Words: 579

Rivera, Gio Treb V. October 12, 2019

BSMT2D
“Masdan mo and kapaligiran”
A Song Analysis

“Wala ka bang napapansin sa iyong mga kapaligiran?” It is a simple question, yet it made us
realize the extent of our awareness towards environment around us. It is also the first line of the song,
Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran, performed by Filipino folk-rock group Asin in 1978. Us Filipinos are
known for such qualities that make rise above the others. We exhibit different ideal qualities embodied
with a sense of nationalism and love of the country that makes us unique. Together with rich culture
and our faith, we contribute to each other’s growth as well as the nation’s development.

The song reflects the whole Filipino culture. It is our nature that we care for our country and
fight for our rights. Focusing on the song, technological advancement and Economic development were
slightly implied in the line “Hindi nga masama ang pag-unlad at malayu-layo na rin ang ating
narrating”. We can say that the life of Filipinos was fine and at ease. However, the song revealed the
bad side and what is truly happening in the environment.

Looking at the political side during the bagong lipunan era of Marcos regime, different
environmental issues like air and water pollution, as mentioned in the line “Ngunit masdan mo ang
tubig sa dagat, Dati'y kulay asul, ngayo'y naging itim” and the line “Ang mga duming ating ikinalat sa
hangin, Sa langit, 'wag na nating paabutin” were revealed. It urged both the Philippine government and
the private sector to adopt sustainable and green policies that will help the environment.

Filipinos are truly loving and caring for their family. The song mentioned in the line “Ang mga
batang ngayon lang isinilang, May hangin pa kayang matitikman” and the line “May mga puno pa kaya
silang aakyatin, May mga ilog pa kayang lalanguyan”. Even though we face a lot of problems,
regardless if its environmental, we remain strong and family oriented by maintaining the inculcated
Filipino values.

Expression of faith and values were also present in the song. It was mentioned in the line “Lahat
ng bagay na narito sa lupa, Biyayang galing sa Diyos kahit no'ng ika'y wala pa” and in the line “Ingatan
natin at 'wag nang sirain pa, 'Pagkat 'pag Kanyang binawi, tayo'y mawawala na”. The Philippines
proudly boasts to be a religious country. Well in fact, it is truly helpful that we have a strong faith. Our
faith guides us and makes us strong to fight challenges that leads to a better life.

On my own interpretation, it is good that Filipinos are humble enough to accept consequences.
Values affect their personality. But for me, there is a negative message in the song. The line “Mayro'n
lang akong hinihiling, Sa aking pagpanaw, sana ay tag-ulan” and “Gitara ko ay aking dadalhin, Upang
sa ulap na lang tayo magkantahan”. It implies a negative meaning and impression. The narrator chooses
not to be in heaven and just to be in the clouds because of the destructions that are happening in the
environment. The line expresses surrender or giving up. Filipinos are known to be strong, but we have
different personalities. Negative personalities like giving up easily must not be tolerated.

As a NSTP Student and citizen of this nation, we are responsible to one another. We must
advocate personal growth as well as nation’s development. It is good to raise awareness on the different
problems faces by our county. We should not focus on the problem but focus on how to solve it.