Passi0n for Muzic
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Discography Of HALE
01. Last Song
02. Fire In The Sky
03. Empty Tears
04. The Ballad Of
05. Waltz
06. Hide & Seek
07. Eyes Wide Shut
09. Shooting Stars
10. 7,8
11. Elegy
12. Dahil Sa 'Yo
13. Starting Over Again
14. Brother
News about HALE band...
HALE repacks HALE
Hale Repackaged album boasts a brand new single called TOLL GATE is another straight-ahead song the band has ever created. But nevertheless, from the band’s self-titled album brings their latest and fifth single BLUE SKY which is now hitting the charts in radios. Watch out for BLUE SKY’s music videos and you’ll see another groundbreaking drama from the band and its director, Marie Jamora.
The best-selling release for EMI Philippines for 2005 belongs to Hale. This alternative rock foursome stepped up the plate with their debut, self-titled Hale. Hale’s dynamics involved the making of their self-titled album to HALE REPACKAGED.
As the repackaged album’s carrier single, collective effort from the band made TOLL GATE something to look forward to with its uncannily smart and poetic lyrics as what Hale is known for. “We injected different kinds of elements that weren't visible on previous releases that make it more unique and interesting,” Champ Lui-Pio, the band’s front man added.
Asked why the title TOLL GATE for another sentimental rock ballad, Champ explains “Toll Gate is our story every time we go home after a long day of work at some point in time.” Members of the band are based in the southern area of Metro Manila (Las Piñas, Alabang and Parañaque). Music video of the band’s new single was directed by Sig Sanchez. This will definitely give you another journey from the toll gate to real life event.
THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT, encompassing everything that brought Hale their monumental success in one five-minute track and have scaled the height of hit lists for 2005 as song of the year, is now with acoustic version. Again, something borrowed from their debut album, strong melody and beautifully crafted THE DAY… in acoustic version still sounds as fresh as the original.
Music videos from the band’s indelible hit after another like BROKEN SONNET, THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT, KAHIT PA and KUNG WALA will surely complete the whole package for you to see how Hale became a household name of Pinoy rock.
From their numerous stage performances from different places in the archipelago, Hale journeys a success with Triple Platinum self-titled debut album and bagged several awards. Hale has recently been nominated for the 2006 MTV Asia Awards, Asia’s largest gathering of artists in Bangkok. Moreover at the annual AWIT Awards has proven a reap of their success as a young band as they bagged the year’s Best Ballad for THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT and People’s Choice for Favorite Band.
Melodious drama as how they describe their music, Hale namely Champ Lui-Pio on vocals and guitars, Roll Martinez on guitars, Sheldon Gellada on bass and Omnie Sarroca on drums-- have contributed singles that are meditative, reflecting on emotions instead of cathartic blast of noise of rhythm as that of Coldplay singing on the radio. Hale is ultimately big music about small things. Their hits have blasted the charts and won thousands of fans all over the country from their debut album which is now in a special edition plus AVCD.
HALE by Storm!
Hale have conquered 2005 with songs that gladly scaled the heights of radio charts, music channel charts and stage performances across the nation as that first single THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT holds its lock at no.1 and endeared the band to both critics and listeners alike.
THE DAY YOU SAID… never went away the radio charts as it was hailed as “Song of the Year on 97.1 WLS-FM; OPM song of the Year on RX 93.1 & Magic 89.9 WTM. Collective effort on many levels, first and foremost by the artist themselves, HALE was also named OPM Band of the Year on RX 93.1 and Best New OPM Artist on TM 89.9.
The band’s ‘melodramatic’ (melodious drama) formula for OPM has just swept away hearts of many listeners and fans all over the country. To name some of the song’s and the band’s achievements for the year 2005 bagged the top of the charts on MYX and MTV with the song’s well-crafted lyrics dubbed in a dramatic video where love afloat only last for a day—a combination of soul and heart in rock tune. And not to mention, Hale have also been awarded as MTV Music Award’s Best New Artist for 2005.
