24/11/2024
๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐จ๐ฒ, ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฒ...
In 1996, Parokya Ni Edgar introduced us to Buloy, a song that many Filipinos first embraced for its catchy melody and humor. At a glance, it seems like a lighthearted tale of friendship and camaraderie, complete with relatable struggles like getting kicked out of school or losing a pet. But as the song unfolds, it takes a dark turnโone that leaves listeners reflecting on the hidden battles people face.
According to the World Health Organization(WHO) every 40 seconds, someone takes their life. Itโs a sobering reality, and Buloy serves as a reminder that even those who seem the strongest among us may be silently struggling. Beneath its humorous facade lies a powerful message about mental health, one that resonates even decades after its release.
"Akala ko pa naman na marunong kang magdala,
Nalaman ko na lang na ika'y nagpakamatay na..."
These lines hit like a bolt of lightning, revealing that the ever-reliable Buloy, the friend who seemed indestructible, was quietly battling demons no one saw. The song's poignant ending transforms it from a simple anthem of friendship to a wake-up call: how many "Buloys" do we have in our lives, and are we checking on them enough?
In Filipino culture, humor and resilience are often praised. Friends gather to laugh over problems, saying โKaya yan, bastaโt tayoโy nagsasama at nag-iinuman!โ (โWe can overcome this, as long as weโre together and drinking!โ). But this coping mechanism, while comforting in the moment, can sometimes mask deeper struggles.
Buloy, in the song, is portrayed as someone who seemed invincibleโalways strong, always ready to support his friends. Yet, behind his laughter and reassuring words, he carried a weight no one could see until it was too late.
This story is all too familiar. In our own circles, there may be people like Buloy: the ones who always smile, who always show up for others, and who seem to have it all together. But strength is not always what it seems.
The tragedy of Buloy lies not just in his untimely death but in the regret his friends feel, realizing they missed the signs. This serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, have a responsibility to the people around us.
Itโs easy to assume that someone who jokes, laughs, or comforts others is doing fine. But Buloy reminds us that even the strongest among us need support. Checking in doesnโt have to be grandโsometimes, a simple โHow are you, really?โ can make a difference.
Ask your friend who always listens: โHow are you coping?โ
Ask the one who always shows up for others: โDo you need someone to listen to you?โ
We must be proactive. Donโt wait for your "Buloy" to reach outโbe the first to make a move. A little effort could save a life.
In a society where mental health issues are often dismissed as โmahina ang loobโ (โweaknessโ), Buloy was ahead of its time. It hinted at the struggles beneath the surface long before mental health became a mainstream conversation.
Thankfully, more platforms today encourage discussions about mental health. Yet, stigma persists. Buloy reminds us that these conversations must continueโnot just in public forums but also in personal spaces.
"Hoy, Buloy, nasaan ka man, siguradong hindi ka namin malilimutan..."
These words, sung as a tribute to the friend they lost, resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone to struggles they didnโt share. But the song also leaves a lingering question: What if someone had checked on Buloy earlier?
We all have the power to make sure that no one in our lives feels unseen or unheard. By reaching out, listening, and being present, we can create a safe space for our friends to share their struggles.
So today, think about the Buloys in your life. Send a message, make a call, or spend a little extra time asking how they really are. It might feel small, but to someone silently struggling, it could mean everything.
โBuloyโ may be a song from decades ago, but its message is timeless: check on your friends, cherish them, and never let anyone feel like theyโre facing life alone.
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โ๏ธ&๐ป: Frederick Nuqui
