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Music
OPM
Love Song

The Unconventional Lyricism of Bita and the Botflies

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James Ryan Pacleb
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December 3, 2022
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The Beginning of OPM and Saturation of Filipino Love Song

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OPM was established in the 70s and 80s as a successor to the 'Manila Sound era. This was the era when disco music was known. An example of this was VST & Company, widely known for their song 'Aawitin Ko, Isasayaw Mo.' It was used by Philippine pop ballads during that time. Eventually, it became a catch-all term for music produced by Filipinos. Ultimately, Filipino music evolved through time, and it is known that Filipinos are expressive, that we can see romantic nature without culture. This is where the  Kundiman culture comes into play  that surrounds the infatuation of people back then. In connection with this, love songs in the OPM genre are now widely saturating the music scene, and music enthusiasts are looking for something new in the music industry. 

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Who is Bita and the Botflies?

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Bita and the Botflies is an Indie band formed in 2016 with their original name Adobo Toothpaste. They are composed of members Sofy Aldeguer (vocals), Kevin Novenario-Navia (guitar), Cyron Rizon (bass), and Mark Lincallo (Drums). But, who is Bita? And what exactly is a Botfly? In essence, Bita is another name for Sofy, while botfly is a parasite that can grow into human flesh. Thus, this band gives off a dark and mysterious vibe of music which prompted their popularity in the OPM scene. 

SOURCE: Bita and the Botflies / Facebook

SOURCE: Bita and the Botflies - Tagu - Taguan (Official Lyric  Video) / YouTube

With clever lyrics such that goes,  "Sabi mo naman, magkita tayo, alas-12, 'sang kalye sa Cubao, sandali na lang, naghahanap lang ng tiyempo, Sa kanyang himbing, i-eskapo.”  in their song entitled Tagu-Taguan. Remember the classic childhood game tagu-taguan?  It is not the  same childhood game for them  as evident in their lyricism. According to Sofy Aldeguer, the main vocalist,  along with her band, the song tells a story about betrayal, flashbacks, and some eventful tales. Partnered with a beautiful groove, and intricate  vocals, the storytelling is bang for the buck.

SOURCE:  Bita and the Botflies - Manghuhula (Official Lyric Video) / YouTube

Meanwhile, an excerpt of lyrics from their song entitled Manghuhula as the lyrics of the song reads: "'Di ako gagalaw, kung 'di ka kikibo, hindi ko isisigaw, kung ‘di mo ibubulong, ‘di naman ako manghuhula." Both of these songs tackles disdain love, and failed romances.

SOURCE: Bita and the Botflies - Sisikat Ka Iha (Official Music Video) / YouTube

Exploring their lyricism, their songs also tackles more darker and serious social issues such as prostitution, objectification of women in the entertainment industry   which was evident in their song, Sisikat ka Iha. The lyrics follows as: ‘"Halika na, maraming nakapila, sundin mo lang ano'ng gusto nila, bumebenta ka, Iha, sayaw Nene, sayaw Nene, sayaw, sayaw, hanggang malasing sa kanilang hiyaw." As the eerie melody continuously plays in the background.  Moreover, lyricism pays homage to victims of human trafficking particularly  women, especially minors. According to the band, it also poses a perspective of a predator agent in objectifying women.

Bita and the Botflies - Sisikat Ka Iha / YouTube

Lastly, from their song entitled Peklat Cream that goes with these lyrics ‘Pambura ng peklat sa mukha, bilhin mo na itong cream, kung gusto mo s'yang laging masaya, bilhin mo na itong cream’ from their song that mostly tackled issues concerning domestic violence and abusive relationships. Furthermore,  various interpretations also suggest that it also means a desperation to  fit with the standards of beauty, also shown in the music video as it also emphasizes  the relation to the capitalistic world we live in right now.

Bita and the Botflies - Peklat Cream (Official Music Video) / YouTube

Being dark opens various perspectives

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Some of their music is very uncanny, given the dark topics of their songs. It is undeniably eye-opening towards their fans  and soon-to-be listeners. It also makes you aware of how severe social issues are in the country, as It also indicates the truths that have yet to be accepted by society as of now. It enables new perspectives and might be considered as  a new trend in the OPM scene, as a variety of listeners are looking for something new to begin with.

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Bita and the Botflies / Facebook

Listen to their music and support the band if it piques your curiosity. Make sure to check out their music on Spotify and Youtube.

The lyricism and darkness of their music

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With the band’s unique vocals, catchy melodies, and groovy blues rock but also an eerie sound,  It undeniably quickly grabs attention and makes listeners think, “Why did they make such type of music?”

 

With their songs being catchy and groovy, the lyricism and specific social issues tackled in their  songs truly set them apart from your usual daily go-to piece.

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