Every morning, I look out the window and see people beginning their day with exercise in different ways: some are walking, some are running, others are dancing to Zumba, and many more are following their own fitness routines. Almost always, exercise is accompanied by music. Those who walk or run listen privately through their smartphones and earphones, while accompanying music for Zumba fills the air for everyone to hear.
When I think of exercise and music together, two Filipino novelty songs immediately come to mind: Mag-Exercise Tayo (Tagalog: Let's Exercise) by Yoyoy Villame and Titigas, Lalambot (Tagalog: Will Harden, Will Soften) by the all-male group Masculados. Both are catchy and seemingly wholesome in melody, but their underlying messages differ.
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| Cover of album that carries Mag-Exercise Tayo Photo Credit: Vicor Music / Deezer |
Mag-Exercise Tayo encourages listeners to do morning exercise as preparation for the challenges of a new day. In contrast, Titigas, Lalambot mentions bodily movements considered as exercise but can be interpreted as double entendre and sexual innuendo.
Lyric Video of Mag-Exercise Tayo
Video Credit: Vicor Music / YouTube
Villame's song was released in 1977, during the Bagong Lipunan (Tagalog: New Society) program under the Martial Law regime. According to some accounts, Mag-Exercise Tayo was used in government agencies and public schools as the official tune for morning exercise routines after the flag ceremony. Whether intentional or not, the song aligned with the program's goals of discipline and reform, and it was frequently played on the radio.
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| Cover of Masculados' Nakaka ..., the album that carries the song Titigas, Lalambot Photo Credit: Universal Records / Tatak OPM |
On the other hand, Masculados' song came out in 2004, at a time when all-female groups such as the Sex Bomb Girls and Viva Hot Babes were enjoying peak popularity. In that context, Titigas, Lalambot may be seen as an attempt to balance the stage by giving male performers their own humorous, sex-oriented anthem. Masculados itself is the masculine answer to those all-female groups.
Audio Credit: Universal Records / YouTube
Together, these songs remind us how exercise and music converge as part of daily ritual. Though they emerged from different times and contexts, both carry the same message: mornings feel lighter when begun with movement accompanied by music—and sometimes, humor.
Mag-Exercise Tayo is nearly half a century old, while Titigas, Lalambot will soon reach a quarter-century. Today, countless songs can serve the same purpose. Yet from past to present, one truth remains: exercise and music are inseparable partners, bringing energy and inspiration to each new day.
