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Eleanour Ignacio
Stuck in this illusion called us
Stuck in this illusion called us
The taxi rumbled to a stop at a red light, just as my heart did when those fading lyrics of a song suddenly played on the radio. Outside, San Francisco’s iconic skyline loomed in the distance, surrounded in cold and mist, mirroring how I was feeling at the moment.
Mula sa pagtingin sa labas ay napalingon ako sa unahan kung saan sa speaker ay biglang nagsalita ang isang disc jockey. The taxi’s radio was tuned to a local station known for its diverse global music selection, but most especially giving attention to Filipino music, as the disc jockey was Filipino—American. Sa ospital, dahil maraming Pinoy, madalas ay ito ‘yong istasyon ng radyo na pinakikinggan.
“Good afternoon, San Francisco! This is DJ Johnny coming at you live from the heart of the city! You just got a sneak peek of our next track, and trust me, you won’t want to miss hearing the whole song. So, stay tuned to your favorite station, the ultimate spot on the dial for all things music!”
I straightened up in my seat. The song he mentioned immediately catching my attention, along with the disc jockey’s articulate voice. The way he spoke was really so captivating, it was like telling a magical story. It was not even the first time I had heard him but he never failed to draw me in, especially when he would mention something about Filipinos.
Just like now.
“Today, as we celebrate Filipino-American History Month, we are diving into something special. Straight from the vibrant music scene in the Philippines, we have a track that has been climbing the charts and stealing hearts for many weeks already. So, whether you are trap in a traffic jam on the Bay Bridge or strolling through Golden Gate Park, let this song take you on a journey. Here is Us by TJ Monterde. Turn up the volume and mabuhay!”
Mapait na napangiti ako sa kawalan nang tumugtog na nang buo ‘yong nasabing kanta at nang marinig ko na ‘yong lyrics nito. And perhaps, the world had its way of mocking me, of making fun of my feelings, because out of all the songs to play right now, it chose this very song with lyrics that hit home.
♬ All day been dreaming of you and me
♬ I’ve been dreaming of fantasy
♬ Us, together to infinity
♬ Maybe next to impossibility
With a sad smile, I looked out the taxi’s window once again and leaned back into my seat, hugging myself as I drowned in the coldness as well as into the lyrics and melody, the song suddenly bringing a memory of someone to the forefront of my mind. Kasi tulad noong lyrics ng kanta ay pantasya lamang pala ‘yong sa aming dalawa. ‘Yong akala kong pang-habambuhay ay panandalian lamang palang saya. Isang pangarap na malayong matupad at matamasa.
