Judas’ kiss

By Herman M. Lagon

Wolfgang’s electrifying 3:35 minute “Halik Ni Hudas” unveils political deceit with the opening line: “Mga asong naloloko, nagpapanggap na tao / Pangakong matamis, puro langaw at ipis.”

While in college, “Halik Ni Hudas,” along with Wolfgang’s headbanging hits like “Arise” and “Natutulog Kong Mundo” (My Sleeping World), captured our generation’s angst and disillusionment. With vocalist Basti Artadi, guitarist Manuel Legarda, drummer Wolf Gemora, and bassist Mon Legaspi, the band went from local gigs to international fame. Wolfgang, formed in January 1992, was the only Filipino rock band to release albums in Japan and the US and sell Platinum in their home country. Their struggle and triumph in music reflected our real-life situations.

Continuing the lyrics, “Sa bawat tabi at sulok, pagkatao’y nabubulok / Nakalubog na sa kabaong, lalo pang binabaon,” Wolfgang depicts a terrifyingly corrupt society. Being buried alive symbolizes how scandals and grafts erode our nation’s morality. Each scandal cements the population’s despair and hopelessness. The band’s visual metaphors make their critique poignant and memorable.

The line “Tao sa pangil ng buwaya” symbolizes the masses victimized by corrupt politicians. These leaders, like crocodiles hungry for power and wealth, devour everything and everyone. The crocodile’s brutal jaws resemble oppressive regimes that crush dissent. Wolfgang’s imagery exposes these politicians’ predatory behavior and condemns their exploitation.

“Ubos na’ng mga bayani, mga duwag ang nalalabi” describes our political heroes’ tragic deaths and resignations. Most of today’s politicians are cowards who pretend to be brave and promise to lift the masses out of poverty only to exploit them. Their cowardice is shown in their unwillingness to reform and their preference for maintaining a status quo that benefits a few. Wolfgang’s lyrics poignantly illustrate the hero’s vacuum and pervasive cowardice.

The lyrics “Kukunin n’ya lahat sa ‘yo, isip at kaluluwa / Pagkatao mo’y papasukin, tapos dudurugin” describe power’s soul-crushing manipulation. These leaders steal more than money; they invade and destroy people’s dignity and autonomy. This psychological and informational manipulation keeps the population trapped in exploitation and deceit. Wolfgang’s artistry and insight allow them to express such profound didactic, emotional, and psychological abuse in their music.

Finally, “Magpailalim sa kanya, nakatali ng kadena” vividly depicts the masses’ subjugation by poverty, ignorance, and fear. Maintaining the status quo through policies and practices benefits the few at the expense of the many. Wolfgang’s chains metaphor shows oppression’s systemic nature and shows that liberation requires breaking them. They criticize and demand action against these oppressive forces in their music.

Wolfgang’s song “Halik Ni Hudas” is a masterful critique of power. The band brilliantly uses vivid, powerful imagery to convey complex social and political messages. Through their music, they express the frustrations and struggles of the masses. Wolfgang warns listeners to beware of power’s betrayal and manipulation and resist the metaphorical Judas kisses, especially during elections threatening society. They are among the most influential Pinoy rock bands because they entertain and educate using the language of the masses.

Our daily news illustrates these themes. Unmet infrastructure development promises to disenfranchise and disillusion rural communities and urban poor. New roads, schools, and hospitals are campaign promises, with corrupt people pocketing the money. Another example is government critics being silenced. The opposition, journalists, activists, and citizens who protest corruption and injustice are harassed and assaulted. This suppression shows the crocodile’s jaws clamping down on resistance.

Poverty controls, too. Politicians use poverty to gain votes by providing temporary relief but never addressing the root causes. This cycle keeps voters dependent on economic hardship. Another obvious example is human rights abuses. Without accountability, extrajudicial killings, illegal detentions, and other abuses are common. These repressive measures, often justified as order, silence dissent and maintain power.

Empty reforms are touted as progress. Community-building initiatives often become photo ops with no real change. This hollow gesture further erodes political trust, making the masses cynical and powerless.

Wolfgang’s “Halik Ni Hudas” is a timeless anthem that resonates with the current political climate. It shows how influential people betray and manipulate. As we navigate these treacherous waters, we must remain vigilant, question, and resist the Judas kisses that threaten to destroy our society from within.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ”student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.