Gloc-9 (Aristotle Pollisco) is a Filipino rapper known for his rapid-fire delivery and socially conscious lyrics.

Rising from Manila’s underground rap scene in the 1990s, he first gained recognition as part of the group Death Threat.

His breakthrough came with “Simpleng Tao” (2005). Known for hits like “Upuan,” “Sirena,” and “Magda,” Gloc-9 tackles social issues, including poverty, politics, and discrimination in his music.

He’s considered one of the Philippines’ most influential hip-hop artists.

About The Song

“Upuan” (Chair), released in 2009 by Gloc-9 featuring Jeazell Grutas of Zelle, is a socially conscious Filipino rap song addressing the Philippine education system.

The track describes a student’s journey and struggles in public school, from elementary to college. It highlights issues like overcrowded classrooms, poverty affecting education, and the dream of finishing school. 

Upuan Lyrics by Gloc-9

Hook: Jeazell & Gloc-9

Kayo po na nakaupo
Subukan niyo namang tumayo
At baka matanaw, at baka matanaw ninyo
Ang tunay na kalagayan ko
(Ganito kasi ‘yan, eh)

Verse 1: Gloc-9

Tao po, nand’yan po ba kayo sa loob ng
Malaking bahay at malawak na bakuran
Mataas na pader, pinapaligiran
At nakapilang mga mamahaling sasakyan
Mga bantay na laging bulong nang bulong
Wala namang kasal pero marami ang nakabarong
Lumakas man ang ulan ay walang butas ang bubong
Mga plato’t kutsara na hindi kilala ang tutong
At ang kanin ay simputi ng gatas na nasa kahon
At kahit na hindi Pasko sa lamesa ay may hamon
Ang sarap sigurong manirahan sa bahay na ganyan
Sabi pa nila ay dito mo rin matatagpuan
Ang tao na nagmamay-ari ng isang upuan
Na ‘pag may pagkakatao’y pinag-aagawan
Kaya naman hindi niya pinakakawalan
Kung makikita ko lamang siya ay aking sisigawan
[Hook: Jeazell Grutas]
Kayo po na nakaupo
Subukan niyo namang tumayo
At baka matanaw, at baka matanaw ninyo
Ang tunay na kalagayan ko

Verse 2: Gloc-9

Mawalang-galang na po sa taong nakaupo
Alam niyo bang pantakal ng bigas namin ay ‘di puno?
Ang dingding ng bahay namin ay pinagtagpi-tagping yero
Sa gabi ay sobrang init na tumutunaw ng yelo
Na ‘di kayang bilhin upang ilagay sa inumin
Pinakulong tubig sa lumang takuring uling-uling
Gamit lang panggatong na inanod lamang sa estero
Na nagsisilbing kusina sa umaga’y aming banyo
Ang aking inay na may kayamanang isang kaldero
Na nagagamit lang ‘pag ang aking ama ay sumweldo
Pero kulang na kulang pa rin, ulam na tuyo’t asin
Ang singkwenta pesos sa maghapo’y pagkakasyahin
‘Di ko alam kung talagang maraming harang
O mataas lang ang bakod
O nagbubulag-bulagan lamang po kayo
Kahit sa dami ng pera niyo
Walang doktor na makapagpapalinaw ng mata niyo
Kaya

Bridge: Jeazell

‘Wag kang masyadong halata
Bato-bato sa langit
Ang matamaa’y wag magalit
O bato-bato bato sa langit
Ang matamaan ay
‘Wag masyadong halata (Ooh)
‘Wag kang masyadong halata
(‘Wag kang masyadong halata)
(‘Wag kang masyadong halata)

English Translation

Hook: Jeazell & Gloc-9

To you, the seated
Could you try standing for once
And maybe, just maybe you will see
My true conditions
(Here’s how it goes)