From their self-titled album released in May 2005, HALE had established their craft to listeners and their album continues a strong showing in sales in record stores released by their label and management, EMI Philippines. Hale first broke into the scene with “Broken Sonnet”--culled from the album FULL VOLUME: Collection of Pinoy OPM-- the rock ballad with its clever arrangement and simplicity from the sonnet-wrapped-in-music track , this song has brought HALE be the next best thing for OPM. First single from their self-titled album is “The Day You Said Goodnight,” another mantra of HALE to enjoy more of their journey to Pinoy rock’s next megastar. Other hit-making rock ballads came with second single “Kahit Pa” to soul-ish rock ballad “Kung Wala Ka,” as their third and latest single.
From the finest young talents in OPM, other singles that will rock your heart are Here Tonight, Take No, Blue Sky, Wishing, Bent Down, Life Support, Runaway and Underneath The waves.
All About HALE!!
Sheldon,Roll,Champ,OmnieHale now hits off melodiously well with a hopelessly romantic Filipino audience. Their impact is felt everywhere you hear their song “Broken Sonnet” and “The Day You Said Goodnight”-- the songs that have sent young hearts pumping into overdrive. July 2004, when this four-piece rock alternative outfit collected themselves at the core of one goal to reach out the listening crowd and make them understand the value of the band’s musical sincerity. And sincerity is where Hale excels.
Hale, the band that promises to highlight their musical versatility and excellent vocalism in alternative rock genre and yet emanates a very sad undertone that they describe as “melodrama.” (melodious drama)
All from the southern part of the metro (Las Piñas, Alabang and Parañaque), Hale is composed of Champ Lui-Pio’s (lead vocals and guitars) heart-on-sleeve vocals and the group’s songwriting exude feelings and melody, much to the delight of the melancholic youth in search of a like-minded voice. Roll Martinez (guitars and vocals) with his lyrical powers, believes that there’s so much to spell in words through songs where exudes a very ironic yet compelling poetic piece, “Broken Sonnet”—the band’s first single with EMI Music. In synch with Sheldon Gellada’s expertise on bass, he also contributed heartfelt and experience-based songs infectious to his personal musical influences that excel in his instrumental virtuosity to grandiose rock. And with then-sessionist Omnie Saroca on drums, an artist whose music used to steep in cool mainstream reggae now switched to melodic rock. The band then meet at an epicenter—music. Two of the members, Rol and Sheldon, are Music majors at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). They eventually became friends with Champ, who also been exposed to music scene while he was young and being the son of a respected songwriter-producer. Lastly, Omnie, before has started jamming with other bands and that have helped him develop his talents in his chosen craft. The band signed in November 2004 with EMI Philippines after being snubbed by other recording companies. But EMI took the chance of giving these young prowesses of sincere music begin their journey. At the first quarter of 2005, their tragic love song “Broken Sonnet” became the carrier single in EMI’s Full Volume, a collection of Pinoy rock music-- where the pioneers meet protégé…Hale graced the album with local rock titans like Bamboo, Sugarfree, Sandwich, Urbandub etc. The mid-tempo ballad “The Day You Said Goodnight”, which served as their first single for their first and self-titled album, have massively dominated the local charts and wowed a crowd largely comprising college kids even before the release of their first album. Their self-titled album under EMI Music Philippines had already given an impressive record sales and radio airplay since its release in May 2005 and turned Platinum record in August and Double Platinum in November 2005. Second single followed with KAHIT PA and KUNG WALA KA came next. Hale have conquered 2005 with songs that gladly scaled the heights of radio charts, music channel charts and stage performances across the nation as that first single THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT hold its lock at no.1 and endeared the band to both critics and listeners alike. THE DAY YOU SAID… never went away the radio charts as it was hailed as “Song of the Year on 97.1 WLS-FM; OPM song of the Year on RX 93.1 & Magic 89.9 WTM. Collective effort on many levels, first and foremost by the artist themselves, HALE was also named OPM Band of the Year on RX 93.1 and Best New OPM Artist on TM 89.9. Hale’s dynamics also involved the making of their self-titled album to HALE REPACKAGED released in February 2006. Hale Repackaged album boasts a brand new single called TOLL GATE is another straight-ahead song the band has ever created, as the band’s fourth single. But nevertheless, from the band’s self-titled album brings their latest and fifth single BLUE SKY which is now hitting