Hastang of Yesteryears

Yesterday, after the tiresome yet exciting photo shoot (thanks, Mai!), I decided to relax and watch the finals for the SEA Games’ Men’s 9 Ball Pool (doubles) — Philippines vs. Vietnam.

Since the score was 3-8 (race to 11) in favor of the Philippines, I pretty much figured out where the game was going. Battling boredom (YanYan being out, I was in dire need of er, uhm, a good conversation), I switched on the radio in search of some new tunes.

I happened to turn the dial to 92.3 Killer Bee, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear the last chorus of our song “Random”. Apparently, I tuned in while Local Vocal (a program that features Filipino rock artists) was on. Good timing, I thought. As the last few notes faded, I heard Jack Stone (DJ) saying, “That was our very own Hastang, a non-mover this week…”

I had no idea what he was talking about — until he continued, “…staying at No. 10, Random”.

I literally jumped out of my seat and shouted, “HA!?!?!?”

I soon found out that the station holds a weekly countdown every Sunday at 7pm. Songs in the top 10 include rock acts all over the country, and it was with great surprise that I realized we had made it to the list. It was even more surprising to learn that “Random” had maintained its spot for the past few weeks.

I decided to call the station and talk to Jack (albeit off the air). I eagerly inquired about our song, asking when this amazing development occured. He retorted with, “Da! Dili man gud mo maminaw gud!” With tail between my legs, I sheepishly explained that I’ve been too busy with my job to listen to the radio (honest gyud ni).

After some small talk, Jack informed me that “Random” has been in the countdown for quite some time now. And — here’s more shocking news — it’s even made its way to the top 4 spot a couple of weeks ago.

Wow.

Pardon me for being overly excited. For me, hearing our song on the radio is already quite something. But hearing our song in a countdown is really something else. It’s a new feeling. To put it simply, mura kog na-ihas.

This really is a big achievement for us. We did not expect “Random” to get a lot of air time — the song being a demo version (it’s not the final mix that’s going to appear in the album). We gave a copy of the song to the station a few months back during a radio tour to promote Post No Bill. Jack graciously played it after our interview, but we did not expect to get any more than that.

So, let me just take this opportunity to thank Killer Bee for giving us some air time. And, we would also like to thank those who requested (requests are counted as votes) and voted for “Random”.

We apologize for this overdue thanks. We had no idea what was happening (until last night).

Salamat gyud kaayo. Thank you!

If you want to request “Random” at Killer Bee 92.3, simply text KB923 Your Message and send to 229901 (Sample message: KB923 Please play Random by Hastang). Your requests are counted as votes.

Salamat again. It’s a great honor.

makoy

PS: We’ve been getting a lot of requests for the lyrics of Random. I’ve been meaning to post it, and this is as good a time as any to do so. You may also listen to Random through this link.

Random
Lyrics by Julie Ann “YanYan” Redoble
Music and Arrangement by Hastang

I don’t have a name – at least not one you should know. Spare me the small talk, pretense is lost here tonight. Just savor this moment in the flickering light.

I don’t have a story – at least not one I can share. Don’t get to know me, just give me what I need. Sate yourself, take your fill, consume my greed.

[Chorus] In a random, fleeting moment, your body will fill mine, your touch will sate me. And in that one fleeting moment, perhaps the emptiness will cave in on its own.

I don’t have a reason – at least not one to be told. I’m here coz in the furnace, I still am cold. This is a fleeting tangle in a meaningless fold.

[Chorus] In a random, fleeting moment, your body will fill mine, your touch will sate me. And in that one fleeting moment, perhaps the emptiness will cave in on its own.

I don’t have regrets – at least not one you can see. A simple indulgence of this hunger in me. You are random, a release for the moment. One last kiss, leave now, end this torment…

[Chorus] In a random, fleeting moment, your body will fill mine, your touch will sate me. And in that one fleeting moment, perhaps the emptiness will cave in on its own.

Makoy is a voracious eater, an avid scuba diver, a photography enthusiast, a powerful singer, a self-confessed geek, and a passionate drummer. When he's not slaving in front of the computer or playing percussions for Hastang, he moonlights as a photo blogger in his Trick of Light.
©2008 Hastang.com | Read articles written by Makoy