One Bed, No Boundaries

Kabanata 10

FLASHBACK (college days) : RYEN

“Ano nanaman bang naisipan niyo at nandito nanaman kayo?” Taas kilay na tanong ni Saraiah sa amin.

“Sus, kunwari ka pa e pabor naman sayo.” Biro ko habang tumatawa.

Nasa rooftop kami ngayon at tinatanaw lang ang city lights.

“Paabot nga yung gitara.” Sambit ni Davian kaya agad namang inabot ni Achilles.

"Harana" by Parokya ni Edgar is one of the most iconic love songs in Filipino music. Isa ito sa mga kanta na kahit ilang dekada na ang lumipas, nananatili pa ring buhay sa puso ng maraming tao. Released noong late 90s, this song became popular not just because of the band’s fame, but because it carried a message that spoke to the hearts of many Filipinos. The title “Harana” itself means serenade, an old tradition where a man sings outside a woman's house to express his love. Sa panahon ngayon na puro text, DM, at chat na lang ang panliligaw, this song reminds us of the value of effort, sincerity, and old-fashioned romance.

The lyrics of “Harana” are written in simple, everyday Tagalog, pero sobrang rich sa meaning. From the first line, “Uso pa ba ang harana?”, the listener is immediately drawn in. It’s a gentle question, asking if people still believe in the beauty of serenading. Para bang naglalakas-loob ang isang lalaki na muling bumalik sa simpleng paraan ng pagpapakita ng pagmamahal. In just that one question, you can feel the mix of nervousness and hope in his voice.

The whole song is full of lines na relatable at punong-puno ng damdamin. Isa sa mga pinaka-matinding linya ay: “Sa iyong tingin ako’y nahuhulog din” and it’s a simple way of saying, “When you look at me, I feel like I’m falling for you too.” Napakasimple pero tagos sa puso. The lyrics are not flowery or complicated, but that’s what makes them feel authentic and real.

The meaning and message of this song go deeper than just romantic feelings. It’s about a man who’s not afraid to look “old-school” or even mapahiya, just to express his love.

Iniimagine natin ‘yung eksena, isang lalaki, dala ang gitara, kumakanta sa labas ng bahay ng babaeng gusto niya. Even if people laugh at him or say that harana is outdated, he still does it because that’s how sincere his heart is.

Parang sinasabi niya, “I may not have fancy words or big gestures, but this is real.” It shows na minsan, love is not about being perfect, it's about being honest, willing to try, and brave enough to be vulnerable.

Sa panahon ngayon ay mas maraming babae na mas gusto ang hinaharana kaysa sa mga nauuso ngayon.

“Iba pa rin talaga kapag hinaharana ‘no?” Natatawang sambit ni Annaya.

“Oo, nandon pa rin yung full time experience at talagang mararamdaman mo na totoo, na hindi lang basta kumakanta.” Sambit ko habang naka ngiti at naka tingin kay Davian.

When it comes to the melody and harmony, “Harana” is calm and peaceful. The soft strumming of the acoustic guitar gives it a warm and romantic feel. Hindi siya yung type ng melody na agad catchy, pero habang tumatagal, lalong lumalalim ang impact sa'yo.

The melody slowly rises when the chorus comes in, bringing more emotion and intensity. Walang masyadong harmony or layering, pero sakto lang, it keeps the raw, emotional tone of the song intact. You don’t get distracted by fancy instruments or effects. Instead, you focus on the voice and the message.

The rhythm and beat are gentle and slow-paced. It’s not meant for dancing, it’s meant for listening, for feeling every word. The beat is simple and steady, which matches the mood of a night-time harana.

Parang iniimbitahan ka ng kanta na umupo sa veranda, mag-relax, at magmuni-muni habang iniisip ang taong mahal mo. The slow rhythm also reflects the sincerity of the man singing, hindi siya nagmamadali, hindi siya nagpapa-impress, he just wants to be heard.

When it comes to instrumentation and arrangement, the song is very minimal, which works beautifully in its favor. The acoustic guitar is the heart of the entire track. Wala kang maririnig na electronic beats, flashy drums, o auto-tune, just a man and his guitar.