the charts in radios. BLUE SKY’s music video is another groundbreaking drama from the band and the video’s director, Marie Jamora. Triple Platinum award for their self-titled album was given to them in May 2006. “Hale tries to be the not-your-typical “drama core” band,” says Omnie Saroca as they have created lyrical content of songs that are sincerely insightful, sad, angry, and earnest; producing music with heart and that explores the full range of human emotions. To name other songs that will surely redraw the borders of the band’s genre are: Runaway, Bent Down, Here Tonight, Take No, Wishing, Life Support, Underneath the Waves. “I'm of the belief that ‘what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger’. Hale would mean ‘sound in mind and body’. To be such a strong person would require you to be subjected to all these trials and letdowns that help shape your character. This is a musical journey through the various pitfalls we've come across,” as Sheldon Gellada adds. Champ originally captured the term “Hale” in the dictionary. “It’s old English which means ‘sound in body,” he reveals. Their musical influences include a diverse eclectic group of musicians ranging from Sean Malone, Gordian Knot, 311, Dirk Lance, Jaco Pastorius, Dream Theater, Victor Wooten, Aston Barret, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Kurt Cobain, Muse, Dave Grohl, Soundgarden, James Iha, Damien Rice, Switchfoot, Nina Gordon, Shades Apart, Feeder, Travis, Nine Days, Chris Carraba and The Corrs. From those humble beginnings came to these young acts, they have also become product endorsers of the most renowned and commercially acclaimed companies in the country. With this youth-driven and fickle-minded industry, it’s not easy to run the gamut of clever music. But with Hale, they have just discovered the simple beauty of an infectious melody and a few honest words. And sincerity is where Hale excels.
All from the southern part of the metro (Las Piñas, Alabang and Parañaque), Hale is composed of Champ Lui-Pio’s (lead vocals and guitars) heart-on-sleeve vocals and the group’s songwriting exude feelings and melody, much to the delight of the melancholic youth in search of a like-minded voice. Roll Martinez (guitars and vocals) with his lyrical powers, believes that there’s so much to spell in words through songs where exudes a very ironic yet compelling poetic piece, “Broken Sonnet”—the band’s first single with EMI Music. In synch with Sheldon Gellada’s expertise on bass, he also contributed heartfelt and experience-based songs infectious to his personal musical influences that excel in his instrumental virtuosity to grandiose rock. And with then-sessionist Omnie Saroca on drums, an artist whose music used to steep in cool mainstream reggae now switched to melodic rock. The band then meet at an epicenter—music. Two of the members, Rol and Sheldon, are Music majors at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). They eventually became friends with Champ, who also been exposed to music scene while he was young and being the son of a respected songwriter-producer. Lastly, Omnie, before has started jamming with other bands and that have helped him develop his talents in his chosen craft. The band signed in November 2004 with EMI Philippines after being snubbed by other recording companies. But EMI took the chance of giving these young prowesses of sincere music begin their journey. At the first quarter of 2005, their tragic love song “Broken Sonnet” became the carrier single in EMI’s Full Volume, a collection of Pinoy rock music-- where the pioneers meet protégé…Hale graced the album with local rock titans like Bamboo, Sugarfree, Sandwich, Urbandub etc. The mid-tempo ballad “The Day You Said Goodnight”, which served as their first single for their first and self-titled album, have massively dominated the local charts and wowed a crowd largely comprising college kids even before the release of their first album. Their self-titled album under EMI Music Philippines had already given an impressive record sales and radio airplay since its release in May 2005 and turned Platinum record in August and Double Platinum in November 2005. Second single followed with KAHIT PA and KUNG WALA KA came next. Hale have conquered 2005 with songs that gladly scaled the heights of radio charts, music channel charts and stage performances across the nation as that first single THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT hold its lock at no.1 and endeared the band to both critics and listeners alike. THE DAY YOU SAID… never went away the radio charts as it was hailed as “Song of the Year on 97.1 WLS-FM; OPM song of the Year on RX 93.1 & Magic 89.9 WTM. Collective effort on many levels, first and foremost by the artist themselves, HALE was also named OPM Band of the Year on RX 93.1 and Best New OPM Artist on TM 89.9. Hale’s dynamics also involved the making of their self-titled album to HALE REPACKAGED released in February 2006. Hale Repackaged album boasts a brand new single called