By Vasemaca Ratu

Vasemaca Ratu is a Columban Lay Missionary from Fiji who came to the Philippines in December 2015. After language studies she was assigned to Barra sub-parish, Opol, Misamis Oriental doing catechesis with the children. She is also involved with the women’s ministry (livelihood), Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), and with the youth ministry. Now, she is working with the Diocesan Deaf Ministry of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

Learning a new language is really difficult. One has to become a child again. It is entering a new culture that you were not born into. The question most people ask is: WHY LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE?

During my six months language studies, I really struggled to learn Cebuano. My brain was suffocated with new words, grammar, etc., every day. Sometimes I felt like quitting but I realized only losers quit. My body had to adjust also to the change of climate, culture and language. Thinking I had a goal to achieve I did SELF-CARE in order to continue my journey.

Reflecting on this, I realized there are several ways to smooth out the rough road.

I tried practicing with the children in our neighborhood but they wanted to speak in English so that didn’t work for me. My daily conversation with people was an awesome experience.

Then I realized that since I love music why don’t I use music to ease my struggles. I started listening to Visayan songs, mostly hits by Yoyoy Villame and Max Surban. Their songs may be old hits but the lyrics are understandable.

Once I heard a song by Max with these lyrics, “...dili kana ang problema, just relax and enjoy…” At that moment, I felt like he was talking to me. So I decided to relax by writing a poem or a song every day in Cebuano. I was able to compose a song entitled “Bisaya”, expressing my feelings during my three years in mission. In English, the lyrics translate to:

He will be my compass, my captain who will take me around wherever I go.
He will be my yesterday, today and my future.
He is my love and my world.

Va singing her original composition, "Bisaya", during the centenary celebrations in Cagayan de Oro City

This song is included in the Columban Lay Missionaries book entitled “SALAMAT” (which means “thank you”). It was launched during the Centennial celebration of the Columban Missionaries in Cagayan De Oro. I was happy to be able to sing my song on that special day in the life of the Columban Missionaries.

I realize now that in learning a new language, I gained more than words and phrases that were previously meaningless to me. I gained confidence for the positive feedback from the local people. I have become friendlier with them because I can speak in the native language. Speaking in their language keeps my mind young and active as I strive to learn new ways to express myself in songs.

So, listen to that classic jazz and just relax and enjoy your music. It’s a stress reliever.

BISAYA

Ikaw ang gitun-an
Ug unom ka bulan.
Ikaw ang akong kalig-on
Ug kahuyang sa mga tawo.

Ikaw lang Bisaya
Akong higugmaon.
Ikaw lang Bisaya
Akong kalibutan.

Ikaw akong kumpas
Ikaw akong kapitan.
Nga madala
Kanako bisan asa.

Ikaw ang akong buhat
Ikaw ang akong garbo.
Ikaw ang akong kaugmaon
Sa akong kinabuhi.

[Chorus:]
Ikaw akong gahapon
Ikaw akong karon.
Ikaw akong kanunay
Pulong ko tinud-anay.
Dinuyugan ning gitara.
Wa ka mag-inusura
Kanimo nahigugma.
Ikaw...