco had no formal training in music. He learned to interpret, write and compose notes at a very early age and he taught himself to play the piano. Canseco finished journalism at the University of the East and worked for the Philippines Herald and Associated Press as an editor. Aside from being a journalist, he also worked as a part-time scriptwriter for the Manila Broadcasting Co and news director at Eagle Broadcasting. When Martial Law was declared in 1972, he turned to composing songs. His first composition was “I Will Never Be Yours,” followed by “You’re all I Love.” He translated the latter into Tagalog in 1970, when Eddie Rodriguez asked him to write a theme song for the movie “Kapantay ay Langit.” The song became a big hit and gave Canseco instant popularity. “Kapantay ay Langit” paved the way to numerous hit songs like "Kailangan Kita," "Ako Ang Nagwagi, Ako Ang Nasawi," "Ngayon At Kailanman," "Dito Ba" and "Langis at Tubig." Canseco’s songs have helped most of our talented performers’ rise to fame. He has composed hits for singers like Basil Valdez, Kuh ledesma, Sharon Cuneta, Dulce, and Pilita Corrales. He also directed the music of such movies as Burlesk Queen, Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak; Atsay, and Miss X. Between 1979 and 1991, he has won a total of 6 FAMAS Awards for Best Movie Theme Song.the Artistic Achievement Award.

Please click below to see a video (posted by youtube user, iyatco) by The Megastar, Sharon Cuneta (in Vancouver, Canada in 2007) perform a powerful rendition of George Canseco's nationalistic "Ako ay Pilipino."

Advanced Happy Birthday, Charice!

Charice will be celebrating her 18th birthday on May 10 as today's premier Filipino vocalist. Coming from humble beginnings in the province of Laguna, Philippines where as a youngster she entered multiple singing competitions to assist with their family's financial situation, Charice has performed all over the world under the wings of Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and David Foster.

Her life story was featured by ABS-CBN's "Maalaala Mo Kaya" in a series of videos (sample below posted by youtube user, tiratira3):



Charice's new international single, "Pyramid" (now available on iTunes) featuring British Virgin Island based R&B/Reggae artist Iyaz (Keidran Jones). "Pyramid" has peaked at #4 in the US Billboard Charts. Her album is set to be released in May under Warner Music Group. Keep up the great work, Charice!

Salamat by Dennis Cruz

Album: "Sigaw ng Puso" (Synergy Music, 2004)
Words/Music: Dennis Cruz
Arranged by: Dennis Cruz
Credits: Chris Sabold (Sound Engineer/Chicago Recording Company)

Artist Website: http://www.denniscruz.bravehost.com

Dennis Cruz, a Filipino-American artist, has performed in Europe and played briefly in clubs around Chicago. Citing The Beatles, Bread, James Taylor, and Jim Croce as being strong influences on his style of guitar playing, Dennis' sound comes across as mellow and easy-listening. He recently came out with his own CD bearing his own compositions (The album released March 2004). His compositions run the gamut of heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat melodies. Lately, his songs have been receiving a lot of airplay and excellent reviews on various internet radio stations around the world, from Australia to Canada to Taiwan (to name a few).

In his early 20s, Dennis and a friend formed a duet 'Best Friends' and played in pubs and clubs around Germany. Then 2 others friends joined them to form 'Salin-Lahi', where he was the rhythm guitarist/bass player. Their band played all around Europe during the late '80s. They performed cover versions of a variety of songs, ranging from Beatles' songs to songs by Steve Miller Band. In 1989, Dennis came back to the United States and performed as a solo artist in clubs around Chicago. After a couple of years, however, Dennis shied away from the music industry and concentrated on his career while working at Abbott Laboratories. His love for music eventually pulled him back and in 2001, he was inspired to write songs again. Within a relatively short period of time, he composed 'Sigaw Ng Puso', 'Bituin', 'The Road', and many more. That encouraged him to produce his own CD, which has been receiving a lot of airplay on internet radio stations around the world, such as Pinoy-Radio.com and PhilRadio.com, to name a few. The popularity of "Sigaw Ng Puso" propelled him to the Philippines to accept invitations from radio stations in Dumaguete, San Fernando City, Angeles City, and Manila where he performed his much-requested song. While in the Philippines, he was also invited to perform live in Kahayag Café in Cebu. After signing with Synergy Music Corporation for distribution, the album "Sigaw ng Puso" is now available at all SM outlets in Metro Manila.

