Richard Mamuyac
The Asia’s Nightingale is back in the recording scene. Her journey to fly back to her roots after being based in the US for a decade is she takes on 12 OPM classic tracks in her first studio album in six years.
“The Nightingale Returns” under Star Records contains Tagalog hit songs, some of which are Lani Misalucha’s personal choices. Two of the songs are from the legendary Freddie Aguilar: “Anak” and “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi.”
While the whole nation was celebrating Philippine Independence Day last June 12, Star Records released the official music vdieo of Misalucha’s “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi.” It was a timely music video that features ordinary Filipinos who continue to carry on through life in the midst of the many issues that surround the country.
In her version of Aguilar’s 70 classic hit, Misalucha showcased her vocal prowess to blend well with the modern beat and acoustic guitar accompaniment. She managed to maintain shades of the original feel of the song.
The message of the song is still as strong as that of the time Aguilar released the single when the country was under Martial Law. More than 25 years later, the message of “Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi” continues to mirror the face of our society. Sometimes those we who thought to be lucky not to be blind, dumb or deaf are the ones who pretend not to see and hear the real world and afraid to speak up for the truth.
“Di nalalayo sa ‘yo ang tunay na mundo.
Marami sa ami’y nabubuhay nang tulad mo
‘Di makita, ‘di madinig, minsa’y nauutal
Patungo sa hinahangad na buhay na banal”
Other songs in “The Nightingale Returns” are the carrier single “Muli,” a collaboration with Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda in “Maging Sino Ka Man,” and “May Bukas Pa” with other local talents Angeline Quinto, KZ Tandingan, and Yeng Constantino.
Completing the 44-year-old performer’s eighth record and first under Star Records are her revivals of
“Paano,” “Ikaw Lamang,” “Pangako Sa’yo,” “Saan Darating Ang Umaga,” “Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan,” “Tayong Dalawa,” and her rendition of “Starting Over Again,” the theme song of the blockbuster film by Star Cinema.
