Yugto....the message is clear!

I have now heard Rico Blanco's new song - "Yugto" (Chapter) on the radio several times. It was unique, powerful and full of heart as is the trademark of Rico since his days with Rivermaya. As expected, the songwriting is deep with lots of references to Rico's musical preferences. After a year of absence, the master still hasn't lost his touch. There is still no equal to his songwriting skills among his contemporaries.

I do get the message that he is implying in those deep lyrics and carried by those powerful melodic changes and surprises.....here is what I was able to cull so far (these lyrics are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate)....

Sa gitna ng kagubatan may ahas na hahalik
Tatawagin kang kaibigan na pinka matalik
Pupulupot sa leeg mo sisipsip ng iyong dugo
Ipapako ka sa krus kapag ikaw ay natuyo

Sa gitna ng kaguluhan may kukulong bulkan
Di ma pigil ang yabang at sakdal na kasakiman
Susubukang angkinin ang lahat ng hindi kanya
Kung kaya kang paikutin tiyak paiikutin ka

Ngunit hindi nila kayang baliin ang iyong loob
Ang pag-ibig na hawak mo’y hindi malulubog

Lumiyab ka….

Sa gitna ng kadiliman may buwitre na nagmamasid
May magbabato ng putik ngunit walang mayayanig
Iiyak ang mga batang nahulugan ng candy
Laging mga problema sa iba’y sinisisi

Sa gitna ng kagubatan may ahas na hahalik
Itinuring mong kaibigan na pinka matalik
Feeling mo’y pupugutan dugo mo’y sisipsipin
Kapag wala nang mahanap ang ending mo’y sa bangin
Ngunit hindi nila kayang baliin ang iyong loob
Ang pag-ibig na hawak mo’y hindi malulubog

Lumiyab ka….

Tuwing hating gabi maririnig mo ang huni
Ng mga kaluluwang naliligaw
Lahat ng pera sa mundo hindi kayang gawin ginto
Ang huwad na tao..

Saksi ang langit sa lahat ng naganap
Saksi ang langit sa …

Rico Blanco and Rivermaya

There is a new article in the entertainment section of Philippine Star announcing the upcoming release of Rico Blanco's first solo album of which the carrier single is called "Yugto". That news made me think back to the time when Rico and Rivermaya announced that they are parting ways. Sadly, the other members of the band decided to continue as Rivermaya.

For me, I firmly believe that Rico Blanco is and always will be Rivermaya. He defined its music and was the heart and soul of what their music was all about. Bamboo was simply the charismatic front man who merely carried the message of Rico's music. In fact, if the current members of the so-called "Rivermaya" merely carry the name. I would dare them not to sing any of Rico Blanco's songs for at least five years while carrying the name and come up with a substantial library of songs on their own to really prove themselves (if they are up to this challenge). The blazing anthems such as "Awit ng Kabataan", "Himala" and "214" all rightfully belong to Rico - artistically and morally.

So all hail the return of one of his generation's musicial genius (the other being Ely Buendia)! I eagerly await the release of his new album. No Compromises!!!