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