TOLL GATE is another straight-ahead song the band has ever created, as the band’s fourth single. But nevertheless, from the band’s self-titled album brings their latest and fifth single BLUE SKY which is now hitting the charts in radios. BLUE SKY’s music video is another groundbreaking drama from the band and the video’s director, Marie Jamora. Triple Platinum award for their self-titled album was given to them in May 2006. “Hale tries to be the not-your-typical “drama core” band,” says Omnie Saroca as they have created lyrical content of songs that are sincerely insightful, sad, angry, and earnest; producing music with heart and that explores the full range of human emotions. To name other songs that will surely redraw the borders of the band’s genre are: Runaway, Bent Down, Here Tonight, Take No, Wishing, Life Support, Underneath the Waves. “I'm of the belief that ‘what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger’. Hale would mean ‘sound in mind and body’. To be such a strong person would require you to be subjected to all these trials and letdowns that help shape your character. This is a musical journey through the various pitfalls we've come across,” as Sheldon Gellada adds. Champ originally captured the term “Hale” in the dictionary. “It’s old English which means ‘sound in body,” he reveals. Their musical influences include a diverse eclectic group of musicians ranging from Sean Malone, Gordian Knot, 311, Dirk Lance, Jaco Pastorius, Dream Theater, Victor Wooten, Aston Barret, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Kurt Cobain, Muse, Dave Grohl, Soundgarden, James Iha, Damien Rice, Switchfoot, Nina Gordon, Shades Apart, Feeder, Travis, Nine Days, Chris Carraba and The Corrs. From those humble beginnings came to these young acts, they have also become product endorsers of the most renowned and commercially acclaimed companies in the country. With this youth-driven and fickle-minded industry, it’s not easy to run the gamut of clever music. But with Hale, they have just discovered the simple beauty of an infectious melody and a few honest words. And sincerity is where Hale excels.
Awards and Achievements
Gold Award (15,000 units) for self-titled Hale (June 2005)
Platinum Award (30,000 units) for self-titled Hale (August 2005)
Double Platinum (60, 000 units) for self-titled Hale (November 2005)
Triple Platinum (90, 000 units) for self-titled Hale (May 2006)
MTV Pilipinas 2005-- Best New Artist
97.1 WLS-FM Year End Awards (2005)--Song of the Year for THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT
RX 93.1 Year End Awards (2005)-- OPM Song of the Year for THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT
Magic 89.9 WTM Year End Awards (2005)-- OPM Song of the Year for THE DAY YOU SAID GOODNIGHT
RX 93.1 Year End Awards (2005)-- OPM Band of the Year
TM 89.9 Year End Awards (2005)-- Best New OPM Artist
2006 Awit Awards -- Best Ballad for “The Day You Said Goodnight”-- People’s Choice Award for Favorite Band
2006 SOP Pasiklaband (GMA 7)-- Best Pop Rock Band
2006 MTV Pilipinas Video Music Awards-- Best Pop Video for “Kung Wala Ka”
Friday, April 13, 2007
Glenn Perry:A Multi-Talented Artist
~>BIOGRAPHY<~
Singer, songwriter, producer Glenn Perry is a recording and performing artiste of exceptional talent. A child prodigy, Glenn showed glimpses of his flair for music at the age of 3. By the age of 9, he performed his first concert and made a live TV appearance. Immediately thereafter, he commenced recording in studios and performing professionally in his father's jazz band. In his mid-teens, he became the leader of his own band, and proceeded to establish his own music school in Dubai - The Dubai Music School. The venture flourished and now has branches in many centres.
Singer, songwriter, producer Glenn Perry is a recording and performing artiste of exceptional talent. A child prodigy, Glenn showed glimpses of his flair for music at the age of 3. By the age of 9, he performed his first concert and made a live TV appearance. Immediately thereafter, he commenced recording in studios and performing professionally in his father's jazz band. In his mid-teens, he became the leader of his own band, and proceeded to establish his own music school in Dubai - The Dubai Music School. The venture flourished and now has branches in many centres.
An international star in his own right, Glenn has earned an array of awards for his considerable music accomplishments. To date, Glenn has recorded 3 exceptional albums, and 2 singles in Los Angeles, with some of America's finest musicians providing back-up. He has filmed 3 music videos which were extensively featured on MTV and Channel [V]. He is currently recording a new album which will be released shortly. Glenn has toured all over the world and earned much acclaim for his unique and recognizable sound and creative interpretations, compositions and arrangements. His music is a contemporary blend of distinctive pop and rock. His original compositions are very melodic with craftily written lyrics and tunes.
