I was so invested with Melissa Corpus' song Kapit Lang so much so that it lingered on me for the past month. It is such a beautiful and heart wrenching song that tugged my heartstrings so much that I believe this song deserves to be heard. So basically, I was privy to a lot of the behind-the-scenes story of this song as well as the production process of the song. I even heard a stripped-down version of the song before the final version made its debut. In fact, this is the first time that I have been involved in a non-Thoughts And Notions song. And honestly, I feel blessed to be one of those who were able to hear a sneak peak of the song. So when the song finally made its debut in various Digital Music Platforms, I was one of those who happily cheered Melissa on and offered my support in the promotion of the song. And then one day, Melissa messaged me and asked me to help her in translating the song in English. It was an opportunity that I wouldn't dare miss. Because now, we can truly share the song's message not only to our fellow Filipinos, but to a greater audience outside the Philippines as well. So, it wasn't hard for me to say yes and volunteer a part of my time and contribute to the making of the Official Lyric Video with English translations of the Lyrics. Well, not really an exact word for word translation, but to get the original message and idea. And then translate it in a way that we would not dilute the message and keep it as pure as the original Filipino Lyric set out to do. It was also a huge help that Rochy was part of the translation team that offered a different point of view to the chosen words we used. It helped us stretch our vocabulary and a much better appreciation of the original Filipino Lyrics. Because Melissa is such an amazing writer that can express her songs in such a profound way. Her songs are usually honest, searing, and sincere. Or as we Filipinos would like to say, has so much "Hugot."
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| At Julius and Tintin Babao's National TV Program |
Melissa Corpus by the way is an independent PWD singer-songwriter who just recently discovered her gift of songwriting during the height of the pandemic. Her songs usually talk about various life stories that she had encountered and experienced. She is using her platform as a singer/songwriter to help inspire not only PWDs like her but also those who need the inspiration and encouragement to pursue their dreams. That Physical Disabilities should not be a hindrance to reach for the sky. Before venturing into songwriting, Melissa is already a big fan of music, both local and international, that made her eventually to come up with a YouTube Music program that she calls Proud PinoyFan. I even guested on her Second Anniversary program talking a bit about Thoughts And Notions. And that's what makes her heart so beautiful because she has this soft spot for Independent Filipino Musicians, which is the focus of her shows. And you know having a good heart is always magnified and rewarded by God. Because Melissa eventually made her way to guest in a National TV Program in one of our country's major TV Channel. She appeared as a guest in Julius and Tintin Babao's Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino TV Program. Talk about being a host of her own YouTube show and having the tables turned to appear in a bigger platform on National TV not as a host, but to talk about her life, her songs, and her story. And you know how hard it is to work your way as an Independent Artist here in our country. But not surprisingly, Melissa's songs are trending over at Boomplay, another Global Digital Music Streaming Platform. And just recently, news has reached me that Kapit Lang is trending on the platform as well. Landing on the no. 14 spot for Top New Songs. Blessings just came in pouring for her.
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| Team Kapit Lang, Me, Rochy, and Melissa at the Cre8Music Launch |
I'm truly honored and blessed to take part in this process. And like what I've been advocating for since 2006, our songs are always about helping uplift wounded souls. And Melissa's is no different. It is truly a blessing to be a part of this process in bringing the song to a larger audience outside the Philippines. I believe the original Filipino version is still the version that is the truest and sincerest version. And there’s certainly no way of topping Melissa’s well written Filipino Lyrics. But I gave it my best shot. The leading was all hers. Believe me, there is a story in every word that she wrote. And I'm blessed to have known the story behind the song. So, it was such a huge help for me to be able translate it in the best way that I could. And to keep the original message of the song without deviating or be distracted by the word translation barriers. I had to give justice to the story behind the song. And I hope you guys would get the message in its original form.
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| Screengrab of the Lyric Video Credits |
The Lyric Video is already available on Melissa’s YouTube Channel. We would really appreciate it if you could check it out and send your thoughts as well. And, if you could share them on your Social Media Accounts. We need to touch that one soul on the verge of breaking. And tell them to Hold On (Kapit Lang). Help save a life today.
Get to know more about Melissa on this link:
https://thiswayinstead.com/2021/02/01/finding-success-at-the-height-of-the-pandemic/
Follow her on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gju7dDWpRtQTmqAl8IH5x?si=b9er1wjPSpu5yFNzDehJrw
And on Boomplay:
https://www.boomplay.com/artists/42078891?from=search&srModel=COPYLINK&srList=WEB
