Sunday, September 2, 2012

Alalay ng Hari by Gloc-9

Gloc-9's latest album Mga Kuwento ng Makata is filled with social commentaries that will stir our consciousness.  The beginning of the album is a monologue with the title Balak ni Syke.  Here, Gloc-9 is deep in thought a fitting introduction to the next couple of songs.

Di mo kailangan mag Ingles para malaman nilang matalino ka
Di rin naman kailangan managalog para malaman nilang Pilipino ka
Pilipino ka, kalabaw ka hindi ka baka
Hindi ka mansanas kundi mangga
At wag mo nang asahan datnan ang panahong tatangos ang iyong ilong
Tsong hindi ka puti, kayumanggi ang kulay mo

Mahalaga kung ano ang kaya mong gawin...

The album's carrier single SIRENA, a song about gay people, has been topping the charts and has been given critical acclaim.  Prior to its release, Sirena was already making the news given its sensitive issue; however, I believe it was tastefully done and does not malign but instead acknowledge the plight of gay people.  

Last Friday, amid a the stressful work day, I decided to trip on his album and get a chance to listen to the rest of his tracks.  I particularly liked Silup and Inday which are vintage Gloc-9 but another song got my attention.  Alalay ng Hari is a tribute song to Gloc-9's mentor, The King of Rap, Francis Magalona.  

 Ako ay isang taga-hanga mo
Ako na magdadala ng mga hawak mo
Pupulutin ko lahat ng binitawan mo
Ako’y iyong alalay…

Gloc-9 did become the King's successor but it did not diminish the latter's respect and admiration to the late mentor.

Tandaan mo
Kahit ano
Man ang mangyari ay utang ko
Ang palakpakan at respesto nyo
Kapag hawak ang tumutunog na mikropono
Kableng nakapulupot
Sa kamay para di mahugot
Ay parang wallet sa snatcher, ako ang mandurukot
Mga linya kong sinulat
Ginamit ang panulat
Nagsimulang mag-ulat
Ang lahat ay nagulat
Sa kanya nanggagaling, mula sa itaas
Ngunit sayo pinaabot, ikaw ang nagbukas
Saakin ay nagturo, ipunin ang katas
At kung pano di matibo sa masukal na landas
Sa tuwing ika’y kausap, ako’y nahihiya
Parang nananaginip, ako’y tuwang-tuwa
Kaya sa gabi ako’y palaging nakatingala
Kasi pwede palang maging sigurado ang baka’
Sabay sa entablado
Ang lahat ay ganado
Ikaw rin ang nagpasakay sakin sa eroplano
Kahit sabihin ng iba na ako ay dehado
Pero dahil sayo ay matagal na kong panalo

No wonder Gloc-9 is blessed.  He is rooted and humble to a fault.  It also goes to show that the King has chosen wisely.  

Francis Magalona did not leave us.  He lives in the songs of Gloc-9 who has stepped up to continue The King's legacy.  



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