Pregunta

Bakit mahilig ka sa Spanish music?

This was once asked by a co-worker while I play music on Spotify while at work. With the popularity of foreign language music here (KPop, I am looking at you!), I do not get it why Latin music is not popular here in the Philippines. Our country is actually more Hispanic than anyone might think of due to our very long history of colonization by the Spaniards. (Academics agree with this argument but we'll reserve the discussion in the future.) Also, in terms of themes, rhythm, and messages, Filipinos can easily relate to songs from Latin America (but then, of course, one should have a background on Spanish, and as Filipinos, it would not be very hard).

When I was studying at UST, we have to take units in Spanish. While I could say that I can easily catch what has been thought to me (not to brag but my professor said "¡muy bien!" or very good to me on our first day of classes), I need to master my foreign language skill as I may need it in the future. While reading on the internet, I found a bilingual version of Wavin' Flag sung in English and Spanish very interesting. With that, I started to look for songs sung in full Spanish. Then there comes Spotify that has an entire library of Latin songs for listeners to enjoy, especially for those who may have limited access to them. My love affair with Latin music developed throughout my studies up to the present.

I do not claim to be an expert in this genre but for starters, these are my top five recommended singers to listen to if you want to try new music.

1. Ricky Martin

Come on, who does not know him? Maybe in your younger years, you have enjoyed dancing to The Cup of Life while blurting out "Ole, ole, ole!" and its incomprehensible chorus, or screaming to Maria or Livin' La Vida Loca. You may also remember that you once had a crush on him. Even tough he is openly gay, you do not have to say "Sayang!" as he still exudes that charm with his physique and beard (I myself would actually want to have that kind of beard. Hmm). This multi-awarded singer has been busy promoting his new album while raising his two adopted children (now that is sweet). He has also been a judge of our favorite singing contest The Voice in Australia and in Mexico.

The Puerto Rican singer actually has very good songs in Latin as much as we have enjoyed his Spanglish (Spanish-English) songs. Here are some of them:

Lo Mejor de Mi Vida Eres Tú

The title itself is very romantic: "lo mejor de mi vida eres tú" which translates to "the best thing in my life is you," perfect for those feeling the love of their lives. The music video also sends a message of equality in terms of love. There is an English version of this song, and it is as good as this one. Lyrics and its translation can be found here.

Come With Me

For your next party, you may want to add this to your playlist. Okay, so this song is not in entire Spanish but most of it is. Ricky Martin shows his dancing skills like he has never aged. Lyrics are here, just in case you need to study the song.

Adrenalina

He may be gay but here, he's the man. Along with Jennifer Lopez and Wisin, this songs proves that Ricky Martin still has that manly charm that we all know he has. I've first heard this song in a Central American channel (probably Mexican) I found on the Internet just to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

2. Enrique Iglesias

No, this is not the one you watch on that prime time love story program somewhere in Northern Luzon. You may have also remember this man from your childhood days as you may have heard him sing Bailamos or Hero. This half-Filipino singer (yes, he is but don't you ever say that "Proud to be Pinoy" phrase) has been one of the best-selling singers out there, and you will never have to wonder why. You may have heard his new song Bailando (I am not just sure whether he has that certain connection with the Spanish word for dance) on the radio.

Enrique Iglesias has several Latin songs to listen to. Here are my personal favorites:

Cuando Me Enamoro

This song is just perfect for whatever kind of love: in this video's case, puppy love. It talks about how love makes us change perspectives in life. With Latin music legend Juan Luis Guerra, Enrique Iglesias lets us hear his smooth voice that makes all men wish they have that same voice so that they can swoon women's hearts easily. If you are planning to sing this on your next date, here's a guide for you, man.

Dímelo

If this sounds familiar to an English song, you may have heard The Ping Pong Song (or "Do You Know?"). This song is actually heart breaking. This and its English tune-sake may not directly translate each other but their theme is pretty much the same. The chorus translates to something like "Why are you deep inside me but at the same time so far away?" Yup, kinda sad. Well, that's life and what Enrique Iglesias has to offer.

