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, “Lunes”, “A Tear”, “Saturn”, “Cigarette”, and “Jeepney.” “Lunes” and “Jeepney”, 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 band’s 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 “Palabas” about the band members’ 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 members’ varied influences while showcasing a refreshingly unique sound. The 14 original tracks contain traces of each band member’s 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 “Rising Sun Award” at the NU107 Rock Awards for successfully crossing over from the radio station’s core audience to the wider pop audience. MTV dubbed the band their “Rising Star” for December 2004, and the first single off the album, “KLSP”, 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, “Palabas” became the first rock album ever released through a full distribution deal to hit gold in the Philippines.
After the success of “KLSP,” 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. “Gemini” 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 “Una.” Released in early November, the song was well received by the band’s 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 Yael’s award for Best Male Rock Icon at the 2005 NU107 Rock Awards. In addition to this, Sponge Cola’s rendition of the Eraserheads classic, “Pare Ko,” is featured on the tribute album celebrating one of OPM’s most influential acts. To cap off their successful year, Sponge Cola also had the honor of holding the No.1 spot on 99.5RT’s year-end countdown. Another radio station, RX93.1, chose Sponge Cola as their Indie Artist of the Year, proving that the band’s 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, “Transit,” 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 band’s 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 dance—soaring 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.
“Bitiw,” 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 “The Wandering” which pays tribute to the well-known TV series Lost; “Movie,” the band's current single which immortalizes the feeling of people in the “friends zone”; “Do You Know The Feeling,” an 80s inspired stadium rock song; “Nocturne,” 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
Coda
Sponge Cola Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Akin lamang napag-alaman
Wala ang tindi ng poot at 'yong galit
Kung wala ring mababalikan
Bakit hindi kita mapigil
At magawang kita'y habulin
Hindi makakibo't
Di magalaw
Hanggang tingin na lamang ang akin
Hanggang maglaho sa abot tanaw
Hidwaan nati'y mananatili
Sayo ba'y merong katuturan
Di na batid na tatalikdan
Ang hinagap nating sumpaan
Hahantong din pala ang lahat
Sa kabiguan
Oh
Bakit hindi kita mapigil
At magawang kita'y habulin
Hindi makakibot
Paa'y kapwa aking
Di magalaw
Bakit hindi kita masisi
Pagiging tama o mali anong silbi
Kung tayo rin (kung tayo rin)
Mawawaglit (mawawaglit)
Anong saysay
Kung tayo rin mawawaglit
Anong saysay
The lyrics of the song "Coda" by Sponge Cola tell a story of a relationship that has come to an end. The singer expresses regret for not realizing the intensity of the anger and resentment that has built up, as well as the fact that there is no way to turn back time. The song reflects on the inability to stop oneself from pursuing the person who has already moved on, and the pain of realizing that everything will ultimately lead to disappointment.
The chorus focuses on the confusion and frustration of not being able to control one's emotions and actions. The singer questions the purpose and significance of their relationship if they are destined to be forgotten and left behind. The repetition of the phrase "Bakit hindi kita mapigil, At magawang kita'y habulin" (Why can't I stop you and chase after you) emphasizes the desperation and longing felt by the singer.
Overall, the lyrics of "Coda" capture the complexities and heartbreak that come with the end of a relationship. It reflects on the emotions of regret, longing, and confusion that often accompany the process of moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
Sayang giliw ito ang sinapit
Regret my love, this is what happened
Akin lamang napag-alaman
I just found out
Wala ang tindi ng poot at 'yong galit
There's no intensity of anger and resentment
Kung wala ring mababalikan
If there's nothing to go back to
Bakit hindi kita mapigil
Why can't I stop you?
At magawang kita'y habulin
And make chase after you
Hindi makakibo't Paa'y kapwa aking
Unable to move, our feet are mine alike
Di magalaw
Cannot be moved
Hanggang tingin na lamang ang akin
Only until I can gaze upon you
Hanggang maglaho sa abot tanaw
Until it disappears from sight
Hidwaan nati'y mananatili
Our conflicts will remain
Sayo ba'y merong katututan
Do you have any meaning?
Di na batid na tatalikdan
Unaware that it will be forsaken
Ang hinagap nating sumpaan
The future we promised
Hahantong din pala ang lahat
Everything will eventually lead
Sa kabiguan
To failure
Bakit hindi kita mapigil
Why can't I stop you?
At magawang kita'y habulin
And make chase after you
Hindi makakibot Paa'y kapwa aking
Unable to move, our feet are mine alike
Di magalaw
Cannot be moved
Bakit hindi kita masisi
Why can't I blame you?
Pagiging tama o mali anong silbi
Being right or wrong, what's the use?
Kung tayo rin (kung tayo rin)
If we too (if we too)
Mawawaglit (mawawaglit)
Will perish (will perish)
Anong saysay
What's the point?
Kung tayo rin mawawaglit
If we too will perish
Anong saysay
What's the point?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Von Ryan Candelario
Sayang giliw ito ang sinapit
Akin lamang napag-alaman
Wala ang tindi ng poot at ‘yong galit
Kung wala rin mababalikan
Bakit hindi kita mapigil
At magawang kita’y habulin
Hindi makakibot paa’y kapwa akin
‘Di magalaw
Hanggang tingin na lamang ang akin
Hanggang maglaho sa abot tanaw
Hidwaan natin mananatili
Sa iyo ba’y mayroong katuturan?
‘Di na batid at tatalikdan
Ang hinagap nating sumpaan
Hahantong din pala ang lahat sa kabiguan
[instrumental]
Bakit hindi kita mapigil
At magawang kita’y habulin
Hindi makakibot paa’y kapwa akin
‘Di magalaw
Bakit hindi kita masisi
Pagiging tama o mali anong silbi
Kung tayo rin mawawaglit
Anong saysay
Kung tayo rin mawawaglit
Anong saysay
𝖓𝖊𝖎𝖑.
Inlove with this song <3 Yael's voice is <3 The lyrics tho <3
Pinoy Daily life
Since first day na lumabas ang sponge cola gusto ko na agad sila as band,napaka gifted ng bandang to,ito dapat yung bandang sinusuportahan bukod sa iba pang banda na malulupet,salute sa spongel cola,gaganda ng mga songs nyo mga idol,yael yuzon isa kang alamat ang lupet mong bokalista.mapa recording o live di nagbabago boses mo. Gawa pa kayo ng maraming kanta marami kaming sumusuporta sa inyo.
최배나
This song will instantly make you ask why it turned out that way. Tears fell down while watching this video and listening to the song. Another heartbreaking song from Sponge Cola.
ACSTLO
its 2021 And this is still one of my favorite songs.
Samuel louis Cornal
Tol, meron kang magandang panlasa sa musika. 😎👍
kyzier Ririko
2022 na ng pebrero hahahahah
Arki Dudz
its 2022,and still,my fave song.
Terence Caronan
Johnny Wrestling??
Joe Black
NIce one Sponge cola! The sound reminds me of their Transit album, one of their best albums ever.
Lea Tinoso
When your favorite actress starred in your favorite OPM band’s music video. The feels!!! ❤️❤️❤️