Isang Buhay, 1997
‘Sang Buhay
One Life
Completing one cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Acceptance, thanksgiving and affirmation of this bittersweet fruit called life. Lyrics, music and vocals by Grace Nono. Arrangement, 12-string guitars and rainstick by Bob Aves.
| ‘Sang buhay, ‘sang buhay Salamat, ‘sang buhay Isang tuwa, isang pait, Isang hiyaw ‘Sang buhay, ‘sang buhay Salamat, ‘sang buhay Ika’y sayaw, ika’y awit Ng pag-ibig ‘Sang buhay, ‘sang buhay Ika’y akin, ‘sang buhay Aking tuwa, aking pait, Aking hiyaw ‘Sang buhay, ‘sang buhay Ako’y sa ‘yo, ‘sang buhay Isang sulyap na may ngiti, Isang iglap, ‘Sang buhay | One life, one life Thank you, one life One joy, one pain One cry One life, one life Thank you, one life You are a dance, you are a song Of love One life, one life Mine, one life My joy, my pain My cry One life, one life I am yours, one life One glance with a smile One moment so fleeting One life |
Ani
Harvest
From the earth grows the fruit of life. From the heart blooms the soul’s riches. Lyrics and main vocals by Grace Nono. Music by Bob Aves and Grace Nono. Arrangement by Bob Aves. Drums by Roy Mercado. Bass and guitars by Bo Razon. Kulintang by Malou Matute. Community chorus by Jingle Sayson, Joey Aracama, Nonoy Alcalde, Tammy Magsalin and Jacqueline Hernaez.
| Iyeiyeiye… May panahon ng pagpunla Ng mga binhi sa lupa May panahon ng pamumulaklak Pag-alay ng mga bunga Ako ay may ‘sang paanyaya Sa lahat ng may ibig Isang pag-ani ng biyaya Bunga ng pawis at langit Araw ng pagdiriwang At pasasalamat Tagumpay ng pagsisikap Pagtupad ng mga pangarap Ito ay kapistahan Ng pagpapanumbalik Ng sigla ng bisig Ng ating pananalig | Iyeiyeiye… There’s a time for sowing Seeds on the earth And a time for flowering For offering the fruits I have an invitation For all who wish to partake A harvest of blessings From hard work and the heavens A celebration A thanksgiving Triumph of zeal Realization of dreams A feast Of renewal For strength And faith |
Anungan
Anungan is a chanted lullaby from the Hanunuo Mangyan in the coasts of Oriental Mindoro, Luzon, Philippines. Additional lyrics, main vocals and original chants by Grace Nono. Additional music, arrangement and guitars by Bob Aves. Community vocals by Noel Cabangon, Jingle Sayson, Joey Aracama, Nonoy Alcalde, Jeritsa Bucoy, Kimmy Bartolome and Alexis Rutaquio.
| Nu anung nu anung anungan Nu anung anung anung anungan Nu anung anung anung anung Nungani anungan Nu anung anungan nunganu Nu da nga kawo maglume nu anu Turug anung anung anungan Dream With eyes open This unfolding Is your own Be What your heart desires Be not fear Be not doubt Fly You are wind itself Ever changing Ever free Fall And be strengthened Every scar Is a prize Rise Spirit humbled With compassion In your soul Dance Like the ocean Liberation Is your name |
Ader
Expounding on the main theme of the Maguindanaon courtship song Ader, collected by Labaya Piang. Original chants and main vocals by Grace Nono. Arrangement, kudlong 2-string lute, pitched bamboo drums and skin percussions by Bob Aves.
| Ay, ayayay Ay, ayayay Hahaha Huhahuhahaha Huhahuha Ader enna enna na enna Na ader enna enna na enna Na ader enna enna na enna Na ader enna enna na enna |
Ay, Leng
A lullaby with death and loss as sub-themes. Collected by Prof. Elena Rivera Mirano from Euphemia Caringal in Batangas. Arranged by Bob Aves. Interpreted by Grace Nono.
| Ay, Leng, huluna May ama at may ina’y Matulog kay ginhawa Ako’y abang ulila Kahimbingan Ay, nagigitla | Oh, Leng, sleep now You who have both a father and a mother You sleep so soundly I am but an orphan Troubled in my sleep |
Paglalakbay
Journey
Search for roots, identity, and meaning. Lyrics and main vocals by Grace Nono. Music by Bob Aves and Grace Nono. Arrangement and guitars by Bob Aves. Community vocals by Jingle Sayson, Joey Aracama, Nonoy Alcalde.