The multifaceted Glenn Perry writes, arranges, composes, performs, sings, and produces his own music. He even directs his music videos. Glenn possesses all the talents requisite in a performer and is a thoroughbred showman. His stage performances are extravagantly exciting to watch. Glenn's voice, a high caliber mix of deep resonant tones and soaring inflections, is captivating. He is able to induce an enthusiasm in his incantation that lends an added dimension to his voice.
The multifaceted Glenn Perry writes, arranges, composes, performs, sings, and produces his own music. He even directs his music videos. Glenn possesses all the talents requisite in a performer and is a thoroughbred showman. His stage performances are extravagantly exciting to watch. Glenn's voice, a high caliber mix of deep resonant tones and soaring inflections, is captivating. He is able to induce an enthusiasm in his incantation that lends an added dimension to his voice.
A multi-talented musician and a wizard at modern recording gadgetry and synthesizers, he brings a bewitching aura to his guitar. He maneuvers his guitar with outrageous finesse and tantalizing finger techniques, and his unorthodox style of guitar playing is filled with flamboyance and sophistication. Once on stage this charismatic performer creates a magical atmosphere that is at once fashionable, full of passion and stylistically untraditional. Just watching his electrifying, dynamic and energetic performance is a pure delight that will undoubtedly leave you breathless and amazed.
Few artists have that lush, romantic sound of Glenn Perry. His breathy seductive vocals practically whim through the loudspeakers. All of his tracks have that instant aural intoxication. Glenn's music reflects his sonic standards. He began his career by recording his first breathtaking album "Paradize", recorded in Los Angeles in 1990. His music ranges from acoustic harmonies to music concrete sound sculptures behind memorable romantic stories.
Throughout his career, Glenn has explored ways of bringing technology and songwriting together. His compositions have vibrant chops, crisp embellishments, smooth changes and beautiful sounds, right down to his expressive work on his guitar. Glenn has the flair of artist self-confidence and he loves what he is doing. "I have no better time doing anything in my life than playing music. It's the greatest thing for me and I'll continue playing music until the last day of my life." In the end what keeps Glenn churning is his deepest love for music and his desire to share that passion with an appreciative audience.
Few artists have that lush, romantic sound of Glenn Perry. His breathy seductive vocals practically whim through the loudspeakers. All of his tracks have that instant aural intoxication. Glenn's music reflects his sonic standards. He began his career by recording his first breathtaking album "Paradize", recorded in Los Angeles in 1990. His music ranges from acoustic harmonies to music concrete sound sculptures behind memorable romantic stories.
Throughout his career, Glenn has explored ways of bringing technology and songwriting together. His compositions have vibrant chops, crisp embellishments, smooth changes and beautiful sounds, right down to his expressive work on his guitar. Glenn has the flair of artist self-confidence and he loves what he is doing. "I have no better time doing anything in my life than playing music. It's the greatest thing for me and I'll continue playing music until the last day of my life." In the end what keeps Glenn churning is his deepest love for music and his desire to share that passion with an appreciative audience.
~>CRY OF INNOCENCE<~
Glenn Perry’s new album resurrects the golden age of pure rock in a cyber avatar. Glenn Perry, the rock star who gave us the MTV hit ‘Laila’ is now back with a brand new album with a message of peace and global reconciliation.
‘Cry of Innocence’ is an anti-war album with a message of Peace and Global reconciliation. Perry, has written the songs himself, sung them accompanied by his guitar, recorded each song live in one take with no overdubs at his very own Pluto Studio, engineered them and finally has arranged to distribute them entirely through the cyber medium.
