Among the many acts currently on the local scene, Sponge Cola has managed t… Read Full Bio ↴Among the many acts currently on the local scene, Sponge Cola has managed to rise above the college band clichΓ© and become a lasting and powerful force in the Philippine music industry.
Sponge Cola is comprised of Yael (vocals), Armo (guitar), Gosh(bass), and Chris (drums). Formed when its members were still in high school, the band quickly established itself and began playing gigs regularly at venues all over Metro Manila. In September of 2003, they celebrated their first independent release with the 5-track EP containing the songs, βLunesβ, βA Tearβ, βSaturnβ, βCigaretteβ, and βJeepney.β βLunesβ and βJeepneyβ, both written in Filipino, were released as singles and proved to be a hit with local audiences. Extensive radio airplay was instrumental in broadening the bandβs fan base across the nation.
In the last quarter of 2004, Sponge Cola signed a record distribution deal with Sony Music Philippines for the release of their full-length album, entitled βPalabasβ about the band membersβ theater backgrounds. The album showcases a definitive voice in unadulterated rock, reminiscent of the 90s alternative but laced with enough sing-along pop sensibility to appeal to a wider audience. It displays a seamless blend of the band membersβ varied influences while showcasing a refreshingly unique sound. The 14 original tracks contain traces of each band memberβs musical preference: Gosh grew up on classical Filipino balladeers from the likes of Basil Valdes and Martin Nievera; Armo lends to the rock edge, citing bands like Tool, Deftones, and A Perfect Circle as influences; Chris admits to being influenced by acts like the Beatles, Foo Fighters and Gin Blossoms; and Yael listens to everything from pop to 80s power ballads up to the new metal phenomenon of the late 90s.
Following the release of their album, Sponge Cola found even greater success, as evidenced by several noteworthy accomplishments. They won the βRising Sun Awardβ at the NU107 Rock Awards for successfully crossing over from the radio stationβs core audience to the wider pop audience. MTV dubbed the band their βRising Starβ for December 2004, and the first single off the album, βKLSPβ, was well-received by both radio and television audiences. The video for the single, which was released in early 2005, hit 1 on multiple MYX charts and stayed on the charts for several weeks. In late February, βPalabasβ became the first rock album ever released through a full distribution deal to hit gold in the Philippines.
After the success of βKLSP,β the band decided to take a much-needed break to concentrate on their studies, as they were about to go into their senior year at Ateneo de Manila University. However, they continued to be a visible presence on the gig circuit, playing venues in Metro Manila as well as in the provinces, such as Naga, Iloilo, and Palawan.
With the release of their second single, Sponge Cola continued to rise in the music industry. βGeminiβ was released simultaneously on radio stations and hit the 1 spot on 99.5 RT in just a day, a first for the station. A few days later, the song reached the top spot on 97.1 LSFM as well.
Sponge Cola found another hit single in βUna.β Released in early November, the song was well received by the bandβs fans and enjoyed extensive airplay on major radio stations. The video for the song, directed by Wincy Ong, reached number 1 on the MYX charts. Another recent triumph for the band was lead singer Yaelβs award for Best Male Rock Icon at the 2005 NU107 Rock Awards. In addition to this, Sponge Colaβs rendition of the Eraserheads classic, βPare Ko,β is featured on the tribute album celebrating one of OPMβs most influential acts. To cap off their successful year, Sponge Cola also had the honor of holding the No.1 spot on 99.5RTβs year-end countdown. Another radio station, RX93.1, chose Sponge Cola as their Indie Artist of the Year, proving that the bandβs accomplishments in 2005 did not go unrecognized.
As musicians who are not only working but were also pursuing their college degrees for some time, the members of Sponge Cola have inadvertently become role models for their younger fans. They have broken out of the mold of a traditional rock band by advocating clean living, hard work, and diligence. Bassist Gosh was an academic scholar, and, along with the other members, graduated with flying colors in March of 2006.
