Nearing the end of summertime in the Philippines, the peak of this season's adventure, amidst extreme temperatures, is just about to begin. What is a better 'cool down' activity than to be immersed into the serenading wave of OPMs during the hot season?
Indeed, Kalachuchi by Munimuni is a great song to escape the broiling weather, as it could quench the listeners’ thirst for the meaningful lyrics — even more satisfying if paired with a cold merienda.
Muni-muni is a Filipino indie folk band that released Kalachuchi as part of its first full-length album 'Kulayan Natin' last 2019. Kalachuchi lives up to the group's intent to speak for the realities of life and hopes for the future.
Much like the flower itself as its main subject, its white color with yellow petals is directly associated with the lyrics, as May is a perfect season to feel alive despite the hot weather.
As it weaves a tapestry of metaphors that rhythmically reflect the enduring beauty found amidst the depths of adversity, this captivating song stands as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's strength, providing solace and hope to anyone facing trials and tribulations of life.
𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘴𝘢 '𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘺
𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘣𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘺
𝘒𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘴𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘸
𝘚𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘪
𝘛𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘰
𝘕𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘵
𝘈𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘭𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘯
These touching lyrics convey a vital perspective celebrating life's beauty and the sun's transformational impact. Through the heat's gentle caress and delicate touch, the blossoms of life flourish amidst the play of light and scorching heat.
This is a reminder that humans possess an innate resilience ready to bloom in times of difficulty, even though uncertainty presents itself. Just like Kalachuchi, strength can be found, and beauty may radiate even in the presence of these challenges.
Before this, Kalachuchi became even more relevant when applied to the situations faced by hardworking individuals in their relentless pursuit of survival. While this season may be an extraordinary escapade for some, many could not escape the reality of life, even if their head is under the sun's scorching heat.
Often, it is not a single story; but thousands of it that comes in a variety.
Searing Sun, Unyielding Mother
Rosalyn Pacheco, a 45-year-old farmer from San Miguel, Bulacan, dedicated herself to farming, a livelihood she chose after realizing its potential to provide a stable income for her family for the past twenty years. Her agricultural pursuits encompass various crops, such as okra, eggplant, string beans, tomatoes, and chili peppers.
Tending to a plot of land measuring one hectare, she has grown accustomed to the daily obstacles inherent in her work. What was once daunting has become a testament to her unwavering resolve and adaptability.
When asked how she manages her work, especially during these intense and blazing days, she thinks about her children and their future. However, with the fluctuating vegetable prices impacting the market, their daily earnings put her character to the test.
But through perseverance, she has cultivated an inner strength that allows her to face and overcome these difficulties, while understanding that life's hardships are unpredictable, just as the kalachuchi's blossoms are not always in full bloom.
With this, the significance of her job as a farmer aligns perfectly with the song's message, as she endures the sun's heat to provide for her family's most challenging battles.
The intensity of the sun's rays may sear her skin, but the weight of her children's future eclipses any physical discomfort.
Ride to Survival, Beating the Heat
A comfortable life isn’t a choice everybody can afford, as reflected in the story of Marianito Arrocena, a 52-year-old driver at Calamba, Laguna, who shared his experiences in his line of work.
He has been on the road for almost 15 years as a part-time tricycle driver and is now a full-time PUV driver. Convenience and security for the travel of his passengers is his priority at work, and the same thing at home — for his family’s necessities and living.
According to him, the sun's unbearable heat is not a reason to stop working because when he asked to whom he was doing this work, he did not think twice to answer that it was for his family.
Rain or shine, he made it clear that he cannot stay lax at home and do nothing. And even if he has the free time to do so, he spends it mostly helping with the household chores.
Indeed, the shadows of determination to overcome life's struggles are more significant than the hassles of restless driving worsened by extreme weather conditions, much like what the song wanted to tell its listeners in the first place.
"Kalachuchi" is not just soothing music that illuminates a lyrical masterpiece; it also stands as a powerful anthem, reminding the listeners of the unbreakable spirit that resides within them.
Now, as they navigate the complexities of today's world, let the flower symbolize collective strength, inspiring people that no matter how challenging the circumstances, there is room to bloom, grow, and triumph even in the most challenging times.
Article: Lovely Camille Arrocena and George Ryan Tabada Graphics: Rick Andrei Carigma
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