TATSULOK - BAMBOO UPDATED WITH VIDEO

I am as surprised, excited and a bit militant at the moment, thanks to Banketa Republique, I just found out that the country’s number 1 band Bamboo is preparing to release a new album with this particular song included: Tatsulok.

Originally by Buklod, of which Noel Cabangon was once a member, a progressive musical group who created the timeless tunes, beats, music and songs for the Pilipino activist since the 1990’s. I first heard their songs, including the now famous McDonald’s tv ad song, Kanlungan, during my high school days when I was initiated into the Left-of-center line of thought. Their music has changed me forever.

Now, Bamboo is going to change it again. With their spin on one of the most powerful and progressive songs of Buklod, my idealism, optimism and love of the motherland has started to rekindle anew. So watch out for a renewed activity over at Sumilang.

What is “Tatsulok”? It mean ‘triangle’ in English and more to the point, it refers to the inverted social pyramid or triangle that characterizes the Philippine society, the wealth and elite few are on top, basking in the wealth of the nation while the majority of the people are languishing below in poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. Tatsulok is the song that clearly describes this image of our society.

Head on over to Bamboo’s official site and listen to their version of this great progressive song, and you’d be hard pressed not to listen with your heart, conscience and do something about it.

Tatsulok

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

[Refrain]
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

[Chorus]
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

[repeat Refrain and Chorus]

[repeat Refrain and Chorus]

[repeat Chorus]

Di matatapos itong gulo