Just a few months after their graduation, they started recording songs for their sophomore album. After months of additional songwriting and recording, βTransit,β was ready to be released. By the first week of September 2006, the album was out in all the major record bars nationwide.
Transit proved to be a fitting title for the bandβs second album because not only did it capture the feel of the songs, but it also encapsulated the members' growth as individuals and musicians. With the young band members finally graduating from college and releasing their pivotal second album, the band suddenly had to adjust to a fairly new predicament. Transit captures the period of adjustment that the band members went through as it is in fact "the next step," a statement that implies transition, not stagnation.
Musically, the band has also matured over the years. With the two-year gap between their albums, there was a big leap in terms of musical direction, but at the same time, they maintained the essence that took them to the danceβsoaring vocals underscored by intense guitars and relentless rhythmic pounding. The added dimension of well-placed ambient layers of guitar and riff-based songwriting created a more diverse album. There was a different approach for each song, strengthening the identity of each track.
βBitiw,β their carrier single from Transit, has claimed the top spot of various radio stations all across the country. It was their fifth consecutive music video to skyrocket to the 1 position in the MYX hit chart and stayed there for a prolonged time, due to the acceptance of the Filipino people of their brand of music.
Other highlights in the album include the six-minute epic βThe Wanderingβ which pays tribute to the well-known TV series Lost; βMovie,β the band's current single which immortalizes the feeling of people in the βfriends zoneβ; βDo You Know The Feeling,β an 80s inspired stadium rock song; βNocturne,β a poignant piece that tackles insomnia and remembering of a past love.
For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/spongecola
https://www.instagram.com/sponge_cola/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFiniMD_UVBOyUf4r2JQ0Wg
https://twitter.com/SpongeColaPH
Sponge Cola is comprised of Yael (vocals), Armo (guitar), Gosh(bass), and Chris (drums). Formed when its members were still in high school, the band quickly established itself and began playing gigs regularly at venues all over Metro Manila. In September of 2003, they celebrated their first independent release with the 5-track EP containing the songs, βLunesβ, βA Tearβ, βSaturnβ, βCigaretteβ, and βJeepney.β βLunesβ and βJeepneyβ, both written in Filipino, were released as singles and proved to be a hit with local audiences. Extensive radio airplay was instrumental in broadening the bandβs fan base across the nation.
In the last quarter of 2004, Sponge Cola signed a record distribution deal with Sony Music Philippines for the release of their full-length album, entitled βPalabasβ about the band membersβ theater backgrounds. The album showcases a definitive voice in unadulterated rock, reminiscent of the 90s alternative but laced with enough sing-along pop sensibility to appeal to a wider audience. It displays a seamless blend of the band membersβ varied influences while showcasing a refreshingly unique sound. The 14 original tracks contain traces of each band memberβs musical preference: Gosh grew up on classical Filipino balladeers from the likes of Basil Valdes and Martin Nievera; Armo lends to the rock edge, citing bands like Tool, Deftones, and A Perfect Circle as influences; Chris admits to being influenced by acts like the Beatles, Foo Fighters and Gin Blossoms; and Yael listens to everything from pop to 80s power ballads up to the new metal phenomenon of the late 90s.
Following the release of their album, Sponge Cola found even greater success, as evidenced by several noteworthy accomplishments. They won the βRising Sun Awardβ at the NU107 Rock Awards for successfully crossing over from the radio stationβs core audience to the wider pop audience. MTV dubbed the band their βRising Starβ for December 2004, and the first single off the album, βKLSPβ, was well-received by both radio and television audiences. The video for the single, which was released in early 2005, hit 1 on multiple MYX charts and stayed on the charts for several weeks. In late February, βPalabasβ became the first rock album ever released through a full distribution deal to hit gold in the Philippines.
