In the beginning, the protagonist tells of a time he left the Philippines and its capital, Manila, to work in a foreign country in hopes of finding greener pastures, stating that he will never forget the place he came from but promises that he will eventually return someday.
"I walked the streets of San Francisco" tells of the protagonist's daily life overseas while "I've tried the rides in Disneyland" alludes to his love of visiting tourist spots and places of interest in his adopted homeland and other countries, which includes but not limited to natural spots, amusement and theme parks, and other places popular to tourists, Disneyland being one of them.
The protagonist eventually realizes that the Philippines can only give him the best everlasting satisfaction and enjoyment, which starts in "Hinahanap-hanap kita Manila", stating that he misses the country's atmosphere and lifestyle as well as its culture and people ("ang ingay mong kay-sarap sa tenga, mga jeepney mong nagliliparan, mga babaeng mong nag-gagandahan") before expressing his desire to return to the Philippines and its capital for good ("Take me back in your arms Manila, Promise me you'll never let go", "miss you like hell Manila").
Ever since Hotdog reunited and disbanded, the song has been covered by various artists like Gary Valenciano, Eraserheads, Side A, The CompanY, and REO Brothers.
The REO Brothers gave a more "Beatles" sound to their cover of the song, which was released as part of a fundraising campaign for victims of the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan.