ANYARE SA MALINAC LAY LABI? — When you talk of Pangasinan music, which is the heart of our province, the one that automatically comes to mind is Malinac Lay Labi, right?

But it’s saddening and heartbreaking to hear Pangasinan’s top folksong, Malinac Lay Labi, become a song for accompanying cortége in our beloved province.

The first time I heard it during a funeral procession, I was stunned in great disbelief.

And the playing of that song in my neighborhood became constant each time an interment is held. I reside in the barangay in Binmaley where three cemeteries are located.

Music is the soul of the nation, they say, but is Malinac Lay Labi becoming the music for the soul of the departed?

I asked around if people in other places in Pangasinan have noticed this. I got an affirmative answer.

Any Pangasinense (at least for those of legal age) loves this song.  It’s as basic as the ABAKADA in prep schools.

Let me share part of the lyrics of Malinac Lay Labi (with translation) :

Malinac lay Labi

A night of calm

Oras la’y mareen

An hour of peace

 

Mapalpalna’y dagem

A gentle breeze

Katekep to’y linaew

Along with it is the dew

 

Samit da’y kugip ko

So sweet is my dream

Binangonan kon tampol

Suddenly I awake

 

Lapu’d say limgas mo

Because of your beauty

Sikan sika’y amamayoen

You are the only one I will love

 

Even proud overseas Pangasinenses love to sing that. Pangasinenses will never forever tire of listening and singing that song, here and abroad.

In any occasion, like a welcome party for balikbayans, or in fiestas, Malinac Lay Labi is surely heartwarming to sing or hear. But not for funerals.

Our Malinac Lay Labi is symbolic for Pangasinenses, makes one remember his and her heritage as a native of Pangasinan.

But what is happening to us? Where is our sense of love and devotion to our province?

Hanggang patugtog na lang ba sa libing ng patay ang Malinac Lay Labi? Anyare ?

If this practice goes on, who would stop others from using BSL’s Aro’y Bilay Ko during funeral processions?

That song talks about one’s love to his people. I hear it played regularly in one FM station in Dagupan. I’m afraid that one day, the fate that befell Malinac Lay Labi being played now during funeral processions might also happen to Aro’y Bilay Ko and other native Pangasinan songs whose melody is heart-tugging.

Baka mamaya pati Pangasinan hymn, isama na rin sa ponebre. Nakakalungkot naman.— Eva Visperas

 

TAMA NA, SOBRA NA! – The postponement of the barangay elections and Sangguniang Kabataan elections anew in October next year met mixed reactions from the public in Pangasinan and even nationwide.

The incumbent barangay officials, of course, hail the postponement because it extends their term for another year without them going through the rigors of an election campaign that is costly, divisive and at times, bloody.

To them their term extension is definitely a better option than the one proposed by Senator Richard Gordon that the replacements of barangay officials whose terms are already expiring to be appointed by the President.

Many of them believe they stand no chance of staying put in their office if the President, through the local chief executive or the Department of Interior and Local Government, appoints replacements.

However, those not happy with the performance of their barangay officials are not at all pleased about the postponement, knowing that their corrupt kapitans and kagawads are getting another bonus term for doing nothing for their constituents.

They who endured a lot under their incompetent barangay officials believe it is about time the incumbents are replaced through election or appointment by those truly dedicated to work for their villages.

For instance, Butch Oca, the photo journalist of the PNP provincial office, visited me in my place on board his motorcycle on Friday.

“Ang hirap pumunta sa inyo, Kuya Ding. Baku-bako ang mga daan. Ano ang ginagawa ng kapitan ninyo?” was his opening remark.

I was flabbergasted. His observation is correct.

The barangay captain has not visited the place for a long time.  He could have made representation with Mayor Belen to at least fix the road or deliver filling materials to patch the potholes if not deliver these filling materials himself.

Me and our neighbors will certainly no loner vote for these do-nothing officials if a barangay election is held soon.  Tama na, sobra na.

But with the expected bonus year being given to these officials, it means there will be no answer to the problems of the residents who have to continue wading in flood waters in case of heavy rains. –  Leonardo Micua

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