Ruling on “Usahay” not surprising

CEBU, Philippines -  “Culture should not be defined by a particular place, year and time.”

This was according to Cebuano journalism teacher Nicolas Ampatin who was one of the language informants of the first Cebuano dictionary.

This was his view on the possible effects on the Cebuano culture the pronouncement that the popular “Usahay” song is not from province.

The Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP) earlier said that there is a ruling from the Supreme Court that the famous Visayan song“Usahay” did not originate from Cebu but from Davao.

The news did not surprise Ampatin because he already received information years back that the song was not established in Cebu.

He narrated that aside from the singers that first sang the song, “Usahay” gained its popularity in Cebu particularly when the Queen of Visayan songs, Susan Fuentes, sang it back in the 80s.

Ampatin explained that the song has certainly been part of the Cebuano culture since its lyrics is that of the Visayan language.  He admits that being a singer himself, “Usahay” has certainly been part of his repertoire.  Even so, he said that the recent development of the song should not affect the already-established rich culture of the province and the people.

“We cannot keep the issue in that line only. You cannot delineate just because your roots are there or here,” Ampatin said.

Ampatin explained that if geographical boundary would be the basis of one’s culture, it would be difficult for one to determine his ethnicity as it is hard for people to limit one’s culture.

“You cannot contain culture in a particular time, place or year. Humans interact with each other which result of that interaction is the fusion of the culture.”

Ampatin is one of the members of Lubas sa Dagang Binisaya (LUDABI), an organization established in 1956 with Visayan writers, reporters and singers that aims to boost the use of the Cebuano dialect as well as the Cebuano culture.

Ampatin further explained that it can be understood why people fight for the origin of one thing that is related to their culture.He said the dispute in the origin of the song like “Usa-hay” is similar to how people from different areas are contesting on the origin of San Pedro Calungsod.

 “It is only on the direct line between today and our roots where we can authenticate our culture. I would call it cultural strength to stand on which leads to cultural development. So without a strong footage on your roots, you can never develop.”

Contrary to the Supreme Court ruling, Cora Rosales, an established Cebuano drama writer and lyricist, believes that the song was still established in Cebu.

She said that “Usahay” is one of those songs that was established here but was carried over or translated to another language.

Since it was not greatly known back then or that the original composer was indefinite, the songs were tagged by the translators as theirs.

One of these is the popular Christmas song “Kasadya Ning Taknaa.”

Even so, both Rosales and Ampatin believe that the issue on “Usahay” should not affect the culture since there are other songs that can be truly associated with the Cebuano culture like “Matud Nila” and “Rosas Pandan.”

Rosales said that there are several beautiful songs from talented Cebuano song writers and singers that did not become popular but depicted the culture of the people in Cebu.

Although there are no more recently composed Cebuano songs, he hopes that with the help of those interested in upholding the real authentic Cebuano music, more genuine Cebuano songs would be composed.

Other Cebuanos also believe that the origin of the song “Usahay” does not matter.

For Carlito Fuentes, 56, a street vendor,  the song sounds good and in Visayan language and that’s what matters most to him.

Virgie Novecio also shared Fuentes’ statement.

Lucena Navales, 54, also said what is important is that the song is composed by a Filipino.  (FREEMAN)