Thanks to award-winning writer Jose “Pete” Lacaba and his batchmate, there is now a translation of “How Did You Know,” a song composed by Cecile Azarcon and performed by Aiza Seguerra, Chiqui Pineda, and Gary Valenciano. Sir Pete has actually been translating English love songs into Filipino as part of his personal project called “Salinawit.”
Here’s the story behind the translation, from Sir Pete himself in an email message:
My fellow Atenista and batchmate, Raffy Garcia, did a first draft of this English OPM number by Cecile Azarcon, then asked me to polish and fine-tune. So this is my first collaborative work, and my first time to work on a number by a Filipino songwriter.
What’s my interest in this song? I must confess. I sang this song during my wedding in December 2004, as Joy walked down the aisle with her parents. How did I fare? Let’s just say that I’ve been warned by a principal sponsor who is a senior faculty member in the College not to do it again.
In any case, here’s the original English version and Sir Pete’s and Raffy Garcia’s translation.
HOW DID YOU KNOW
Words and music: Cecile AzarconI remember so well
The day that you came
Into my life.
You asked for my name,
You had the most
Beautiful smileMy life started to change
I’d wake up each day
Feeling all right
With you right by my side
Makes me feel things
Will work out just fineHow did you know
I needed someone like you in my life,
That there was an empty space in my heart
You came at the right time in my lifeI’ll never forget
How you brought the sun to shine in my life
And took all the worries and fears that I have.I guess what I’m really trying to say,
It’s not every day
That someone like you comes my way.
No words can express
How much I love you.
PAANO MO NALAMAN
Sa himig ng “How Did You Know”
Music and original English lyrics: Cecile Azarcon
Salinawit: Pete Lacaba and Raffy GarciaA, tandang-tanda ko:
Pagdating mo sa aking buhay,
Nabighani ako
Ng iyong ngiting walang kapantay.Agad na nagbago
Ang aking mundo, nagkakulay.
Ngayong kapiling kita,
Naging masigla ang bawat araw.Paano mo
Nalaman na kailangan kita
At ang puso ko’y kay tagal naghintay?
Ngayo’y narito ka sa aking buhay.Ikaw ang nagdala
Ng ilaw at saya sa aking buhay,
Inalis mong lahat ang aking kaba.
Ang ibig kong sabihin, palagay ko,
Hindi naman laging may dumarating na tulad mo.
Ang masasabi ko lang: Ikaw ang mahal ko.
How did I fare? Let’s just say that I’ve been warned by a principal sponsor who is a senior faculty member in the College not to do it again.
Hilarious! I wonder which one this is. *goes off to check list of principal sponsors*
Reply: Thanks for your message. I can tell you, Ederic and Shari in private as to who the principal sponsor is. I take consolation though from the fact that I was given a standing ovation after singing at my wedding. Of course, it could be out of relief instead of appreciation. Then again, perhaps I was given an “A” for the effort.
Si Sir ba ‘yung nagsabi? Hehe. Gusto ko rin ‘yang kantang ‘yan. :p
Oh wow, you’re using the theme made by a friend. :) Anyway, I couldn’t resist singing the Filipino version of the song. I’ve loved it since I was a kid. And I’m with Bianca, I wonder which one of the principal sponsors warned you… haha
Reply: Yes, I like this theme (Psalm 8-10) a lot. It’s not just the color but the banner’s picture which is appropriate for the title of this blog. Give my regards to your friend. I think I’ll use this theme for some time.
Parang kilala ko kung sino `yung faculty member na `yun, si ano, hehehe. Though I don’t know that person personally, I think I’ll trust that faculty’s judgment. Peace, Sir!
Timing also – now I’m in search of an “apology” song. Can this favorite wedding song be a song to win someone back? The last part aptly speaks why you hope not to lose someone because of what that person did to you. Of course, when I dedicate this to him, I have to sing the original version, he’ll not understand the Filipino version. Pardon the mushiness but any other “apology” song you can recommend? Sigh…
Long reply:
Hello. If you’re into rock like me, there are three songs that can be classified as “apology” songs which used to be my personal favorites as I went through a certain phase I’d rather not write about.
Of course, if you want something slow, direct and starts with “sorry,” an appropriate song would be Baby Can I Hold You by Tracy Chapman. Hope this reply helps. Good luck!
Sir, maraming salamat! Salamat sa inyong suggestions – but wala na eh – irreparable na. Still, tatandaan ko ang mga kantang inyong hinanap for me para sa susunod, if ever, armed na ako, haha. Fave ko In the End, but well, never thought of it as an “apology” song – basta rock lang.
On a more “relevant” note (enough of mushiness), Sir, might speak with you one of these days – something to do with my finals for my summer class now (will polish lang details and once approved, will inform you). Muli, salamat dito sa mga awit, Sir!
Of the many songs I have heard before, this “How Did You Know” is one of the great in my list.
Congratulations to everyone did best to having developed this song into classic tones and substantial lyrics….my fair view is well shared to this site after I had decided to download a wedding song at my computer. Keep it here! Mabuhay Philippines!
the first time i heard this song i fell in love with it, sa melody nya at lalo na sa lyrics. it is still one of the most sang song basta may videoke sa mga parties. I was surprised why it only became popular when gary v sang it. Do you know the date chiqui pineda first sang & released the song?
Reply: Thanks, Earl, for your comment. Yes, I was made aware that Chiqui Pineda first sang it, and that even Aiza Seguerra had her own version. But these information came much later: I knew about the song when Gary Valenciano sang it.