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Chart Toppers

As of April 1, 2010, courtesy of Odyssey via titikpilipino.com, the top Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Albums are the following:

1.	Willie Revillame - Ikaw Na Nga!
2.	Various Artists - I-Star 15: Best of TV & Movie Themes
3.	Bugoy Drilon - Bugoy Drilon
4.	Princess - Addicted To Acoustic 2
5.	Noel Cabangon - Byahe
6.	Christian Bautista - Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan
7.	Juris - Juris
8.	Nina - Renditions Of The Soul
9.	Franco - Franco
10.	Sarah Geronimo - Music & Me
11.	Piolo Pascual - Decades: The Greatest Songs Of The 50's, 60's & 70's
12.	Aegis - Greatest Hits
13.	Willie Revillame - Giling Giling
14.	Princess - Addicted To Acoustic
15.	Martin Nievera & Gary Valenciano - As 1
16.	Jay R - OPM Love Classics
17.	KC Concepcion - KC
18.	La Diva - La Diva
19.	Rey & Kaye - Acoustic Duets
20.	Various Artists - Kris Aquino: Blessings Of Love

Tadhana by Kitchie Nadal

Album: "Love Letter"
Released: Be.Live (2009)
Composed by: Jack Rufo & Kitchie Nadal

Minsan nagbiro sa yo ang tadhana
O bakit pa binigay sa yo kung babawiin lang?

See you @ Twitter!

Manila Pop Hits has officially joined Twitter! Please add: manilapophits

Tuloy ang Ikot ng Mundo by Dicta License

Album: "Kami nAPO Muna Ulit (tribute to APO HIKING SOCIETY)"
Released: Universal Records (2007)
Composed by: Jim Paredes
Produced by: Dicta License and Angee Rozul

Maestro Ryan Cayabyab's daughter graduates from UP

The daughter of great Filipino composer, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab who has composed hits such as "Mama," "Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako" "Paano Na Kaya?" and many others, has been reported to have graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Music. According to Manila Bulletin, in an article by Jaser Marasigan, Cristina Cayabyab, the 23-year-old daughter of the "Mr. C" graduated at the top of her class. She says, “Pag wala kang gigs, parang hindi ka Music student. It’s really important to have experience in performing. Pure academics does not make you improve or develop. As a musician, you’re a performer and also a teacher, it’s either you get performing gigs or teaching gigs. You do these while studying at the same time.”

Below, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab with Philippine Dream Academy (PDA) students including Bugoy Drilon (youtube video posted by: singingmentor) who has made a smash hit of Mr. Cayabyab's composition, "Paano Na Kaya?"

Bilib Ako by Emily Rey

Album: "Let Me" (Synergy Music, 2003)
Words/Music: Emily Rey
Additional music : Ardie de Guzman
Arrangement: Elmer Blancaflor
Recored, Mixed, and Mastered: Mixsonic Studios, Quezon City, Philippines

Source: http://www.emilyrey.com

Emily Rey is a Filipino-American singer who started her musical career in the United States, creating her own following in the Filipino-American community of Southern California. Her poetic ability inspired her to writing her own songs and producing her debut album here in the Philippines, Let Me featuring all original compositions, which she wrote and produced herself, showcasing her wide range of vocal styles. Her music is subtle and powerful all at once. Using her angelic voice as her main instrument, her distinct style of songwriting cannot easily be forced into any existing category. With the influences and combination of pop, rock, alternative, and R&B, her sound is main stream.

Emily Rey has been making waves in the local music scene through her well received live broadcast radio performances such as Magic 89.9s Tunog-Kalye and Live na Live, WLS 97.1s Symme3 concert, and JAM 88.3s Jam Sessions, live guestings in malls, and gigs in top local bars around Metro Manila. The Manila Times ran an article on her and quoted her as an original artist. Local music magazines such as Music Channel, Popsicle compared her to Michelle Branch and Dido. Her songs and songwriting skills cut across boundaries and this proves her musical flexibility, a quality that stems out from her love of her art. Surely, Emily Reys sheer talent alone elevates her status as a bona fide musical artist, one that has always been true in fulfilling her only passion in life, music.

