FEATURE
Tabuk City, Kalinga – It was written eight years ago. It tells the story of land that was lost, opportunities that slipped away, and lessons learned too late.
Today, the song has found a second life—touching the hearts of millions online.
For Rowena Malaggan, what began as a deeply personal composition inspired by her family's history has become one of the most talked-about original iKalinga songs on social media, proving that stories rooted in truth never lose their relevance.
A song born from family memories
In 2018, Rowena and her cousin Jethro Malaggan of Barangay Dilag wrote and recorded "Nu Maisubli Lang Kuma Ti Panawen" ("If Only Time Could Be Turned Back"), with both the lyrics and melody composed by the pair.
The inspiration came from stories they repeatedly heard from their elders.
“…babaen ti storya dagiti uncle mi, nga nalawa kanu ti dag-daga da ngem awan nabatbati,” Rowena recalled.
According to her, their uncles would often tell them how the family once owned vast ancestral lands that were eventually lost through the years.
Instead of simply expressing regret, the song became a reflection on the value of education, responsible decision-making, protecting one's inheritance, and preserving family unity.
One of its most memorable lines captures that longing to change the past:
"Nu maisubli lang kuma ti panawen, oras, aldaw man, wennu tawen. Toy adal ko innak usaren, tapnu mailaban ko nu anya ti rumbeng."
The lyrics imagine what could have been if the younger generation had possessed the knowledge needed to protect what their ancestors once owned.
Yet the song also offers hope.
Rather than dwelling on blame, it encourages families to forgive one another, respect different decisions, reunite, and continue building a better future together.
Eight years later, the world finally listened
Although the song was first released in 2018, it quietly remained online for years.
Everything changed in February this year.
After many followers requested a copy of the full lyrics, Rowena reposted the music video on Facebook.
The response surprised even its creator.
Within months, the video accumulated more than 1.7 million views, nearly 60,000 reactions, and thousands of comments from viewers who said the song reflected their own family's experiences.
Many listeners shared that they saw themselves in the lyrics—stories of inherited land lost through generations, family misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and the hope of rebuilding relationships despite painful memories.
For many iKalingas, it was more than a song.
Now 26 years old, Rowena lives in Sitio Tangbay, Barangay Gobgob, Tabuk City, where she continues raising her family while pursuing her passion for music.
A member of the Guilayon Tribe and a graduate of Criminology, she discovered her love for singing and songwriting at just 14 years old.
Although many members of her family are talented singers, she said most of them prefer to stay away from the spotlight.
“…14 years old ak idi—kas makitak ket adu nalalaing nga agkanta cousins ko pero managbababain da gamin,” she shared.
The same year she composed "Nu Maisubli Lang Kuma Ti Panawen," she also wrote two other original songs—"Kadakayu nga Nagannak," a heartfelt tribute to parents, and "Balakad si Eskwela," which encourages young people to value education and make wise choices.
After becoming a mother, Rowena temporarily stepped away from songwriting to focus on raising her child and supporting her family.
For several years, inspiration gave way to responsibility.
But encouragement from fellow residents of Barangay Gobgob eventually reignited her passion.
Today, she is completing another original composition titled "Barangay Gobgob," a musical tribute to the place she proudly calls home.
Unlike her earlier songs centered on family struggles and life lessons, her newest work celebrates the history, culture, and identity of her community.
“Adu gamin agibagbaga nga i-compose ko dyay barangay mi isunga na-insprire nak manen. Saan kon gamin nasangsango ta adda awir ko isunga tadta lang manen,” she said.
When real stories become timeless songs
In an era where artificial intelligence can create melodies and lyrics in seconds, Rowena believes genuine stories written from lived experiences still touch people in ways technology cannot.
The unexpected success of "Nu Maisubli Lang Kuma Ti Panawen" has become proof that songs rooted in truth never grow old.
Eight years after it was written, its message continues to echo—not because it is perfect, but because countless families have lived the same story.
For Rowena Malaggan, that is the greatest reward any songwriter could ever receive.
The song that touched millions
Below are the complete lyrics of "Nu Maisubli Lang Kuma Ti Panawen," the original composition of Rowena Malaggan and Jethro Malaggan, which has resonated with thousands of listeners for its heartfelt message about family, education, unity, and learning from the past.
Nu Maisubli Lang Kuma Ti Panawen
Ipuon mi nga irugi Istorya ti nagapwan mi Kabibiag dagiti nagannak mi Ken nu anniat nagbanbanagan mi
Istorya ti u-uncle mi Dakam kanu't kabaknangan idi Ngem gapo ta kurang adal daNapukaw amin nga sanikwa
Nalawa-lawa a sular Napan laeng amin ti sugal Ta kwarta ti inpatpateg da Haan nga diyay masakbayan da
Nu maisubli lang kuma ti panawen Oras, aldaw man, wennu tawen Toy adal ko innak usaren Tapnu mailaban ko nu anya ti rumbeng
Nu adda lang kuma ti titulo Sanikwa mi ket mailaban ko Ngem unayen ti gasat tayo Rang-ay ti biyag ket umad-adayo
Kabibiag mi tatta nga panawen Marigrigat ngem inkami aklunen Haan metlang nga mayamysa ti tawen Rang-ay ket inkami tu metlang dalanen
Dumteng kuma ti maysa nga okasyon Ta intayo met matipon-tipon Agkaykaysa nga maum-umong Agririnespeto ti desisyon
.png)