| PAGLALAKBAY Di ba’t ang buhay Paglalakbay, paglalakbay Magmula pagsilang Kawalan ng mga ligalig Magmula paglilikom Ng mga kasangkapan Hanggang sa paghahanda Sa pagtatalaga Buhay ay upang Makatagpo ang kabanalan Sa bawat may-buhay Kilalanin at bigyang-galang Ikaw ay magpahayag Kung ano ang iyong layon Ito ba ay pag-ibig? Ibig kitang marinig Buya, buya, buya, buya, buya Suko, ipagkaloob mo Ng lubos ang iyong sarili Yakap ng mahigpit Kaharapin mo ang lingid Magningas ka sa dilim Pagliyabin ang pananalig Umakyat sa paikid Isang sulyap sa langit Di ba’t ang buhay Paglalakbay, Paglalakbay ‘Sang daang makitid Na puno ng mga tinik | JOURNEY Is life not a journey A journey Since birth And the absence of cares From the gathering of One’s tools To preparing for one’s Initiation Life is so one comes Face to face with the sacred In all beings, to get to know each And to pay one’s respects Tell me what your Intention is Is it love? I want to hear you speak Buya, buya, buya, buya, buya Surrender, give of yourself Completely Embrace with all your might Face the unknown Kindle a flame in this darkness Keep the faith burning Climb the spiral One glance of heaven Is life not a journey A journey A narrow road Lined with thorns |
Manama
Manama is the highest god of the Manuvu of the hinterlands of central Mindanao, Southern Philippines, a people noted for their warrior spirit. Music by Grace Nono. Arrangement and guitars by Bob Aves. Drums by Roy Mercado. Guest vocals by Noel Cabangon.
| Manama Manama Manama….. |
Pag-iisang Puso
Searching for and finding the mate of one’s soul. Symbolic marriage and giving of one’s life to the other. Prayers and blessings from heaven and earth. Lyrics, original chants and main vocals by Grace Nono. Music by Bob Aves and Grace Nono. Arrangement and guitars by Bob Aves. Guest vocal tracks by Noel Cabangon.
| Araw ng pag-iisang puso Araw ng pag-iisang tibok Ang dalawa’y pag-isahin Saksi ang lupa at mga bituin Ikaw, kakambal ng aking kaluluwa Kay tagal kitang hinanap-hanap Nang kita ay matagpuan Ang magbigay, aking natutunan Eya! Eiyeiyea! Aah… Buhay, ito ay ating pagsaluhan Bawat tag-araw at tag-ulan Ang pakati’t tagtaog ng tubig Ang bukang-liwayway at ang Takip-silim Nawa, tayo ay biyayanan Ng lakas, ginhawa at kapayapaan Ng pananampalataya Pagliyab ng ating p | The day when two hearts unite The day when two heartbeats merge When two become as one The land and stars bear witness You, my soul’s twin I searched for you a long time When at last I found you I understood the meaning of giving Eya! Eiyeiyeah! Aah… Together, let us celebrate this life Every season, rain and sunshine The rising and falling of the tides Each dawn, each twilight May we be blessed With strength, bounty and peace, Faith, love, ablaze |
Samba
Worship
Both human and nonhuman community celebrate God and creation. Lyrics, music and main vocals by Grace Nono. Arrangement, skin and bamboo percussion by Bob Aves. Community vocals by Jingle Sayson, Joey Aracama, Nonoy Alcalde, Tammy Magsalin and Jacqueline Hernaez.
| SAMBA Samba, samba, sambang-bayan Lahat ay nagkakaisa, Sambang-bayan Pagpupugay sa simula’t Wakas ng buhay Mag-alay ka Ng bunga’t bulaklak Ng pusong dalisay Lambak, ilog, kabundukan Kidlad, alon at hangin, Kapatagan Bigyang-daan ang simula’t wakas ng buhay Iwagayway, Awit at kulay Sayaw at salaysay Magpasalamat Sa handog ng buhay Bawat kalagayan ay bukal ng aral Kilalanin ang katangiang tunay Ang mananatili paglubog ng iyong araw Pag-ibig lamang Pag-ibig lamang Pag-ibig lamang Halina, mga kapatid Umawit ng papuri Halina, minsan pa’y tunghayan Hiwagang ‘sangnilikha Lay la lay, la lay la lay la lay La lay lay, la lay la lay | WORSHIP The community gathers to worship As one To worship And pay homage to life’s beginning And end Make an offering Of fruits and flowers And a pure heart Valley, river, mountain Lightning, wave, wind, Flat stretches of land Prepare a road for life’s beginning and end Flaunt Your songs and colors Dances and stories Give thanks For life’s gifts Each situation is a wellspring of learning Get to know thy true nature The one that remains at the end of your days Only love Only love Only love Come together, sisters, brothers Sing a song of praise Come now and witness once more This mystery of creation Lay la lay, la lay la lay la lay La lay lay, la lay la lay |
Ikaw, Ako
You, I
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – M.M.
Lyrics and main vocals by Grace Nono. Music by Bob Aves and Grace Nono. Arrangement by Bob Aves. Drums by Bo Razon, Jose Dufourt and Gary Rivas. Community vocals by Jingle Sayson, Joey Aracama, Nonoy Alcalde, Tammy Magsalin and Jacqueline Hernaez.
