Filipino rapper Gloc-9 is collaborating again with singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino in “Paliwanag”, a song of hope that speaks of making the right choices.
The new single is Gloc-9’s second official collaboration with Yeng after over a decade with the equally socially aware song “Bugtog” off the rapper’s acclaimed Talumpati album in 2011.
“Paliwanag” is Gloc-9’s first release as he comes back home to Universal Records after his two-year stint as an independent artist. Universal Records is known for its stable of hitmakers including Morissette, Christian Bautista, and Jose Mari Chan.
The song’s refreshing rap track is described as being “filled with cryptic poetry, non-specific, yet filled with truths regarding life’s many pitfalls, yet hopeful as it alludes that we are the masters of our destiny. It is all a matter of choices; hopefully, the right ones.”
“We all aspire to live the ideal life where we can be safe, be content, and be at peace. But while having these all may be wishful thinking; we can always look forward to better days by the choices we make. Our fate, after all, has always been in our hands. Nevertheless, here’s a sheer reminder that our choices really matter.”
“Sabihin mo / Darating ba ang araw / Na di ka takot iwanan ang mga mahal mo / Sa bahay na hindi sila mababasa tuwing malakas ang bagyo / Darating ba ang araw na ‘di kailangang itago ang mga yapak mo / Kailangang lumayo yumuko mag pasawalang kibo / Pag tinatanong ang karapatan mo…,” the Makata sa Pinas musician reflects.
When asked how he was able to write this new masterpiece, Gloc-9 shared that he just weaved his poetry based on his own daily observations, with so much empathy towards our ordinary countrymen. He also clarified that “Paliwanag” isn’t not trying to be preachy or self-righteous.
“Triny ko lang din hukayin kung ano ‘yung malamang na nararamdaman ng karamihan sa mga kababayan natin. If you listen to the song ‘di ko rin ine-exclude ang sarili ko pagdating pag-ako ng mga mistakes sa nakaraan. Kasama ako doon. Ayun din naman ang lagi kong goal, I try not to be preachy sa mga kanta. Kung mayroon man talaga akong gusto kong ihatid ay kung ano talaga ang nararamdaman ko at malamang nararamdaman din ng mga marami sa mga kababayan natin,” the rapper explains.
Yeng shares, “We have the power bilang mamamayan to decide. And siguro nga parang ‘yon ‘yung parang naging impact sa akin. Noong natanggap ko na ‘yung final mix nito, ‘pag pumupunta ako ng work pinapatugtog ko ‘to lagi tapos walang palya, every time lalo na doon sa pinaka passionate part ng kanta which is ‘yung sa huli, talagang naiiyak ako. And ‘yon ‘yung gusto natin na impact. I agree with kuya Gloc na we’re not here to preach to anyone kasi iba-iba ng pinaniniwalaan.”
She also hopes that people will find this song just as impactful and eye-opening. “Kung ano man ang maging interpretasyon ng mga tao sa kantang ‘to, may it lead to something beautiful and maghahango sa kanila sa kung saang dilim sila naroroon. Yung mga questions na ‘ano ba ang kaya kong gawin at this moment as a powerful person, sa desisyon ko na maglelead din sa change rin ng life ko,” Yeng adds.
Thyro Alfaro helmed the musical arrangement of “Paliwanag”, while the concept of its dazzling music video was from the guys of Youmeus MNL and was directed by Amiel Kirby Balagtas.
“Paliwanag” is the first track of Gloc-9’s upcoming 25th-anniversary album and is now out on all streaming platforms.
WATCH Gloc-9 and Yeng Constantino in “Paliwanag” here:
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