QB Tim Tebow born in the Philippines

With the upcoming 2010 National Football League (NFL) Draft, Filipinos around the world are keeping an eye on Mr. Tim Tebow, a quarterback from the University of Florida with a Philippine connection. With a 6"3, 235 lb frame and a 2008 Heisman Trophy finalist, Tim was born in the Philippines, following his American Christian missionary mother's (who was suffering from an internal bleeding) decision to go ahead with the birth against Doctors' recommendations (to have an abortion, instead).

Gitara by Florante

Artist: Florante
Title: Gitara
Album: "18 Greatest Hits" (2009, Vicor Music)
Words and music by: Florante de Leon

After years of playing with several bands, Florante took the acoustic guitar path and pursued his music career as a folksinger. Florante began writing his own material and was immediately offered a recording contract that brought him stardom. His songs with poetic lyrics and catchy melodies became his trademark and are now considered classics. Recognized as an unparalleled composer in the entertainment industry, Florante without doubt is one of the most respected entertainment icons in Philippine show business. Hit songs include Pinay, Sana, Ako'y Pinoy, Abakada, and Handog. ~ www.opm.org.ph

Lyrics:

Tuwing sasapit ang bawat umaga
inahaplos ko ang aking gitara
Gitara koy bahagi na nitong aking buhay
Sa hirap at sarap, kamiy laging magkaakbay

Lahat halos ng aking inaawit
Gitara koy katulong kung umiisip
Akoy pinalad mapadpad sa kung saan-saan
Kahit mahirap, ang gitara koy aking pasan

Refrain:

Kahit na kailan, kahit na saan pa man
Ang gitara koy aayon sa akin sa tugtugan
Kahit na kailan, kahit na saan pa man
Bawat himig ay aming bibigyang daan

Kahit sa tagumpay o kabiguan
Gitara ko ay aking kaibigan
Mulat-sapul pa man, gitara koy aking gabay
Wala pa kong pinagsisihang syang naging dahilan

Fernando Amorsolo's Smiling Plain Maiden (Palay Maiden)

Fernando Amorsolo's Smiling Plain Maiden/Palay Maiden @ Ayala Museum (1920's); From Wikipedia:

Amorsolo is best known for his illuminated landscapes, which often portrayed traditional Filipino customs, culture, fiestas and occupations. His pastoral works presented "an imagined sense of nationhood in counterpoint to American colonial rule" and were important to the formation of Filipino national identity.

Amorsolo was educated in the classical tradition and aimed "to achieve his Philippine version of the Greek ideal for the human form." In his paintings of Filipina women, Amorsolo rejected Western ideals of beauty in favor of Filipino ideals and was fond of basing the faces of his subjects on members of his family. He said that the women he painted should have

"a rounded face, not of the oval type often presented to us in newspapers and magazine illustrations. The eyes should be exceptionally lively, not the dreamy, sleepy type that characterizes the Mongolian. The nose should be of the blunt form but firm and strongly marked. ... So the ideal Filipina beauty should not necessarily be white complexioned, nor of the dark brown color of the typical Malayan, but of the clear skin or fresh colored type which we often witness when we met a blushing girl."

Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako by Celeste Legaspi

Album: The Silver album (1996, BMG Records)
Composer: Ryan Cayabyab
Lyrics: Ryan Cayabyab / Jose Javier Reyes

A sentimental song as one says goodbye to those who once admired him or her... A timeless piece by Ms. Celeste Legaspi...

MURAL by VICENTE MANANSALA

MURAL by National Artist, VICENTE MANANSALA @ the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines depicting life in the country. Picture taken by: Marck S., February, 2009.