Tracks:
~>After the battle<~
~>I don't know if i'm coming home<~
~>Strange awakening <~
~>Beyond the darkness <~
~>Stop the war<~
~>Cry of innocence<~
~>Oh heaven<~
~>Blow out the fire<~
~>PICTURE GALLERY<~
Singer, songwriter, producer Glenn Perry is a recording and performing artiste of exceptional talent. A child prodigy, Glenn showed glimpses of his flair for music at the age of 3 . By the age of 9, he performed his first concert and made a live TV appearance. Immediately thereafter, he commenced recording in studios and performing professionally in his father's jazz band. In his mid-teens, he became the leader of his own band, and proceeded to establish his own music school in Dubai-- The Dubai Music School. The venture flourished and now has branches in many centres. An international star in his own right, Glenn has earned an array of awards for his considerable music accomplishments. To date, Glenn has recorded 2 exceptional albums, and 2 singles in Los Angeles, with some of America's finest musicians providing back-up. He has filmed 3 music videos which were extensively featured on MTV and Channel [V]. He is currently recording a new album which will be released shortly. Glenn has toured all over the world and earned much acclaim for his unique and recognizable sound and creative interpretations, compositions and arrangements. His music is a contemporary blend of distinctive pop and rock. His original compositions are very melodic with craftily written lyrics and tunes. The multifaceted Glenn Perry writes, arranges, composes, performs, sings, and produces his own music. He even directs his music videos. Glenn possesses all the talents requisite in a performer and is a thoroughbred showman. His stage performances are extravagantly exciting to watch. Glenn's voice, a high caliber mix of deep resonant tones and soaring inflections, is captivating. He is able to induce an enthusiasm in his incantation that lends an added dimension to his voice. A multi-talented musician and a wizard at modern recording gadgetry and synthesizers, he brings a bewitching aura to his guitar. He maneuvers his guitar with outrageous finesse and tantalizing finger techniques, and his unorthodox style of guitar playing is filled with flamboyance and sophistication. Once on stage this charismatic performer creates a magical atmosphere that is at once fashionable, full of passion and stylistically untraditional. Just watching his electrifying, dynamic and energetic performance is a pure delight that will undoubtedly leave you breathless and amazed.
TOWARDS AN HERMENEUTICS OF THE WORD ORAGON
Have you ever wondered why Bicolanos are called oragon or why they would like to be called as such? The word has no exact translation in any other language. On the other hand, it can nearly mean anything.It can either be positive or negative, a compliment or an insult, depending on how it is used in a sentence, how it is addressed to a person and whom it is addressed to.People from the media, like Bicolano Conrado de Quiros, helped popularize the term. A publication for the Bicol region, much like the pepper, a penchant for which the region is known, added spice to the flavor by naming itself Oragon. Today, you surf cyberspace and you will find a page in the Website labeled Oragon.The word indeed has traversed time as well as linguistic detours, evolving from the vulgar and profane to the colloquial then to its present acceptable form. But while it has been used and sometimes even abused, the clamor for its definition and true meaning has remained as such: a clamor. And this is why I intend to make one step further by trying to offer an explanation of the word on the force of its etymological consideration, by attempting to work towards an hermeneutics of oragon.But first off, I propose that one cannot venture into the search for the true meaning of the word oragon without at the same time undertaking the arduous task of the “oragon-ization” of the Bicolano. The former serves as the facade of the latter; the latter serves as the backbone of the former. These two processes taken into one constitutes a dual movement from foundational philosophy to applied philosophy, from the “oragonism” of the Bicolano to the word oragon as used and perceived by the Bicolano.This means that while the word oragon is undergoing the process of being transformed from a vulgar word into its present acceptable form, the Bicolano is also at the same time, being transformed into a new image that is now oragon. In other words, the word oragon is absracted to fit the portrait of the Bicolano in the same manner and at the same time that the Bicolano is “oragonized” to fit the new meaning given to the word oragon. This is the evolution of the word oragon and the “oragonization” of the Bicolano showing only how clearly language is tied up to a particular culture and vice versa.Language is a very important conveyor of sense but how does the Bicolano make sense of the word oragon whenever he pronounces and uses it? Like every Filipino in general, the Bicolano is not exquisite in the use of language. Thus, there is a vast area of