Parokya ni Edgar shaped the Pinoy music scene with infectious rock hits like โHalagaโ! I just canโt get over how this song takes me back
Letโs talk about some of my favorite Filipino music. One Pinoy (colloquial term for Filipino) band that I enjoy listening to is Parokya ni Edgar.
The 1990s, my growing up years was a pivotal decade for Filipino music as homegrown acts like Parokya ni Edgar helped shape the burgeoning pop-rock scene. One song that catapulted the band to mainstream popularity was their infectious ditty โHalagaโ, which is a powerful ballad that explores the theme of recognizing oneโs self-worth, especially when stuck in a toxic relationship.
Self-worth and Empowerment
โHalaga,โ which translates to โWorthโ in English, was penned by Parokya ni Edgarโs frontman Chito Miranda. The songโs lyrics speak to the universal emotions and experiences that most listeners can relate to.
Lines like โSa libu-libong pagkakataon na tayoโy nagkasama, iilang ulit palang kitang makitang masaya. Naiinis akong isipin na ginaganyan ka niya. Siguro ay hindi niya lang alam ang โyong tunay na halagaโ, has resonated with Pinoy music lovers.
โIn the thousands of times weโve been together, Iโve only seen you truly happy a few times. It irritates me to think he treats you this way. Perhaps he just doesnโt know your real worthโ.
These powerful lyrics deliver a poignant message of frustration and concern over someoneโs predicament and a reminder that we deserve to be valued and cherished.
Miranda croons, โAyoko nang isipin pa, โDi ko alam, baโt โdi mo makayanan na iwanan sโya? Ang dami-dami naman dโyang iba, โWag kang mangangambang baka wala ka nang ibang makita, Na lalaki na magmamahal sa โyo,At hinding-hindi nโya sasayangin ang pag-ibig moโ.
โI donโt want to think about it anymore, I donโt know why you canโt leave him. There are so many other men out there. Donโt be afraid that you wonโt find another man who will love you and cherish your love.โ
The sympathetic and hopeful tone aims to uplift someoneโs sense of self-worth and give the courage to start fresh in a relationship where someone is valued. Miranda encourages us to stand up for ourselves and not to accept poor treatment that damages our self-esteem.
Catchy Melody and Upbeat Sound
Beyond the evocative lyrics, โHalagaโ immediately grabs listeners with its catchy, upbeat guitar-driven sound. It exemplifies the fun pop-rock vibe that Parokya ni Edgar popularized in the 90s. The melody and Chito Mirandaโs emotive vocals make it easy for audiences to sing along:
โUmiiyak ka na naman.ย โLang-hiya talaga, wala ka bang ibang alam?ย Namumugtong mga mata, Kailan pa ba kaya ikaw magsasawa?
โYouโre crying again. donโt you know anything else? With your eyes swollen, when will you ever get tired?โ
Timeless Appeal
In 1993 or so, โHalagaโ was a hit, and Parokya ni Edgar gained mainstream fame virtually overnight, becoming a Pinoy pop-rock superstar. Since then, โHalagaโ has remained one of the bandโs signature hits that continuously attract new generations of fans.
โHalagaโ is featured in numerous OPM compilations and is a requisite tune at karaoke bars. For us, Filipinos everywhere, itโs guaranteed to elicit sing-alongs and a nostalgic recall of simpler times.
Decades later, โHalagaโ retains its timeless appeal thanks to its mix of heartfelt lyrics, pop-rock sound, and sing-along factor that speaks to the Pinoy listening experience. It cemented Parokya ni Edgar as a mainstays in OPM and remains a true Pinoy pop anthem.
Listen to the song here.
Iโve never heard Halaga before now, I loooove the message, love itโฆ.Thanks a lot for sharing this with us.
I havenโt heard of this band before. I will have to check them out. They sound like a wonderful group.
This is the first time Iโve heard of Halaga before. Iโm so glad you shared this with us. Always great to learn something new.
Iโve never heard of this band or group before today. I personally like music that has a positive message behind it. Iโll have to check them out and see if I like their music or not.
I had never heard of this but I definitely need to check it out! ๐
Love the powerful and inspiring messages in the song.. Some songs have that extra โsomethingโ within that make them an anthem for agesโฆ Will give the song a listen though I donโt know the language (but music is certainly universal)
Hi Vidya. This a local pop band. They sing good music anyone can relate to.
Iโm not familiar with the music artist โParokya ni Edgar,โ but after reading this article, I am intrigued and eager to check out their music and explore their unique sound. Discovering new artists and expanding my musical horizon is always an exciting and rewarding experience.
Iโm not familiar with this group. It is nice to learn of such a positive and inspirational group. Love their message.
Hi Marysa. This is a local pop band. They sing some good and inspirational music, anyone can relate to.