| IKAW, AKO Ikaw, ako Ako, ikaw Sila, kayo, kami Ay magkaibang lipi At salinlahi Kulay at ugali Dilaw at puti at kayumanggi Pula, itim Ngunit iisang Pinangangarap Abutin Kapayapaan Kasaganaan Malayang pagpapasya Isang katauhang Mag paggalang sa Kalikasan Makatarungang pagkakataon Sa bawat isa ‘Sangsinukubang Sa puso n’ya ay Pag-asa Ikaw, ako Ako, ikaw Sila, kayo, kami Magkaibang pinagmulan At patutunguhan Pinaglalaban Panuntunan Paraan Hantungan Ngunit di hadlang Sa isang Pagkakaibigan Ikaw, ako Ako, ikaw Sila, kayo, kami Hinabi sa isang hibla Iisa | YOU, I You, I I, You They, you, us Are of different ancestry, Generations Color, lifeways Yellow, white, brown Red, black All Dreaming One dream Peace Abundance Freedom Humanity With reverence For nature Just opportunity For all Universal hope You, I I, you They, you, us Have different origins Destinations Struggles Principles Means Ends None of which an obstacle To true friendship You, I I, you They, you, us Woven from the same strand One |
Simula Na Naman
Initiation. Rite of passage from one threshold to another. Reference made to the ancient Mindanao practice of making a girl jump three steps in a staircase on her first day of menstruation to mark her passage to womanhood. – Francisco Demetrio, Philippine Folk Beliefs and Customs, 1991. Lyrics, chants and main vocals by Grace Nono. Music by Bob Aves and Grace Nono. Arrangement and guitars by Bob Aves. Drums by Roy Mercado. Additional vocals by Noel Cabangon.
| Haay, haay, haay, eyaah Simula na naman Sa silangan Niluwal sa dilim Binhi ng Katuparan Simula na naman Walang hangganan Pasulong ang hakbang Kitlin ang Alinlangan Haay, haay, haay, eyaah Ang bawat diwa Ay guhit-tagpuan Bawat saglit Katapusan At simula Lukso ng tapang at Larawang-diwa Tatlong baytang Sa hagdan ng Pananampalataya Makitid ang daanang Tinatahak Ngunit h’wag Maibsan ng iyong Pag-asa Haay, haay, haay, eyaah Ang aking diwa’y Guhit-tagpuan Bawat hakbang Katapusan at simula Euaah, ahah… Ye, ye ,yeheh… | Haay, haay, haay, eyaah A new beginning dawns In the east; Conceived in the night, Was the seed of Fulfillment A new beginning Always; March forward, Break free from Doubt Haay, haay, haay, eyaah Every spirit is one With the horizon; Every moment An end and a Beginning Leap in courage And in vision; Three steps In the ladder of faith Narrow is the path We tread Don’t let your hope Run dry Haay, haay, haay, eyaah My spirit and the horizon Are one; Every step An end and A beginning Euaah, ahah… Ye, ye ,yeheh… |
Kadkadduwa
Kadkadduwa is the Ilocano word for ‘companion’. It may also refer to the ‘soul’, the ‘constant companion’ of the physical body. Reference made to ancient belief in the soul getting ferried across streams and rivers and finally to Mt. Kanlaon, land of the dead to early Negros natives; Kadungayan to the early Ifugao; Mt. Madjaas to the Sulods of upland Panay; and Mt. Magdiwata to the Mamanua (Demetrio, Fernando, Zialcita: The Soul Book, GCF Books: Quezon City, 1991). Middle lament based on Maranaw ‘runok’ or passage interspersed with main Dikker text, chanted during wakes, funerals and religious Holy Days; collected by Sindao Banisil. Lyrics, original chants and main vocals by Grace Nono. Music by Bob Aves and Grace Nono. Arrangement and guitars by Bob Aves. Drums by Roy Mercado. Additional vocal tracks by Noel Cabangon.
| Giyanda wiyuanunoaaaa Eeyoaa Kadkadduwa Paalam, aking sinta, Kapatid, kadkadduwa; Salamat, sa iyong ngiti, Pagkalinga at pag-ibig Aooooooo ….. Giyanda wiyuanunoaaaa Eeyoaa Kadkadduwa Liwanag, na kay hingpit Ilayag mo akong papauwi Sa lupang pinagmulan Walang kaparis na kalayaan Sa kanlaon! Sa kadungayan! Sa madjaas! Sa magdiwata! Giyanda wiyuanunoaaaa Eeyoaa Kadkadduwa | Giyanda wiyuanunoaaaa Eeyoaa Kadkadduwa Goodbye, lover, Brother, sister, companion; Thank you for your smile, Your kindness and love Aooooooo ….. Giyanda wiyuanunoaaaa Eeyoaa Kadkadduwa Oh, brightness, so perfect Sail me home To the land of my origins A freedom like no other To kanlaon! To kadungayan! To madjaas! To magdiwata! Giyanda wiyuanunoaaaa Eeyoaa Kadkadduwa |
Album Reviews
Produced by GRACE NONO AND BOB AVES
Original Recording by TAO MUSIC
Under License to and Released by BMG PILIPINAS
Recorded at SOUNDQUEST RECORDING STUDIOS
289 Roosevelt Avenue, Quezon City Philippines
Mastered by ARNOLD JALLORES
Mixed by BOB AVES, ARNOLD JALLORES AND ELMER HIDALGO
Art Direction by JOANNE DE LEON
Photography by DANNY BUENAVENTURA
PHILIPPINE COPYRIGHT 1997 BY TAO MUSIC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Grace Nono 