Traveling for Music: My Surreal Experience at Joey Ayala’s Mandiriwa Concert

Have you ever traveled for music? I have. And it was one of my life’s most surreal moments.

32 has to be a fascinating age to be. A day after my birthday, we flew to Manila.

We stayed at Go Hotels Mandaluyong, but the highlight was the Joey Ayala concert at Greenhills’ Music Museum.

Now, I may seem like a pop music enthusiast, but deep down, I crave authentic, soulful music with meaningful lyrics and captivating melodies. Remember “Tabi po, Tabi po?” That’s what introduced me to Joey Ayala.

Karaniwang Tao, Maglakad, Bathala, Agila – these songs are rare gems in today’s music scene and Filipino artists like Joey Ayala continue to create them. The young crowd at the concert was a testament to the enduring appeal of his unique Filipino folk music.

Mandiriwa 2017 with Neil

Neil and I bonded over our love for music, among other things. So, when he heard that Joey Ayala, a legend in original Filipino folk music, was returning to the Music Museum for a concert titled “Mandiriwa,” he couldn’t pass up the chance to see it. With me.

The timing was perfect. He had just earned extra income, and I had some funds in my PayPal account. With our combined resources, we secured VIP tickets, booked our flights, and reserved a hotel room.

Our Favorite Song from Joey Ayala’s Album

During our three-year long-distance relationship, with only a precious month together each year, Neil and I found solace in sharing music and stories. One day, he surprised me by saying he dedicated one of Joey Ayala’s love songs to me, even creating a YouTube video for it.

The song, titled “Ikaw og Ako” (You and I), is a beautiful Cebuano and Tagalog ballad that speaks of love, connection, and destiny. Here’s a glimpse of the lyrics, both in Cebuano and Tagalog with English translation:

[Verse 1: Tagalog]
Halina, doon tayo maupo sa lilim (Come, let us find solace in the shade)
Sa katahimikan, ikaw at ako (In tranquil silence, where hearts interlace)
Halina, doon tayo magkilalanan (Let us embark on a journey of discovery)
Magkaintindihan, ikaw at ako (To understand each other’s depths, you and I)

[Verse 2: Tagalog]
Kilala ka na ng puso ko (My heart knows you, a melody so familiar)
Tagpuan sa langit ay ‘di malilimutan (Our celestial meeting, an eternal memory)
Tila bang sinadya itong pagkakaisa (As if destiny orchestrated this union)
Ikaw at ako, ikaw at ako (You and I, forever intertwined)

[Verse 3: Bisaya]
Dali na, didto kita manlingkod ta, magpalandong (Come, let us sit in quietude,)
Sa hilom, ikaw ug ako (In the hush, you and I, to ponder.)
Dali na, digto kita mag-ilhanay (Come, let us know each other deeper,)
Magkasinag tanay, ikaw ug ako (In shared light, you and I, together.)

[Verse 4:Bisaya]
Nailhan ka na sa akong kasingkasing (My heart knows you, recognizes your soul,)
Nag-uban na gani, didto pa sa langit (We were together, in the heavens before.)
Morag ba gituyo ning panaghiusa (As if destined, this union of ours,)
Ikaw ug ako, ikaw ug ako (You and I, you and I, forevermore.)

[Verse 5: Tagalog & Bisaya]
Halina, doon tayo maupo sa lilim (Come, let us seek solace in the shade)
Sa katahimikan, ikaw at ako (In tranquil silence, just you and I)
Dali na, didto kita mag-ilhanay (Let us hasten, to know each other deeply)
Magkasinag tanay, ikaw ug ako (Our souls entwined, you and I)

[Verse 6: Bisaya & Tagalog]
Nailhan ka na sa akong kasingkasing (My heart has known you since time immemorial)
Nag-uban na gani, didto pa sa langit (Together we journeyed, even in the heavens above)
Tila bang sinadya ‘tong pagkakaisa (As if destiny crafted this union)
Ikaw at ako, ikaw ug ako (You and I, eternally bound.)

I encourage you to listen to the song on Spotify. It holds a special place in my heart, and I believe it’s one of the most romantic songs ever written. But don’t take my word for it – experience the magic of “Ikaw og Ako” for yourself and let the music speak to your soul.

Watching Joey Ayala perform live was enchanting. I found myself closing my eyes so many times to soak up the experience. I guess Neil is getting better at gift-giving.

This one’s the best so far. I wish you were there, too.

If you get the chance to watch Joey Ayala and his team perform live in your area, don’t miss it. He’s one of the gems of our time. Joey Ayala is an absolute delight for musicians and music lovers alike.

Traveling to Manila? See if you can watch one of his gigs. He’s got a Facebook account that you can follow for gig announcement. Well, maybe see you there?