This choice of simple instrumentation adds to the intimacy of the song. It feels like the singer is really standing in front of you, with no distractions, just his voice and feelings. The arrangement is designed to highlight the vocals, making the emotions more raw and real.

In terms of originality and creativity, “Harana” stands out because it successfully brought back an old Filipino tradition and made it relevant again.

At a time when most songs were about breakups or modern-style love, this song reminded everyone about the value of effort, old-school ligaw, and respect. Parokya ni Edgar managed to combine humor, sincerity, and cultural identity all in one song. It’s creative in the way it doesn't try to be fancy, it stays grounded, relatable, and emotional.

The impact and replay value of “Harana” is very strong. This is the kind of song na kahit anong generation ka, maiintindihan at mararamdaman mo.

If you’re in love, it will make you want to serenade someone. If you’re heartbroken, you’ll feel comforted. And if you’re single, you’ll hope for a love that’s as honest and gentle as the one in the song.

Isa ito sa mga kanta na paulit-ulit mong babalikan because it doesn’t get old. The story, the melody, and the feeling will stay with you for a long time.

“Grabe, ang ganda talaga.” Tumatawang sambit ni Saraiah. Naka ilang kanta pa sila bago tumigil at mag sibaba na sa ibaba para kumain.

Ang naiwan nalang ay ako at si Davian. “Hindi ka pa ba bababa?” Tanong ko.

“Hintayin na kita.” Naka ngiti niyang sambit.

“Bakit wala ka pa rin pinapakilala sakin ha?” Taas kilay kong sambit at bahagya siyang niloloko.

“Wala pa akong interes sa ganiyan, at saka alam mo naman busy pa sa studies.” Kibit balikat niyang sambit.

“What if tayo nalang?” Tumatawa kong sambit at bakas sakanya ang pag kagulat.

“Huh?” Takang tanong niya.

“Pag nag 30 tayo at wala pa rin tayong partner, tayo nalang.” Naka ngisi kong sambit.

Nung una ay biro lang ngunit hindi ko sukat akalain na papayag siya.

“Okay.” Tumatawang sambit niya.

“Seryoso ka ayos lang sayo?” Tanong ko.

“Oo naman, bakit hindi? Ikaw na yan e.” Biro niya pa na mas ikinatawa ko.

“Saka mag kaibigan naman tayo. For sure ay kilala na natin ang isa’t isa ng lubusan kaya hindi na tayo mahihirapan pa.” Biro niya.

“Amats ka talaga ‘no?” Reklamo ko at bahagya siyang hinampas sa kaniyang braso.

“Ano bang naisipan mo at bigla kang nag aya ng ganiyan?” Tanong niya.

“Wala lang, napa isip lang ako. Ayoko naman maging single hanggang sa mamatay.” Tumatawa kong sambit.

“E bakit ka pumayag?” Takang tanong ko.

“Okay lang naman sa akin. Ayoko rin maging single hanggang sa tumanda.” Biro niya na ikinangiti ko.

“Promise yan ha?” Taas kilay kong sambit kaya tumango siya.

“Pinky promise?” Tanong ko.

“Pinky promise.” Naka ngiting sambit ni Davian.

“Ano ba kasing naisipan mo?” Tanonng niya pa.

“Hindi ko rin alam. Kusa lang lumabas sa bibig ko, biro lang dapat kaso pumayag ka.” Depensa ko.

“Kaya mo sineryoso?” Tumatawa niyang sambit.

Napanguso ako at tumango. “Oo, pumayag ka naman e.” Tumatawa kong sambit.

“Huy! Mamaya na yan! Mag hahapunan na!” Sigaw ni Saraiah sa may pinto dahilan para mapalingon kami sakanya.

“Oo na. Bababa na kami.” Sambit ko habang tumatawa.

“Tara na, baka awayin na ako ng dalawang babae na yun.” Sambit ko at inaya na si Davian bumaba.

Nang maka baba na kami ay handa na ang pag akin at kaming dalawa nalang ang kulang.

“Ang tagal niyo, ano ba pinag uusapan niyo sa taas huh” Tanong ni Annaya habang naka mewang at naka taas ang kanang kilay.

“Wala, nag palipas lang.” Sambit ko at saka umupo na sa pwesto ko.