Joey Ayala
Recently, I’ve rediscovered one of the musical gems that moved me — nay, jolted me out of my stupor — the first time I heard it. The music of Joey Ayala. Discographies label his tracks as “folk rock” or even “indigenous music”. But I think his music goes beyond that, because it has purpose and it is timeless.
You will find in his music themes about environmental issues, social realities, even politically-charged chants. Joey Ayala does have tracks that might be meant for pure entertainment, but those that really matter are those songs that move listeners to realize certain truths — and, hopefully, to action.
My favorites include Agila (“Eagle”), Bathala (“God”) and Karaniwang Tao (“Common Man”). But there’s one piece whose lyrics ring true and must ring even louder, if people are to realize what purpose their lives serve on this earth. I’d like to share Awit ng Mortal (“Mortal Man’s Song”) with you. It was composed by Joey and performed by Bayang Barrios.
Mga Awit ng Tanod-Lupa
ano ang sukat ng halaga ng isang buhay
kayamanan ba o di kaya ang pangalan
ano ang titimbang sa husto o kulang
ng katuparan ng adhikain at paninindigan
may gantimpala bang dapat pang asahan
upang kumilos nang tama’t makatuwiran
saglit lamang ang ating buhay
tilamsik sa dakilang apoy
ang bukas na nais mong makita
ngayumpama’y simulan mo na
ang bawa’t tibok ng iyong puso
minsan lamang madarama
ito ang kumpas ng ating awit
na sadyang may hangganan
may gantimpala bang dapat pang asahan
upang kumilos nang tama’t makatuwiran
kat’wan at isipa’y kukupas
sa lupa’y yayakap din
subali’t ang bunga ng iyong pamana’y
higit pa sa pinagmulan
saglit lamang ang ating buhay
tilamsik sa dakilang apoy
ang bukas na nais mong makita
ngayumpama’y simulan mo na
For the benefit of my non-Tagalog readers, here’s a rough translation:
what is the measure of the value of one’s life
is it wealth or perhaps it’s one’s name
what will determine whether it’s enough or wanting
the fulfillment of our goals and beliefs
should we have to hope for a reward
for us to be righteous and just
our life is very short
a mere fleck in the great fire
the tomorrow that you want to realize
now is the time to start on it
every beat of your heart
you will feel only once
this is the rhythm of our song
that is definitely finite
should we have to hope for a reward
for us to be righteous and just
the body and the mind will pass
and will finally embrace the earth
but the fruits of your legacy
will be greater than the source
our life is very short
a mere fleck in the divine fire
the tomorrow that you want to realize
now is the time to start on it
Joey Ayala, while his family has roots in the North, grew up in Davao City. His sister, Cynthia Alexander, is also an accomplished musician. His brother and my friend, Pido Ayala, is one of the pioneering IT professionals in Davao. Their mother, the poet Tita Lacambra-Ayala, is one of Davao’s literary inspirations.
Joey’s music and his blog are online at joeyayala.com. There is also a wiki entry about him.
he was my neighbor! hahaha but you don’t really care right?
The legend!
Di ako mahilig sa mga folk or indigenous music.. pero pag si joey ayala na ang tumugtog or kumanta.. talagang you can’t help but appreciate!
Bisaya kaayo na si Joey ba. Nagconcert pa gyud na using kaldero ug mga lata, ubanan sa classic “kubing” pero nindot gihapon ang resulta!
Gidumog ang iyang mini concert sa PWU kadtong college pa ko, nakurat ko kay daghan diay kaayong Manilenyo ang nangaboang sa iyang mga kanta labi na ang mga taga Fine Arts Dept.
But Joey is a very down-to-earth person, bilib ko ana, wa gyud nag bag-o – BISAYA gihapon!