Bailando

I am betting you have listened to this song on the radio. If you think Enrique Iglesias lied down these past years, you would think this was his comeback single. Released during the build up of the 2014 World Cup, this song mixes very good choreography and the rhythmic nature of Latin songs. The English song is almost the translation of this one but here's the lyrics in Spanish.

3. David Bisbal

This is the first Latin singer that I have heard of during college. Hailing from Spain, this Grammy awarded singer had collaborated with Rihanna and Miley Cyrus (before this girl became what we know now) but never did a solo song in English. Do not let his Goldilocks-like hair fool you as this reality TV show winner is widely know across Europe and Latin America with his dramatic and lively songs, all in Spanish.

Here's some of his songs:

Wavin' Flag

This is the first song where I have heard David Bisbal. Coca Cola produced this jingle for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in several English-foreign language versions. The Spanish version is probably the most popular as Spain won the Cup.

Esclavo de Sus Besos

Who says emotional songs cannot be pop songs? This song may not sound like it is filled with emotions but it is. Its title translates to "Prisoner of your kisses" and could break a little tear in your eyes when you get the message of the song.

Esta Ausencia

Speaking of emotional, this song is one of them. I first heard it as an innocent acoustic song in a live album of David Bisbal but its original arrangement will make you fall into tears. (You have been warned, man.) Just read the lyrics and be prepared with tissue on your side.

4. Mána

This has to be THE band of Latin music. This Mexican band plays different genres: pop rock, Latin pop, calypso, reggae and ska. They were formed in 1986 and has steadily been in the music industry throughout these years. Many say that they have established the template for succeeding popular Spanish-speaking rock music groups. They will not win four Grammy Awards, seven Latin Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards Latin America, six Premios Juventud awards, fourteen Billboard Latin Music Awards and fifteen Premios Lo Nuestro awards if they are not that good.

Here are some of their hit songs:

Rayando El Sol

This song is a great example of a love song metaphor usage. A line of its chorus translates to "It is easier to touch the sun than to touch your heart." </3 This is the band's first ever successful single, judging from the quality of the video. Translation here.

Bendita Tu Luz

This is a perfect chill out song from a band that looks like thugs for those who see them for the first time. It sounds very enlightening and refreshing. Here is how it means.

Mariposa Tracionera

Note: NSFW video

This is how Latin bands write Tukso. Keeping up with their musical style, the song does less drama and more of the emotion of trying to keep a traitorous butterfly away. To understand the song further, here is your translation.

5. Juanes

Can I just say this: WHY IS THIS MAN NOT FAMOUS IN THE PHILIPPINES? I mean, he has the voice, the looks, the talent, yeah, almost everything. (And for some periods, I questioned my sexuality.) Probably because unlike most Latin musicians who became popular worldwide, he never sings in English (but he knows English for sure). He is probably one of Colombia's best cultural export next to Shakira and I will bet that if you listen to his songs, you will never, ever, go back to KPop.

Here are some of his best songs.

La Flaca

Along with legendary Latin guitarist Santana, Juanes recreated this classic Latin song to make it his own. Santana's skills in guitar complimented Juanes' godly voice. The song is about a "skinny woman" (thus the title La Flaca) who charms everybody she meets. More of this song here.

La Camisa Negra

The song mourns a lost love but does not sound like it. The music video does not give justice to the theme of the song but shows similarities between Latin American and Filipino culture. This had been controversial in Italy as this was used by pro-fascist groups as a theme song because of their black shirts (camisa negra). Anyway, here is how it means.

A Dios Le Pido

THIS HAS TO BE THE ULTIMATE SPANISH SONG ONE CAN LISTEN TO.

I am claiming it. This masterpiece is a love song-slash-prayer-song rolled into a pop rock song. This can replace The Prayer in invocations (in proper arrangement, of course). Among other wishes that this song says, its chorus says it all:

Que si me muero sea de amor

y si me enamoro sea de vos

y que de tu voz sea este corazón.

Todos los días a Dios le pido.

That if I die, be it from love

and if I fall in love, be it with you,

and that to your voice may this heart belong,

Everyday, I ask God.

You will never miss your daily prayer again.

