‘Diskarte’: A song’s title captures a band’s journey
Beng Gatmaitan: ‘I want this song to connect to the young, to make them feel it belongs to them because it talks about their deepest feelings when they fall in love. They are full of emotions and affection.’
"Diskarte" has become an oft-used song title.
That's the name of the latest single of the 18-year-old Pinoy band Third Avenue. Daniel Padilla and The Juans likewise have exactly the same title for their respective tunes. And there are two other songs of the same title recorded by two hip-hop groups.
Third Avenue: 'There's still a part of us that wants to go international.' | photographs courtesy of fb/third avenue
What's with "diskarte" that Filipino songwriters love?
If it's rooted from the Spanish verb "descartar," which means "to discard," the Pinoy slang "diskarte" has strayed far, since it connotes "to strategize," or to know one's best or most effective approach to a situation.
Titles of songs can't be copyrighted, especially if it's a common word or expression. Composers can own the lyrics of a song, but not its title.
Of the many songs titled "Diskarte," most have something to do with courtship and keeping the romance burning.