After the success of βKLSP,β the band decided to take a much-needed break to concentrate on their studies, as they were about to go into their senior year at Ateneo de Manila University. However, they continued to be a visible presence on the gig circuit, playing venues in Metro Manila as well as in the provinces, such as Naga, Iloilo, and Palawan.
With the release of their second single, Sponge Cola continued to rise in the music industry. βGeminiβ was released simultaneously on radio stations and hit the 1 spot on 99.5 RT in just a day, a first for the station. A few days later, the song reached the top spot on 97.1 LSFM as well.
Sponge Cola found another hit single in βUna.β Released in early November, the song was well received by the bandβs fans and enjoyed extensive airplay on major radio stations. The video for the song, directed by Wincy Ong, reached number 1 on the MYX charts. Another recent triumph for the band was lead singer Yaelβs award for Best Male Rock Icon at the 2005 NU107 Rock Awards. In addition to this, Sponge Colaβs rendition of the Eraserheads classic, βPare Ko,β is featured on the tribute album celebrating one of OPMβs most influential acts. To cap off their successful year, Sponge Cola also had the honor of holding the No.1 spot on 99.5RTβs year-end countdown. Another radio station, RX93.1, chose Sponge Cola as their Indie Artist of the Year, proving that the bandβs accomplishments in 2005 did not go unrecognized.
As musicians who are not only working but were also pursuing their college degrees for some time, the members of Sponge Cola have inadvertently become role models for their younger fans. They have broken out of the mold of a traditional rock band by advocating clean living, hard work, and diligence. Bassist Gosh was an academic scholar, and, along with the other members, graduated with flying colors in March of 2006.
Just a few months after their graduation, they started recording songs for their sophomore album. After months of additional songwriting and recording, βTransit,β was ready to be released. By the first week of September 2006, the album was out in all the major record bars nationwide.
Transit proved to be a fitting title for the bandβs second album because not only did it capture the feel of the songs, but it also encapsulated the members' growth as individuals and musicians. With the young band members finally graduating from college and releasing their pivotal second album, the band suddenly had to adjust to a fairly new predicament. Transit captures the period of adjustment that the band members went through as it is in fact "the next step," a statement that implies transition, not stagnation.
Musically, the band has also matured over the years. With the two-year gap between their albums, there was a big leap in terms of musical direction, but at the same time, they maintained the essence that took them to the danceβsoaring vocals underscored by intense guitars and relentless rhythmic pounding. The added dimension of well-placed ambient layers of guitar and riff-based songwriting created a more diverse album. There was a different approach for each song, strengthening the identity of each track.
βBitiw,β their carrier single from Transit, has claimed the top spot of various radio stations all across the country. It was their fifth consecutive music video to skyrocket to the 1 position in the MYX hit chart and stayed there for a prolonged time, due to the acceptance of the Filipino people of their brand of music.
Other highlights in the album include the six-minute epic βThe Wanderingβ which pays tribute to the well-known TV series Lost; βMovie,β the band's current single which immortalizes the feeling of people in the βfriends zoneβ; βDo You Know The Feeling,β an 80s inspired stadium rock song; βNocturne,β a poignant piece that tackles insomnia and remembering of a past love.
For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/spongecola
https://www.instagram.com/sponge_cola/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFiniMD_UVBOyUf4r2JQ0Wg
https://twitter.com/SpongeColaPH
Bitiw
Sponge Cola Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tama walang laglagan
At sama-samang hahanapin ang
Liwanag
At tayo'y magpapaalon sa isang daluyong
Na maghahatid sa atin
Sa isang mahabang panaginip
Di na hihinto whooh...
Chorus:
Wag kang Bibitiw Bigla
Wag kang Bibitiw Bigla
Higpitan lang ang yo'ng kapit maglalayag patungong langit
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na na. 2x
Teka kaya ba nati'n to?