Honorable Mention: Wisin and Yandel

The rapper duo are good addition to the mentioned artists above. Here are some of their collaborations:

Frio (with Ricky Martin)

Ricky Martin is as charming as he is known for, added by rapping skills of the duo. Translation here.

No Me Digas Que No (with Enrique Iglesias)

One can never say no to Enrique Iglesias. Nobody. Translation here.

That's it! So, in case you are getting tired of mainstream music or just finding a new tune to listen to, you can always try songs in Spanish. If you are studying Spanish, it will be better to listen to songs to understand it faster. You can never go wrong with new music.

PolSci? So maglo-law school ka?

This is apparently the most asked question that I have heard in my entire life. Job interviews, personal introductions, family gatherings, name it. While I cannot blame those that ask these kinds of questions, this kind of questioning seems like saying that there is no other way for graduates of Political Science but to enter law school and, well, be a lawyer.

I beg to disagree. There are some people who pursued Political Science as a passion to learn politics more just like me. Also, there are those who took the course in the hopes of preparing themselves for law school but ended up liking politics so much that they end up not going to law school.

So, to answer the question: will I be at law school?

No.

1. The legal profession was never my first choice

Almost every batchmate of mine that will pursue have his/her photo taken at this display at UST grounds. (Photo by Lynk Juren Baysa)

When I was thinking for a course for college some years ago, I was also thinking what I really want to be in the near future. First of them is to be a journalist, and by taking up Political Science, I was hoping to work in politics beat and avoid, you are right, showbiz beat. Second would be somebody who travels a lot or go to countries for work, which at the time of my study I learned that it is called a diplomat. Being a lawyer was just my third choice --- back then.

After my four years of study, I thought of becoming a journalist (I was writing for some publications in college) and working for the defense sector. This has brought my little desire to go to law school as a last resort --- either it is needed for promotion at work or out of severe boredom. Or out of desperation. Or if its study is essentially needed for international law studies. Or maybe not all.

2. I wish I have more resources.

In an interview, I was asked what is little known about me. Unknown to many, I was a scholar since my high school days due to my academic performance. This is also one of the reasons why I entered UST for college as it was the only university to offer a scholarship directly to valedictorians, of which I was in high school. While my parents tell me that they can support my studies, we all know that law school can (and actually is) very expensive. I do not want to burden again my parents for shouldering my studies (again) as they have done it for the past 14 years. I rather try to support myself by finding scholarship opportunities if ever I pursue further studies, whether a master's degree, law school, another degree, foreign language training or even coffee making.

3. Me? You really want me to become a lawyer?

Who makes the laws of the land? Congress. But not everyone there is a lawyer. At the Philippine Model Congress 2013

While I can remember some of my batchmates and relatives suggesting that I should go to law school, I have yet to hear a very convincing reason to pursue law. Maybe at some point somebody would make me believe in my supposed-to-be "potential" being a lawyer but for now, there is none.

4. There are just too many lawyers in the country.

Let me use this reason, please.

I saw this word from an article somewhere in the internet: "Rather than compete in a crowded field, find a niche where you can dominate." And yes, I feel that I cannot dominate the legal profession. There are enough people who can actually memorize 40 articles of a law in a day and read 300 cases, plus articulate words very clearly and precisely. That person cannot be me. Also, I doubt that there would be a shortage of lawyers, at least in our lifetime. There are some sectors who I can be with and I think I will opt to go to those.

5. I would rather hire a lawyer.

"Okay, Cabinet. Tell me how to have MP from the Ilocandia arrested. Plunder, graft, rebellion? Oh wait, how about (insert ridiculous case here)?"

Or marry one. ;)

But seriously, I think I would know a lot of lawyers from Political Science people that can defend me in case I will have a libel case if I become a journalist or pin down my political enemies when I become prime minister (or whatever). By then, I made a lawyer richer and have something productive to do.

There you have it. While I can say more, this could be enough. This me-not-gong-to-law-school-thing does not mean, at any rate, that I will not be thinking about pursuing law or a related field. Maybe if reforms in the legal profession take place, or if I have a chance to study law abroad, who am I to refuse it?