South Border is the Philippines’ premier Pop and R&B band formed in the 90s… Read Full Bio ↴South Border is the Philippines’ premier Pop and R&B band formed in the 90s and gained even recognition in the music scene in the 2000s.

Having undergone several permutations in its long career, South Border has nevertheless retained its unique sound and musical sensibility and has even moved up along the current global trends in music. Hence, retaining the top spot in their particular musical genre. Much credit goes to musical director and lead creative genius Jay Durias, the staunchest unifying force that has kept the band and its music alive and thriving.

The band, whose name is a tribute to their roots in Davao down south, first came into national prominence in 1996 when they launched their first self-titled album. It included a Jimmy Antiporda song entitled “May Pag-Ibig Pa Kaya’ which they interpreted in the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival earlier that year. Another song, “Kahit Kailan” was awarded 1996 Song of the Year by various radio stations, thus giving them their first big hit.

The following year, the album reached gold, then platinum. South Border was all set for their first major concert at the Araneta Coliseum. As expected, thousands of their new found fans trooped to fill the massive dome to the brim. Before the end of 1997, the exceptional talents of South Border was recognized by their peers in the industry when they bagged the most number of trophies at the 10th AwitAwards including Best Performance by a New Duo or Group, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Produced Record of the Year for their hit song, “Kahit Kailan”. By the end of 1997, their debut album has gone triple platinum and South Border was a certified star band.

Not long after that, in the midst of a flourishing career, South Border found itself in the eye of a storm which called for a conspicuous change in their lineup. Luke Mejares replaced Brix Ferraris on lead vocals. But despite discouraging forecasts, South Border got back on their feet in no time. In a rush of creative adrenaline, the band doubled their efforts to finish their second album called Bump! It featured “Sa ‘Yo” a haunting ballad that spoke of a heart’s yearning for a loved one and “Reborn,” South Border’s first attempt at recording an instrumental piece reminiscent of their early jazz influences. In 1999, South Border once again caught the critical eye and bagged a total of 12 Katha Music awards including Record of the Year, Best Pop Song, and Best R&B Song—all for “Sa ‘Yo”. The following year, the band released its first live recording which was well-received by their fans and drew rave reviews from critics. At the turn of the new millennium, the band once again made waves with the success of “Habang Atin ang Gabi” the theme song from La Vida Rosa a Rossana Roces-Diether Ocampo film. The lyrics were written by scriptwriter Armando Lao and the music was composed by Jay Durias, who considers this song to be one of his best compositions and arrangements to date.

The same song became the carrier single for their fourth album, The Way We Do released in 2001. In November of the same year, South Border staged their biggest major show at the 30,000-seater PSC Track and Field Oval. But in the final quarter of 2002, another surprise jolted South Border’s avid followers: the announcement that Luke was leaving the band to go solo. The search for his replacement was going to be another grueling task.

Having gone through another major change in their lead vocals lineup, the band scored a major win when they got not one but two astonishing vocal talents in Vince Alaras and Duncan Ramos. 26-year old Vince, was a member of La Salle’s Kundirana and was then known as “the boy who sounded like Brian McKnight". The younger Duncan on the other hand was a child prodigy — a singing and dancing wonder boy who often accompanied Gary Valenciano in his shows and tours allover the country.

The two new talents who danced as well as they sang, provided a fresh and youthful take on South Border which has since then came up with the current hits we all hear on the radio and even on television today. The biggest of which is perhaps “Rainbow” which first hit the airwaves in 2003 for the promotion of megastar Sharon Cuneta’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Crying Ladies. South Border’s music even dominated television with their song “Ikaw Nga” —the love theme from the phenomenal hit TV series Mulawin. In 2004, the band released their first album under their own independent label. Episode III was a gigantic commercial success that included hits “The Show” and “Brown Hand Smash” — two songs that gave the group an edgier, danceable R&B sound.

Non Stop
South Border Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Keep on goin′ non stop'
Keep on lovin′ non stop'

Rap:
Hear my voice
When i say you're my only choice
Breaking the heat bringing up the beat
You′re taking the blues away

You′re bringing me up this way
Givin' me life, showin′ me love and respect
Now what more can i ask for
And now i see the stars coming from
The sky
From my happy eyes
Future so bright and i can see the light
And there ain't no stopping at this point
Everybody goin′ up to a cool world
Don't stop
Keep on goin′ non stop'
Keep on goin' non stop′

Keep on goin′ non stop'
Keep on goin′ non stop'

Keep on goin′ non stop'
Keep on goin′ non stop'

Keep on goin' non stop′
Keep on goin′ non stop'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to South Border's song "Non Stop" are a call to keep moving forward in life, embracing love and positivity all along the way. The opening lines "Keep on goin' non stop', Keep on lovin' non stop'" urge the listener to persevere through life's ups and downs, all while maintaining a loving and optimistic attitude. The rap verse further emphasizes this message, with the rapper professing his devotion to his love interest and attributing his newfound happiness and joy to their relationship.

The song exudes a joyful, upbeat energy that is infectious and inspiring. Its lyrics are a reminder that no matter what challenges we face in life, we have the power to keep going and to do so with love in our hearts. The chorus serves as an anthem of sorts, encouraging listeners to continue on their own personal journeys with hope and determination.

Overall, "Non Stop" is a song that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. It offers a message of encouragement and positivity to all those who may need a little reminder to keep pushing forward in life.

Line by Line Meaning

Keep on goin′ non stop'
Continue on with unstoppable energy, persevering through any challenges and obstacles.

Keep on lovin′ non stop'
Continue to love, show affection, and give respect without any interruption.

Hear my voice
Listen to what I have to say, pay attention to my words.

When i say you're my only choice
I choose you above everything else, you are my top priority.

Breaking the heat bringing up the beat
Overcoming adversities and challenges, creating a rhythm and energy that lifts spirits and brings people together.

You're taking the blues away
You're removing sadness and depression from my life.

You're bringing me up this way
You're lifting me up, making me feel positive and optimistic.

Givin' me life, showin′ me love and respect
You're providing me with a sense of vitality and hope, demonstrating affection and honor for me.

Now what more can i ask for
I have everything I need, thanks to you.

And now i see the stars coming from the sky
I see beauty and wonder in my surroundings.

From my happy eyes
I am happy and content with what I see.

Future so bright and i can see the light
My future is promising and I can see the path to success.

And there ain't no stopping at this point
There are no obstacles that can prevent me from moving forward and succeeding.

Everybody goin′ up to a cool world
Everyone is moving towards a bright future filled with positivity and happiness.

Don't stop
Keep going, don't give up.

Keep on goin' non stop′
Continue on with unstoppable energy, persevering through any challenges and obstacles.

Writer(s): Jay Durias

Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.