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
Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay
Sponge Cola Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
...
Maghahasik ng kaligayahan
Bitawan mong unang salita
Ako ay handa nang tumapak sa lupa
...
Tapos na ang paghihintay nandito ka na't
...
Oras ay naiinip magdahan-dahan
...
Sinasamsam bawat gunita
Na para bang tayo'y di na tatanda
...
Ligaya mo'y nasa huli
...
Sambit na ng iyong mga labi
...
Parang isang panaginip
Ang muling mapagbigyan
...
Tayo'y muling magkasama
...
Ang dati ay balewala
...
Nagkita rin ang ating landas wala ng iba
...
Akong hinihiling kundi ika'y pagmasdan
...
Mundo ko ay yong niyanig
Oh anung ligayang ika'y sumama sa akin
...
Nais ko lang humimbing
...
Sa saliw ng iyong tinig
...
Parang isang panaginip
...
Ang muling mapagbigyan
...
Tayo'y muling magkasama
...
Ang dati ay baliwala
...
Panatag ang kalooban ko
At ika'y kapiling ko na
...
Oh kay tagal kitang hinintay Ligaya noo'y nasa huli
...
Sambit na ng iyong mga labi
...
Parang isang panaginip
Ang muling mapagbigyan
...
Tayo'y muling magkasama
...
Ang dati ay balewala
...
Ang dati ay balewala...
Parang isang panaginip
Ang muling mapagbigyan
...
Tayo'y muling magkasama
...
Ang dati ay baliwala
...
Panatag ang kalooban ko
At ika'y kapiling ko na
...
Kay tagal kitang hinintay
...
The song "Kaytagal Kitang Hinintay" by Sponge Cola is a ballad about the joy and relief of finally being reunited with a loved one after a long period of waiting. The opening lines set the tone, suggesting that the two lovers are finally ready to embrace happiness and let go of their past, indicated by the phrase "Bitawan mong unang salita" (let go of your first word). The singer declares that he is ready to move on and start a new chapter of his life, "Ako ay handa nang tumapak sa lupa," and rejoices that the waiting is finally over, "Tapos na ang paghihintay nandito ka na't."
Throughout the song, the singer is overwhelmed with the memories, emotions, and sensations of being reunited with his love, "Sinasamsam bawat gunita, Na para bang tayo'y di na tatanda, Ligaya mo'y nasa huli." The happiness and contentment he feels, symbolized by the comforting phrase "Panatag ang kalooban ko, At ika'y kapiling ko na" (My heart is now at peace because you're with me), are almost too much to bear, "Ang mundo ko ay yong niyanig, Oh anung ligayang ika'y sumama sa akin." He is just grateful that his dream came true, "Nais ko lang humimbing, Sa saliw ng iyong tinig" (I just want to fall asleep to the sound of your voice), and that he and his love are together again, "Kay tagal kitang hinintay, Tayo'y muling magkasama, Ang dati ay baliwala."
The song is an ode to undying love and the joy that comes from the perseverance of two people who truly belong together. It captures the hope and anticipation of a love that has been waiting for its chance to flourish. It reminds listeners that time can be a potent force, but it can't conquer a love that is meant to be.
Line by Line Meaning
Hawakan mo ang aking kamay at tayong dalawa'y maghahasik ng kaligayahan
Hold my hand and together, we will spread happiness
Bitawan mong unang salita
Let go of your first word
Ako ay handa nang tumapak sa lupa
I am ready to step on the ground
Tapos na ang paghihintay nandito ka na't
The waiting is over, you are here now
Oras ay naiinip magdahan-dahan
Time is getting bored, it moves slowly
Sinasamsam bawat gunita na para bang tayo'y di na tatanda, Ligaya mo'y nasa huli
We keep every memory, as if we will never grow old, your happiness is at the end
Sambit na ng iyong mga labi, parang isang panaginip
Your lips utter words, like it's a dream
Ang muling mapagbigyan
The second chance is given
Tayo'y muling magkasama, ang dati ay balewala
We are together again, the past is meaningless
Nagkita rin ang ating landas wala ng iba, akong hinihiling kundi ika'y pagmasdan
Our paths crossed again, no one else is around, all I'm asking is for you to look at me
Mundo ko ay yong niyanig, oh anung ligayang ika'y sumama sa akin, nais ko lang humimbing
You shook my world, what a joy it is to have you with me, I just want to sleep
Sa saliw ng iyong tinig, parang isang panaginip
In the sound of your voice, it's like a dream
Panatag ang kalooban ko, at ika'y kapiling ko na
My heart is at ease, and you are with me now
Kay tagal kitang hinintay, Ligaya noo'y nasa huli
I have waited for you for so long, happiness is at the end
Sambit na ng iyong mga labi, parang isang panaginip
Your lips utter words, like it's a dream
Ang muling mapagbigyan
The second chance is given
Tayo'y muling magkasama, ang dati ay baliwala
We are together again, the past is meaningless
Panatag ang kalooban ko, at ika'y kapiling ko na
My heart is at ease, and you are with me now
Ang dati ay balewala...
The past is meaningless...
Parang isang panaginip, ang muling mapagbigyan
Like it's a dream, the second chance is given
Tayo'y muling magkasama, ang dati ay baliwala
We are together again, the past is meaningless
Panatag ang kalooban ko, at ika'y kapiling ko na
My heart is at ease, and you are with me now
Kay tagal kitang hinintay
I waited for you for so long
Contributed by Jordyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@preciousligaya5540
Who's here after kantahin ni Yael at K sa Showtime kanina?😍
@jhuzchea6403
Oo din hinahanap Ko agad😊
@user-qh5um2fq7n
Same same
@KristineLicudan
same😊
@ktagaunsod
Same😍
@glorifelbasuel6680
Me
@T-War920
Nang dahil sa showtime nandito ako😁 Congrats Yael & Karylle for 10years anniv.❤
@ChristineReyes-tn3yq
With his beautiful voice, Kinanta ni Yael ang kanta na ito kanina, with the second voice of her wife niya na si Karylle. Na in love na ako sa kanta na ito. Di ako fan ng band na ito, but now??? Hai! Pinapakinggan ko na.
@dennistan3813
Ito yung kanta ko lagi sa anak ko noong nasa tiyan pa sya pag malikot kinakanta ko to saka sya nanahimik at Ang nakakatuwa hanggang ngayon 3yrs old na sya ito yung pang patulog nya twing kinakanta ko talagang nakakatulog sya naalala nya sguro pamilyar sa kanya yung kanta ❤️🤍
@Ate02
O kaybtagal kitang hinintay..🤗🤗🤗