Lea Salonga - Two Words

Lea Salonga in Winnipeg, Canada! (September 2009)

Song Highlights:

Hahanapin Ko, Own My own, Promise Me, Reflection, Gone Too Soon (Tribute to Michael Jackson), I'd give my life for you, Somebody to Watch Over Me, Two Words, I dreamed a dream, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal, and Tomorrow

Arguably, one of the most renowned Filipino singers of all-time, Lea Salonga boasts of her musical prowess at top-level Broadway Musicals, contemporary music (releasing albums in the Filipino and worldwide markets), and sharing her talents to sold-out concerts around the world.

I couldn't pass up the chance when Ms. Salonga toured last year and visited Winnipeg, Canada. As soon as the tickets went on sale, I grabbed first-row tickets for myself and my parents (next time, looking forward to attend a concert with my fiancee, Kate).

What an incredible talent! Each song was sung as if it were her last!

Even more remarkable is this video (posted by: chryssanthemum in youtube) that I found as she dedicated a song, "Two Words" (written by: Louie Ocampo) for her fiance, Robert Charles Chien in 2004. An incredible composition by the great Mr. Louie Ocampo and heart-touching, personal rendition by Ms. Lea Salonga on one of the biggest days of her life. Dedicate ko din to my baby, Kate. I love you so much!



Two Words by Lea Salonga
(Written by: Louie Ocampo / arranged by: Gerald Salonga)

In a while, in a word,
Every moment now returns.
For a while, seen or heard,
How each memory softly burns.
Facing you who brings me new tomorrows,
I thank God for yesterdays,
How they led me to this very hour,
How they led me to this place...

Every touch, every smile,
You have given me in care.
Keep in heart, always I'll,
Now be treasuring everywhere.
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I hold each moment true?
No trace of sadness,
Always with gladness...
'I DO...'

(instrumental)

Now a song that speaks of now and ever,
Beckons me to someone new,
Unexpected, unexplored, unseen,
Filled with promise coming through.
In a while, in a word,
You and I forever chained,
Love so clear, never blurred,
Has me feeling wondrous, strange,
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I face each moment true?
No trace of sadness, always with gladness,
'I DO...'

Never with sadness...
Always with gladness...
'I...DO....'

Bawat Tibok ng Puso by Cely Bautista

Artist: Cely Bautista
Title: Bawat Tibok ng Puso
Album: Best of Cely Bautista (Reyna ng Kundiman, Vol. 3) / Aquarius Records
Composed by: A. Torres / L. Celerio
Also released in 1971 by Villar Records

This track is definitely a classic!

Nora Aunor - Luha at Halakhak

Artist: Nora Aunor
Title: Luha at Halakhak
Album: Superstar (Vicor Music, 2006)
Composed by: George Canseco
Song also recorded by: Ric Manrique, Jr. (Blackgold Records, 1979)

Here Lies Love

Illustrations by Scott Menchin // Poster design by Alvaro Villanueva (from davidbyrne.com)

Interesting album (on the life of former Philippine First Lady, Imelda Marcos) by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, "Here Lies Love" (Todomundo/Nonesuch Records, 2010). It's a definite buy for me! (the 22 track music + DVD with the 100 page+ "liner notes" WOW!!!) ~ Marck S.

David Byrne & Fatboy Slim Feat. Florence Welch "Here Lies Love"



1. HERE LIES LOVE (source: davidbyrne.com)

When I was a young girl in Leyte
My dresses were all hand-me-downs and scraps
I’d see the people smile, when I would sing for them
How happy they all seemed—when I would dance

We lived a stone’s throw from the palace
A simple country girl who had a dream
The ladies passing by, a better class than I
How much it meant to me to be like these

Is it a sin to love too much?
Is it a sin to care?
I do it all for you
How can it be unfair?

I know that when my number’s up
When I am called by God above
Don’t have my name inscribed into the stone
Just say:
Here lies love…here lies love…here lies love—
Just say:
Here lies love…here lies love…here lies love—

The most important things are love and beauty
It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor
To prosper and to fly, a basic human right
The feeling in your heart that you’re secure

Is it a sin to love too much?
Is it a sin to care?
I do it all for you
How can it be unfair?
I know that when my number’s up
When I am called by God above
Don’t have my name inscribed into the stone
Just say:
Here lies love…here lies love…here lies love—
Just say:
Here lies love…here lies love…here lies love—