KAPAYAPAAN Cover

Many nations celebrate their independence from colonial powers. One of those countries that achieved independence from Spain after four centuries of colonial domination is my home sweet home, the Philippines, which we celebrate 12th of June every year. We Filipinos recall and celebrate the nation's arduous struggle for freedom. We support our nation's independence by encouraging nationalism while also honoring our own culture and traditions.

This year, if you ever celebrated one, how did you spend yours?

Unlike the majority of us Filipinos back home who takes the day off, I was working of course. Being an OFW (Overseas Foreign Worker) we don't celebrate it down here. Well, I have always been working on that particular day, since the past ‘I lost count’ years, but I do make an effort to check online news and stuff relating to it. Just a thought though, would it be fantastic if all Filipinos anywhere in the world, were obligated to take the day off as well? Hmmmm. But yeah, that would be too much I supposed, as we do have the day off when we celebrate Brunei’s National Day down here. Well, it was just wishful thinking, because why not right?! Haha

Then, I was reminded of the reggae band Tropical Depression and their song "Kapayapaan" as soon as I saw the @hiveph [contest] (https://peakd.com/hive-188409/@hiveph/hive-ph-contest-we-want-to-hear-your-songs-about-independence). ‘Kapayapaan’ in English means peace. I looked up an easier guitar version on YouTube and was glad to see that there are only three repeating chords. It looked easy and so I thought. Eeeek. The struggle came with the strumming. It took me numerous times to practice until I had enough as my fingers were sore already. I tried to make it sound reggae ‘er but it just won’t do. I don't think I will ever perfect this song, well not that I have one that is. LOL. I've listened to other musicians' covers, and I'm always in awe of how brilliantly they can play their guitars—it's as if they can knock on it and strum at the same time. It's so cool!

Back to the music we go. "Kapayapaan," which made its debut in the 1990s—exactly in 1994, according to Google—was a success back home. It has a catchy, energetic song and an enthusiastic, endearing feel that I adore. The song's lyrics, which call for peace and unity and encouraging listeners to dance together while holding hands and singing "Kapayapaan" (Peace) out loud, were both beautiful. It highlights the fact that despite our differences in our origins, experiences and culture, we share the same world and ought to work for peace. It is everyone's responsibility to work toward bringing about that world peace despite the differences. I particularly like how the song ends, reiterating that the world will eventually get united as one no matter how divided we might be if we join together as one.

THANK YOU for listening & reading!