“Sugat” by Ben&Ben (ft. Munimuni)

“Sugat” is rendered in the native language of the artists, that being Tagalog, a Filipino dialect. Often in such cases when the lyrics are translated into English, even accurately, they may not comprehensively make sense on paper. And so it is, to some degree, with “Sugat”. However, we are still able to easily ascertain what the song is about in essence.

For instance, the title simply translates to the word “Wound”. And the type of scar that the vocalist(s) is talking about would be of the emotional/mental, not physical, variety.

We know this not only based on the lyrics themselves but also Ben&Ben’s own explanation of what’s going down. And as explained, this is one of those types of songs where the narrator is trying, most simply put, to get over the past. 

More specifically it was inspired by a less-than-ideal period in the life of Toni Munoz. And the conclusion that the singer comes to in the lyrics is that a person’s past does not encapsulate who they are in the present, and it definitely doesn’t determine their “destination”, a term we will take, as utilized, as being synonymous with one’s destiny. 

But achieving “freedom” from the past obviously requires some sort of conscientious effort. And a major part of the process seems to be being able to “forgive” yourself for mistakes you may have made. Or as alluded to in the second verse, one has to be able to make peace with whatever has transpired.

All in all

So even though the subject upon which this song is based is pretty deep, the lyrics themselves are kinda run-of-the-mill as far as ‘getting over the past’ tunes are concerned. But still it features a noble and inspiring message, even if solely in implying that traumatizing events that have transpired in our personal histories are something we can overcome in the first place.

Ben&Ben and Munimuni

Ben&Ben is a band from the Philippines that possesses a sweet, internationally-appealing sound. And this is why we recently covered their track Pasalubong (2021) alongside Moira Dela Torre. 

However, this is our first time coming across Munimuni, who are also based in the Pearl of the Orient, though being a folk indie act. And all things considered Ben & Ben, being a contemporary pop group, has proven more successful than Munimuni to date.

Facts about “Sugat”

The release date of this song was on 13 August 2021, being brought to us by Sony Music Philippines. And it marks the first time Munimuni, who have been professionally active since 2013, has teamed up with Ben & Ben, who came on the scene in 2015.

It was Ben & Ben that enlisted Munimuni to work on “Sugat”, being initially inspired by a desire to feature a flute on the song.

This song was written by Ben&Ben co-frontman Paolo Benjamin Guico. He wrote it alongside one of his bandmates, percussionist Toni Munoz. Actually the latter has been recognized as the primary writer. And the producers of the track are as follows:

• Keifer Cabugao
• Jean-Paul Verona

On which album is “Sugat”?

This song is part of Ben&Ben’s second LP. Their first, Limasawa Street (2019), was a major hit in the Philippines.

Ben&Ben first teased this song earlier in August of 2021.