Verse 1: Gloc 9

Excuse me, are you inside this
large house and backyard
surrounded by very high walls
lined up with many expensive cars
The guards are always whispering
Not a single wedding but many are in Barong
Even if the rain gets stronger, there are no holes in the roof
These plates and spoons, unfamiliar to burnt rice
The rice, as white as milk inside cartons
Even if it ain’t Christmas, on the table there’s a lot of ham
It must feel great to live in a place like that
They even say that you’ll find
A person who owns a particular chair
That when the opportunity strikes, it is fought over
That’s why they never leave it
If I see them, I will shout

Hook: Jeazell Grutas

To you, the seated
Could you try standing for once
And maybe, just maybe you will see
My true conditions

Verse 2: Gloc 9

With all due respect
To the seated,
Do you know that our cups of rice are never full
The ceilings of our houses are piled sheets of used metal
At night it burns like melting ice
That we can’t buy, in order to put in our drinks
Boiling water in an old and dirty teapot
Using coal that was found amidst the dirty creek
Which serves as our kitchen, in the morning it’s our bathroom
My mother’s prized treasure is a cooking pot
That we only get to use whenever our father earns his paycheck
But it still ain’t enough:
Our meals are just dried herring and salt with rice
His twenty pesos, we try to maximize it for the day
I honestly don’t know if there are many blockades,
or walls too high,
or if you’re all just pretending to be blind
Because no matter how wealthy you all are,
No doctor can ever make your eyes clear
So,

Bridge: Jeazell

Don’t be too obvious,
Stones thrown in heaven’s way
If anyone gets hit, don’t be angry
Stones thrown in heaven’s way
If anyone gets hit,
Don’t be too obvious (ooh)
Don’t be too obvious
(Don’t be too obvious)
(Don’t be too obvious)

Upuan By Gloc-9 Live Performances

Gloc-9, KZ Tandingan perform “Upuan” LIVE on Wish 107.5

Gloc-9 and KZ Tandingan’s Upuan performance on Wish 107.5 featured an intimate acoustic arrangement, highlighting KZ’s emotive vocal improvisations and Gloc-9’s poignant delivery, creating a raw, socially charged atmosphere unique to this live setting.

GLOC-9 FT. JEAZELLE GRUTAS – Upuan (MYX MO! 2009)

Gloc-9 and Jeazelle Grutas’s Upuan performance at MYX Mo! 2009 stood out with its high-energy live band arrangement, emphasizing powerful instrumentation, and Jeazelle’s extended vocal runs, making it uniquely impactful compared to studio versions.

UPUAN – GLOC 9 – Sweetnotes Live @ Marbel

The Sweetnotes’ rendition of Gloc-9’s “Upuan” at Marbel stands out for its unique interpretation, blending a couple band’s harmonious vocals with a live instrumental arrangement, offering a fresh perspective on the original hip-hop track.

Similar Songs by The Artist

• “Sirena”: A powerful song about LGBT discrimination and acceptance, featuring Ebe Dancel
• “Walang Natira”: Addresses poverty and social inequality in Filipino society
• “Magda”: Tells the story of overseas Filipino workers and family separation
• “Balita”: Comments on media sensationalism and social issues in the Philippines
• “Lando”: Narrates the struggles of a poor Filipino trying to make ends meet
• “Dapat Tama”: Focuses on political awareness and responsibility of voters

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does “Upuan” Mean?

“Upuan” means “chair” in Filipino, symbolizing both the literal lack of chairs in overcrowded Philippine classrooms and the opportunity for education itself.

What Is the Message Behind “upuan”?

“Upuan” criticizes the struggling Philippine education system, showing students fighting through overcrowded classrooms and poverty to pursue their dreams through education.

Which Language Is “upuan” Originally Composed In?

“Upuan” is composed in Filipino (Tagalog), with some English phrases mixed in, following the typical code-switching style common in Filipino music.

Which Song Is “upuan” Inspired By?

There’s no publicly known song that directly inspired “Upuan.” The song was inspired by real-life issues in the Philippine education system that Gloc-9 observed.