This is my first time to translate a Filipino song into English. It's a very rough translation so the asterisks are translations that I'm not sure. When I say "rough" translation, some of these are the literal meaning of the song. This song is written like a poem too. Filipino language has only one Pronoun for 'he' or 'she' so it's hard to tell who the lines refer to in the song. I listened to the song a couple more times before I fully understood the song so it's okay not to understand it the first time--especially if you don't know Filipino. Up Dharma Down is one of my favourite Filipino bands. Their music is different from Filipino mainstream. Armi Millare's voice is so soothing and Paul Yap (bass), Ean Mayor (drums and synthesizers), and Carlos Tanada (guitar) complement her voice. This is talented band that stands out from other Filipino artists. Indak (Dance*) Tatakbo at gagalaw Running and moving Nag-iisip kung dapat bang bumitaw. Thinking if I should let go. Kulang na lang, atakihin All that's left is a heart attack* Ang paghinga'y nabibitin Always out of breath Ang dahilan alam mo na You already know the reason Kahit ano pang sabihin nila No matter what they say Tayong dalawa lamang ang makakaalam We're the only two people who knows Ngunit ako ngayo'y naguguluhan. But right now I'm confused. Makikinig ba ko sa aking isip Do I listen to my mind Na dati pa namang magulo? That has always been confused? O iindak na lamang sa tibok ng puso mo Or do I dance to the beat of your heart At aasahan ko na lamang bang And expect that Hindi mo aapakan ang aking mga paa You won't step on my feet* Pipikit na lamang at magsasayaw I'll just close my eyes and dance Habang nanonood siya. While he's watching. Paalis at pabalik Leaving and coming back May baong yakap at suklian ng halik Giving a hug and exchanging kisses Magpapaalam at magsisi Saying goodbye and regretting Habang papiglas ka ako sayo ay tatabi. I'll stay close to you while you let go. Tayong dalawa lamang ang nakakaalam We're the only two people who knows Ngunit hindi na matanto But I can't decide Kung sino nga ba ang pagbibigyan ko Who I'll give a chance Makikinig nga ba sa isipan na alam ang wasto Do I listen to my mind that knows what's right Ngunit pipigilan ang pag-ibig niya na totoo And stop him from loving me Iindak na lamang ba sa tibok ng puso mo Or do I dance to the beat of your heart At aasahan kong And expect that Hindi mo lamang aapakan ang aking mga paa. You won't step on my feet* Pipikit na lamang at magsasaya I'll just close my eyes and be happy Habang nalulungkot ka. While you're sad. Pipikit na lamang at magsasaya I'll close my eyes and be happy Habang nalulungkot ka. While you're sad. Ako'y litong-lito I'm really confused Tulungan niyo ako Can someone help me Di ko na alam kung sino pang aking pagbibigyan o. I don't know who I should listen to Ayoko na ng ganito I don't like this feeling Ako ay litong-lito I'm confused. Here's one of my favourite UDD videos (not the best because Ean Mayor's not here.). And because I can't get enough of this band, here are two more live videos: at One Esplanade and at the 2011 Stagg Awards. All credits go to the uploaders of the videos.
I'm one of those Filipinos who speak Tagalog and English. Growing up, I never thought that bilingualism was a privilege. I've been communicating in Tagalog and English since I was a child, so switching between the two languages was normal for me. I never thought that I could use this skill when I came here to Canada. Living in Winnipeg, I have never thought that Tagalog is the fastest-growing language in Canada. I always think that Filipinos are just everywhere I go around the city. It never occurred to me that Tagalog will become one of the most-spoken languages in the country. I read this news Wednesday on Twitter (it's amazing how I get news from Twitter first than other media outlets). My initial reaction? Indifferent. Disinterested. I'm still trying to figure out why I don't care too much about this news. I don't mind that Tagalog is on the list of fastest-growing language in the 2011 Census from Statistics Canada. I don't mind it either if it's not on the list. It doesn't really matter to me. To some Filipinos, this may make them feel proud. And I understand why they would feel that way. They feel proud because anything Filipino-related is recognized in Canada--not just in the Philippines, but in Canada. A foreign country. And Filipinos can get patriotic too. Ever heard of Manny Pacquiao? Yeah, that's another story. As for me, it's not too much of a big deal. It doesn't really make me proud like what some Filipinos feel. But I'm not ashamed that I speak this language. What matters to me though is that even though Tagalog is one of the commonly-spoken languages in Canada, Filipinos should still learn the English language to adapt in this country and respect the culture. On a side note, I think I'll start posting blog posts about languages from now on. ----------------- Sources: Mackrael, Kim. "Tagalog fastest-growing language in Canada, data show." The Globe and Mail. Oct. 24, 2012. "Bilingualism growing, but not in French and English." CBC News. Oct. 24, 2012. Simons, Paula. "No matter the language spoken, aspirations remain the same." Edmonton Journal. Oct. 25, 2012. Sanders, Carol. "Can you say that in Tagalog?" The Winnipeg Free Press. Oct. 25, 2012.