The Popular Manila Sound band "Hotdogs" sang this song with gusto! Its catchy melody caught everyone's attention in the 70s that you hear this song hummed, sang by any Tom, Dick and Harry during this glorious OPM era.
"Hinahanap, hanap kita Manila.
Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga
Mga Jeepney mong nagliliparan
Mga babae mong nag gagandahan
Take me back in your arms Manila
And promise me you'll never let go!"
Undoubtedly, the song emulates the burning love for country in spite of its backwardness.
Almost 30 years after, though, the question is: Can we still sing the above song and mean it?
Can we truly say that we remain steadfast in this belief after the recent spate of violence that took the lives of innocent beings? Can we hold our heads up high when soldiers die in miserable conditions while generals allegedly gift themselves in millions of pesos when they retire? Can we be truly proud to be a Filipino when people die of hunger in the streets?
I wince at the thought of the above, but for some strange reason, I still prefer to live here, amidst the turbulence and chaos. So help me God.
