‘Tala’ vs Aling Nelia: Sarah G reacts as 3 year-old hit takes on life of its own

MANILA — Count on the ever well-mannered Sarah Geronimo to have a diplomatic stand on a neighborhood feud that went viral because of her enduring dance hit, “Tala.”

The pop superstar had a hearty laugh when asked if she has seen the viral video, which sees a group of friends performing “Tala” on a makeshift volleyball court to protest a request for its removal.

That request came from “Aling Nelia,” whose house is right in front of the recreational space in Sta. Ana, Manila. In a different clip, she appears with a cop responding to her complaint about the frequent matches and the ruckus they cause.

“Hindi ko kasi alam ‘yung buong istorya ng video. Ano ba, pinagbabawalan sila maglaro ng volleyball doon?” an amused Geronimo said in an interview with ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe.

Careful not to take sides, Geronimo went on: “Hindi ko kasi alam kung ano ‘yung stand ni Aling Nelia, eh. Hindi ko rin alam ‘yung stand ng mga bagets. As long as may respect, may love para sa isa’t isa.”

The so-called “protest dance” versus Aling Nelia, as seen in the Facebook video from Christopher Raquel, is just one of many takes on “Tala” that have gone viral in recent months.

Geronimo had been counting on “Tala” to become a dance craze since its original release in 2016, she now revealed. Somehow, three years later, it finally happened, and the fad shows no signs of abating.

“Alam niyo po, in-envision ko na magiging dance craze ‘tong kantang ‘to. Gusto ko itong vibe ng song na ‘to, maging dance craze, everybody is dancing to this song — at, wow, power of claiming it, nagkatotoo!” she said.

From drag performances, TikTok challenges, to Christmas parties, “Tala” became ubiquitous in the latter half of 2019. But Geronimo is aware of what helped propel the tune to its status.

“Of course, maraming salamat sa LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community kasi sila talaga ‘yung yumakap dito sa awiting ito na ‘Tala,’” she said.