Straight from the heart of GK (An interview with Eleazar Arranz) By JOE OCONER Can you explain what the terms ‘bayanihan’ and ‘bayani’ mean? To be honest, I didn’t know the meanings of the words ‘bayanihan’ nor ‘bayani’ before going on GKYGAT. It wasn’t until I was on the build-site in Iriga and working with the local people that I witnessed the manifestation of these words through action. Personally, I understand ‘bayanihan’ to mean ‘working together as a community’ and ‘bayani’ as being ‘heroes for others belonging to the community’. Was writing the ‘bayanihan’ lyrics a long and arduous process or were the lyrics penned instantaneously while in Iriga, Bicol? I commenced writing the song in Australia, well before the GKYGAT trip, but the words wouldn’t come to me. I didn’t finish the song until the last days of the build. I was helped by a local kid who was only half my size, but possessed immense strength to help me up and put the cement bag that I was carrying on his head! At that point, I realised that it wasn’t ‘them’ or ‘me’ anymore; it was ‘us’. What types of images and emotions were you attempting to create and convey through your song? In the first verse, I tried to place an emphasis on the beauty of the environment. The second verse was an analogy of the build site. Common themes such as ‘less for self, more for others, enough for everyone’, ‘transformation of self’ and ‘unity’ appear throughout the song. Can you recall a time during GK immersion when you experienced these themes? I think everyone who was a part of GKYGAT helped to provide the inspiration for writing the song as I saw in everyone an inward transformation and personal growth. These are young people in the prime of their lives who would usually be out there focusing on their careers etc. but instead, are digging holes, getting dirty etc. I also respect and admire the people of Iriga. They are such strong and loving people and I was a proud recipient of this love and care. > > > BACK TO HEROES JOURNAL 2007 & 2006