i was in my usual work-mode while tuning in to a pop radio station when suddenly.. bam! heard a familiar voice singing TATSULOK.i wanted to cry.i wanted to scream. i was excited. i was used to hearing it during rallies in coleg. it was like the song only existed in the consciousness of activists and the rest who are involved in the progressive movement. who could this singer be? when i googled it, i learned it was actually bamboo who revived the song and is included in their upcoming album.to the band: isang taas kamaong pagsaludo sa inyo!this song made me pause and got me into thinking. three years after shouting my lungs out in the streets protesting against tuition fee hikes and erap's impeachment, what contributions did i make to improve the social condition?where have all the fire and passion gone?did i turn out to be just another apolitical yuppie in the jungle?what do i know now about tuition fee hikes in UP? what do i think about the subic rape case?have my opinions against GMA's administration changed?have i turned to be a sympathizer to Palparan's men?as i write this i can feel disorientation creeping through my consciousness.i am slowly realizing the bitter fact that i am slowly being dragged towards the center without any protest.
so thank you to this song for pulling me back.
Totoy bilisan mo, bilisan mo ang takbo
Ilagan ang mga bombang nakatutok sa ulo mo
Totoy tumalon ka, dumapa kung kailangan
At baka tamaan pa ng mga balang ligaw
Totoy makinig ka, wag kang magpa-gabi
Baka mapagkamalan ka’t humandusay dyan sa tabi
Totoy alam mo ba kung ano ang puno’t dulo
Ng di matapos-tapos na kaguluhang ito
Hindi pula’t dilaw tunay na magkalaban
Ang kulay at tatak ay di syang dahilan
Hangga’t marami ang lugmok sa kahirapan
At ang hustisya ay para lang sa mayaman
Habang may tatsulok at sila ang nasa tuktok
Di matatapos itong gulo
At ang dating munting bukid, ngayo’y sementeryo
Totoy kumilos ka, baliktarin ang tatsulok
Tulad ng dukha, nailagay mo sa tuktok.