Kung hindi ay aakayin ka't itatayo
Yun-yon kaya hanggang ngayon
Tuloy tuloy tuloy tuloy tuloy
Repeat Chorus: (1)
Wag kang Bibitiw Bigla
Pikit ang yo"ng mga mata
Hipitan lang yo'ng kapit
Maglalayag patungong langit
Ating Tinig
Ating Himig
Abot Langit
Heto na Tayo 2x
Repeat Chorus (1)
Repeat Chorus (2)
Ohh ohhh owohoohhh
At sama-samang hahanapin ang
Liwanag
At tayo'y magpapaalon sa isang daluyong
Sa isang mahabang panaginip
Di na hihinto whooh...
Chorus:
Wag kang Bibitiw Bigla
Wag kang Bibitiw Bigla
Higpitan lang ang yo'ng kapit maglalayag patungong langit
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na na. 2x
Teka kaya ba nati'n to?
Kung hindi ay aakayin ka't itatayo
Yun-yon kaya hanggang ngayon
Tuloy tuloy tuloy tuloy tuloy
Repeat Chorus: (1)
Wag kang Bibitiw Bigla
Pikit ang yo"ng mga mata
Hipitan lang yo'ng kapit
Maglalayag patungong langit
Ating Tinig
Ating Himig
Abot Langit
Heto na Tayo 2x
Repeat Chorus (1)
Repeat Chorus (2)
Ohh ohhh owohoohhh
The song "Bitiw" by Sponge Cola is a heartfelt plea to hold on to dreams and ride the waves of life together. The lyrics remind listeners to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and never give up because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. The lines "Tama walang laglagan, At sama-samang hahanapin ang Liwanag" suggest that the journey to hope and happiness is not an individual one but a collective effort where everyone should work towards achieving it in unity. The song's title "Bitiw" is a Filipino term that means "let go," but in this context, it signifies the opposite, that is, to hang on and not give up. The chorus "Wag kang Bibitiw Bigla, Higpitan lang ang yo'ng kapit, Maglalayag patungong langit" emphasizes the importance of holding on tight, persevering, and pushing forward to reach the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
Tama walang laglagan
Let's stick together and not leave anyone behind
At sama-samang hahanapin ang Liwanag
Together we will search for light, hope and a better future
At tayo'y magpapaalon sa isang daluyong
We will let ourselves be carried away by the waves of life
Na maghahatid sa atin sa isang mahabang panaginip
Which will take us to a long dream
Di na hihinto whooh...
One that will not stop
Wag kang Bibitiw Bigla
Don't let go suddenly
Higpitan lang ang yo'ng kapit maglalayag patungong langit
Hold on tight as we sail towards the sky
Teka kaya ba nati'n to?
Wait, can we really do this?
Kung hindi ay aakayin ka't itatayo
If not, we will lift you up and help you stand
Yun-yon kaya hanggang ngayon Tuloy tuloy tuloy tuloy tuloy
So let's continue, no matter what happens
Pikit ang yo'ng mga mata
Close your eyes
Ating Tinig Ating Himig Abot Langit Heto na Tayo 2x
Our voices, our music, reaching for the sky, here we are
Ohh ohhh owohoohhh
...
Contributed by Dominic G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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@mblames2747
Walang gadget days
Sinubukan ko rin umabang sa puso ng saging at magkaroon ng power.
@aldrinehizon5128
Pedro Penduko days
@CptDavis
Sunikat ang quekquek dahil dito hahaha
@johnlenardsoriano
Pedro Penduko days hays π’β€β¨
@castronathaniel1763
This song inspires me to pursue my dream in joining the Philippines army officer candidate course
@michaelangelo1456
The best talaga batang 90's
@zaldylumangaya8286
Super inggo
@yummy22ism1
na miss ko tuloy ung kulot pa c Matt Evans sa Pedro Penduko π
@5hans1995
Nostalgia tlaga <3
@jakesonkaze
im back listening to this song because of the new Penduko Trailer :) nostalgic