Pakita Mo

In 1994, Philippine singer Randy Santiago released 'Pakita Mo (Show Me), his first album for Philippine independent Star Records. The music consists of easy listening love songs and upbeat, middle-of-the-road numbers, some of which are gaudy and some of which are interesting. The opening, "Tayo Pa Rin" (We're Still Together), is an upbeat, middle-of-the-road tune that has some flash, but also has some substance. The song contains a nice chorus, and the instrumentation features an Irish whistle-like sound. It's a nice song, but wouldn't attract international attention. The slow "Dahan-Dahan" also contains an Irish whistle-like sound, but the acoustic guitar playing and the melody have an Asian ambience. Santiago sings the song in a smooth, tender voice that doesn't have an abundance of depth, but is entertaining and in tune. The mediocre ballad "Inside My Heart" also contains an Irish whistle-like sound. It should be noted that most Philippine songs draw upon Western sources, and seldom, if ever, is Philippine traditional music heard in Philippine popular music. Most musicians do not know what Philippine traditional music is. "Isayaw Mo Na Lang" is a gaudy, Latin-tinged dance number, while the spirited "Sadya Bang Ganyan" (Was It Really That Way) has substance. The otherwise nondescript "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako" contains a beautiful section played by violin, viola, and cello. The ballad "Pagbabalik" (The Return) is one of the album's better songs, and Santiago's passion shines through. Mostly though, this album lacks substance.