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
Di Na Mababawi
Sponge Cola Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mga pagkukulang kong iyong ginigiit
Sana'y malaman mo na tanging ikaw lamang
Ang aking iniintindi
Nakatanim pa sa'king ala-ala
Pangako mong mananatili ka
Kaya't paglisan mo'y naiwan ang pusong ito
'Di mo na mababawi iniwang sakit
Sa mga salitang binitiwan mo
Hindi ba't ikaw na rin ang nagpasya nagtakda
At siyang unang umiwas
Bakit nga ba ako 'yong pinaasa
Nasa 'king guniguni malamig mong tinig
Kasabay ng hangin na dumarampi
Na para bang ika'y nariyan sa aking paligid
Tahimik na nagmamasid
'Di mo na mababawing iniwang sakit
Sa mga salitang binitiwan mo
Hindi ba't ikaw na rin ang nagpasya nagtakda
At siyang unang umiwas
Bakit nga ba ako 'yong pinaasa
Nahulog na'ng mga ulap buwan at araw mga bituin
Ang ginugol na panaho'y nasaan (panaho'y nasaan)
'Di ba't sayang naman ('di ba't sayang naman)
Giliw yeah
Ngunit di mo na mababawing iniwang sakit
Sa mga salitang binitiwan mo
Hindi ba't ikaw na rin ang nagpasya nagtakda
At siyang unang umiwas
Bakit nga ba ako 'yong pinaasa
Bakit nga ba ako 'yong pinaasa
The song "Di Na Mababawi" by Sponge Cola is a gut-wrenching ballad about heartbreak and trying to move on from a past relationship. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is still holding onto the memories of their former love, despite the pain and hurt that was inflicted upon them. The singer reflects on their shortcomings that their significant other constantly reminded them of, hoping that they would understand that they only ever had eyes for them.
The chorus speaks to the frustration of feeling like they were led on and led astray by their ex. The singer can't help but wonder why they were the one who was left with a broken heart, even though it was their former partner who made the decision to end things. They are still haunted by memories of their love, with even the wind reminding them of their past relationship.
Overall, this song speaks to anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak and the challenge of moving on. It emphasizes the pain that comes with feeling like you were strung along, while trying to come to terms with the fact that the love you thought was forever is now over.
Line by Line Meaning
Ngayo'y aking inuunawang pilit
I am now trying to understand my shortcomings that you persistently remind me of
Mga pagkukulang kong iyong ginigiit
Those deficiencies that you keep pointing out in me
Sana'y malaman mo na tanging ikaw lamang
I hope you know that it's only you whom I am concerned about
Ang aking iniintindi
My sole focus is on you
Nakatanim pa sa'king ala-ala
It's still planted in my memory
Pangako mong mananatili ka
The promise you made to stay
Kaya't paglisan mo'y naiwan ang pusong ito
So when you left, this heart was left hanging
Na ngayo'y bitin na bitin
Now it's left incomplete
'Di mo na mababawi iniwang sakit
You can't undo the pain you've caused me
Sa mga salitang binitiwan mo
With the words that you let go of
Hindi ba't ikaw na rin ang nagpasya nagtakda
Aren't you the one who made the decision
At siyang unang umiwas
And the first one to back away
Bakit nga ba ako 'yong pinaasa
Why did you lead me on?
Nasa 'king guniguni malamig mong tinig
Your cold voice is always on my mind
Kasabay ng hangin na dumarampi
Along with the breeze that blows
Na para bang ika'y nariyan sa aking paligid
As if you're still here with me
Tahimik na nagmamasid
Silently observing
Nahulog na'ng mga ulap buwan at araw mga bituin
The clouds, moon, sun, and stars have fallen
Ang ginugol na panaho'y nasaan (panaho'y nasaan)
Where has all the time invested gone?
'Di ba't sayang naman ('di ba't sayang naman)
Isn't it a waste?
Giliw yeah
My love yeah
Ngunit di mo na mababawing iniwang sakit
But you can no longer erase the pain you left behind
Sa mga salitang binitiwan mo
With the words that you let go of
Hindi ba't ikaw na rin ang nagpasya nagtakda
Aren't you the one who made the decision
At siyang unang umiwas
And the first one to back away
Bakit nga ba ako 'yong pinaasa
Why did you lead me on?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dandan1820
January 2024 anyone? Good old days. Highschool ako nung sumikat ang kantang to. Ang bilis ng panahon now i'm 28 yrs old. Ang sarap bumalik sa nakaraan at itama ang mga naging maling desisyon sa buhay.
@michaelaserrano2495
Sarap bumalik sa nakaraan sobrang nakakamis sino gusto sumama 😊
@yomiseno
Ilang linggo palang tayo o, tatlo palang. Mag one month pa nga lang ata e. Buti narealize narin agad at sana, umalis ka na. Gusto ko mapagisa at mahanap. Makita, para sakin. Di ikaw yun. Alam ko sa sarili ko.
@9gene406
iwan m nayan teh
@owenfrancisreyes7735
Kung Ako di Kita gaganunin
@rolandlabrador1745
relate
@jezreeleroles3790
Sakit
@shinseoulgii9700
Sakit tngina
@peshiii97
Eto yung kanta na naging dahilan kung bakit nag aral ako mag gitara. Nakakamiss alalahanin at balikan yung mga araw na hirap na hirap pa akong mag bar chords. Ang bilis ng panahon, ang sarap maging bata ulit.
@johannageollegue2802
Sara all