ambiguity in the way the Bicolano uses it. Without noting and considering the context of the utterance of this word, everyone will be left in the guessing game as to what the speaker really meant in using it at the very moment that he pronounces it.Thus, the most evident interaction established between the text and its context, the word and its world, thereby forming the so-called hermeneutic circle, in the employment of this word.The word oragon originally started as a vulgar word. In fact, with the exception of the dictionary authored by Malcolm Warren Mintz and Jose del Rosario Britanico (Bikol-English Dictionary, New Day Publishers, Quezon City, Philippines, 1985), no other Bicol dictionary has ever listed this word in their entries. Perhaps other authors selfishly considered themselves prudent enough not to include this word in their entries. Perhaps they were lost as to its real meaning. Or perhaps they considered it too vulgar and therefore unacceptable.We couldn’t blame them. The fact is, the word indeed is vulgar - or at least it was once considered as such. So vulgar that it was originally used only in reference to the pigs. What’s more, it was solely referred to an act which, perhaps mainly because it was done and executed by the pigs, was considered as - in Filipino - “baboy”: the procreative act.Etymologically, the word oragon (adj.) is derived from the root word orag which as a verb (orag’), refers to the act in which a boar is made to impregnate a sow. This is synonymous with the words kasta and kasbang. As a noun (o’rag), it refers to the ability or the capacity of a boar to impregnate a sow.This boar-sow context gave rise to a number of other derivatives. We shall try to analyze the linguistic considerations of each word first, by considering its literal sense and original and etymological context, i.e., the “piggish talk” as situated in the boar-sow context, then by juxtaposing it with its abstracted sense, i.e., as it is used in reference to persons and outside of the boar-sow context.1. Ma’orag (v., future sense): In its original context, this word refers to the act to be executed by the boar which is tasked to impregnate the sow. Literally translated, it means “to do the sexual act” and following its vulgar context, “to f__k.” In a non-literal sense however, it can assume a different meaning. You ask a person with Ma’orag ka? And you will most approximately mean “You wanna fight me?” or “You wanna challenge me to a fight?” although literally, your words will be translated as “You wanna do the sexual act with me?” or in a more vulgar sense, “You wanna f__k me?” In the literal sense, it is an invitation to a sexual act; in the non-literal sense, it is a challenge to a duel.2. Mao’rag (adj.): Originally, this word refers to the capability of the boar in impregnating a sow. Literally, it means “virile or capable in the sexual act or in impregnating someone.” When you say for instance Mao’rag an baboy you mean “The boar is capable in impregnating a sow.” Outside of this boar-sow context however, it means a totally different thing. You observe how a Bicolano pick a fight for instance and you will most probably hear him say Si isay an mao’rag digdi? Literally, it means “Who is capable in the sexual act here?” or, “Who is good in impregnating a woman here?” In this non-literal context however, it means “Who is good enough for me to fight here?” or, “Who is brave or man enough to challenge me in a fistfight here?”3. Ooragan’ (v., future sense): Originally, this refers to the act of impregnating a sow by the boar. Literally, it means “to impregnate,” “to do the sexual act” or in the vulgar sense, “to f__k.” However, when you tell a person Ooragan’ ta ika, you do not mean it literally, say “I will have sex with you” or “I will make you pregnant” or the American vulgar “I will f__k you.” Rather, most approximately, you are admonishing a person “I will do you harm.” This is qualified with the words “You are the object of my hatred,” “You are the object of ill will,” or “You are to be assaulted.”4. Maka’oorag or Makaora’gon (adv.): Originally, this refers to the sow which is in heat, just about ready for impregnation by the boar. Literally, it can be translated as “sexually arousing.” When you say for instance Maka’oorag na an baboy you mean “The pig is now in heat.” In reference to a person however, it takes another meaning. For instance, when you hear Rep. Edcel Lagman (a Bicolano from Tabaco, Albay) say Maka’oorag si Jose Almonte (also a Bicolano), do not fall into the belief that the solon meant “Jose Almonte is sexually arousing” or “Jose Almonte arouses my libido” or in a more qualified context, “I want to f__k Jose Almonte.” That would be too literal and the National Security Adviser would surely consider those words too harsh, cruel and downright insulting - unless of course the person who utters those words happens to be a woman and they happen to be in a totally different situation. Most approximately, the speaker here only meant “Jose Almonte irks me” or “Jose Almonte is a pain in the ass.” Again, when you hear a Bicolano say Maka’oorag na si Jose Almonte, do not fall into the false interpretation that he meant “Jose Almonte is now ready for impregnation” or that “Jose Almonte is already in heat.” Most approximately, the speaker only meant “Jose Almonte is becoming a pain in the ass.”5. Nahingora’gan (v., past tense): Originally, this refers to the sow which has been made pregnant by the boar. When you say for instance, Nahingora’gan na an baboy, you mean “the sow is now pregnant.” When used in reference to a person however, say Nahingora’gan ka, it literally means “You were impregnated.” In an abstracted sense, however, it means “You got what you wanted” or “You got your lesson.”6. Ora’gon (adj.): Originally, this refers to the boar which is now known for its versatility in making a sow or sows (note the plural form) pregnant. Literally, it means “versatile in the sexual act or in making someone pregnant.” In its abstracted sense, however, it becomes confusing. For here, the only key to understanding this word is the context against which this word is uttered. For instance, you say Ora’gon si Ka Nognog (Sotero Llamas, a Bicolano from Tabaco Albay), and you probably mean “Matinik o matibay si Ka Nognog.” Here, it is a compliment. But you say it directly and personally to a person, say Ora’gon ka Honasan (Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, a Bicolano from Bulan, Sorsogon), and you will be interpreted to mean another thing. Most approximately, your words would mean “You irk me, you enrage me, you are daring me or you are exhausting my patience, Honasan.” It could also mean an expression of a condemnation or a curse, say “Tarantado ka Honasan.” In which case, it could be qualified with the words Purbaran ta an o’rag mo, Honasan (Literally, “Let’s see how virile you are Honasan” but in an abstracted sense, “Let’s see how far you can go, Honasan”). Similarly, you say Ora’gon si Roco (Sen. Raul Roco, another Bicolano), and you surely do not mean “Roco is lascivious or versatile in the sexual act” nor do you mean that “Roco is versatile in making a woman pregnant” (what with his title of being an honorary woman!) although that would be what those words would literally mean. Rather, you mean most approximately “Roco is versatile in everything - and that of course includes the sexual act! This means Roco is courageous, exemplary, in short, simply the best in everything, an expert in a rough sort of way, one hell of a guy.There are a number of other derivative words that can be ranked with the foregoing words derived from the root word orag. The word Paorag’ for instance literally refers to the process or to the act in which a boar impregnates a sow. In its abstracted sense, it can mean a prostitute or a cheap girl. Likewise, the word Inora’gan can be literally translated as “f__ked.” Used in reference to a person however, it means another thing. For instance, you say Inora’gan si Joker Arroyo (another Bicolano), and you literally mean “Joker Arroyo was f__ked.” In its abstracted sense however, these words mean “Joker Arroyo got mad.”It would be clear from the foregoing words that in the course of the evolution of these words, the pigs lost their exclusive right to these words’ phonetic usage. Whether what was considered as piggish is now considered as human, or whether man (and in this case, the Bicolano) has now become piggish, the fact is, these words are now used as human attributes or in reference to human values.Some people will perhaps consider this as funny. But then a number of Filipino words likewise reflect diverse and funny origins. For example, the word forgiveness is “patawad” in Filipino, a word oftenly used by vendors, meaning “to haggle.” “Pakawan” in Ilocano means “to cancel everything” and “pasaylo” in Cebuano means “to let it pass.” Also, it is a funny thing that Filipinos even import market words in their concept of the Divine and Holy. And as Dr. Florentino Hornedo, a noted authority in the hermeneutics of some Filipino words notes, the words “pagmamahal” and “pagmumura” are imported from a non-formal marketplace context.How shall we attempt to define the word ora’gon then? As mentioned earlier, there is no word in any other language that captures the exact meaning of this word. However, this word evolved, and is still evolving, from its very limited and exclusive use into its present heterogenous concept. And significantly, much unlike the Hegelian Absolute, it traverses a non-dialectical evolution.We have tried to show both the literal as well as the non-literal meaning of the word oragon. And yet the Bicolano is never known to employ this word in the literal sense. The Bicolano has succeeded in elevating this word to the abstract, and while coming up with inexact and awkward translations, he nonetheless retained at the same time its original genus and diferentia. No exact translation was offered but he himself nonetheless prepared the ground for hermeneutics to deconstruct or decontextualize, and subsequently, interpret the products of its linguistic speculation in a higher level of criteriological impetus.In this score alone, the Bicolano has already proved his being ora’gon.
