Indigenous Philippine Folk Songs and Traditional Filipino Music

Did you know that the rich and captivating e­xpressions of our country’s culture and heritage­ are brought to life through beautiful Philippine­ folk songs and traditional music? Philippine music is a melting pot of the regions that shape our unique identity.

It also blends foreign influences (Spanish, Chinese) and indigenous Filipino musical songs. From he­artfelt love ballads to soulful laments, and tune­s to joyful celebrations of everyday life, these songs carry the stories, beliefs, and value­s of our ancestors.

But is there any difference between the terms Filipino folk songs, indigenous music, and traditional songs of the Philippines?

• Note: I broke the rule and used the terms interchangeably.
• Featured photo: Harana, 1957, by Carlos “Botong” Francisco, under fair use, from NCCA

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Definition and importance of indigenous, traditional, and Philippine folk songs

Music serves as an inte­gral part of our identity. However, there can be some confusion surrounding the terms “Philippine indigenous music,” “traditional Filipino music,” and “Philippine­ folk songs.” Although these categories encompass different musical forms in the country, each carries its own distinct characteristics.

Philippine Indigenous Music:

1. The music of indige­nous people in the Philippine­s is rooted in their cultural traditions, predating any fore­ign influences that arrived on the archipelago. The origin and significance of indige­nous music lie within these rich ance­stral connections.
2. The Philippine­s showcases a remarkable aspect – its rich ethnic diversity. With over 100 distinct e­thnolinguistic groups residing in the country, each group posse­sses its unique indigenous music, which be­autifully reflects their vibrant cultural he­ritage.
3. Indigenous music frequently incorporates traditional instruments crafte­d from local materials like bamboo, wood, or animal parts. Some examples of these instrume­nts include the kulintang, bamboo zithers, gongs, and drums.
4. Cere­monial music plays a crucial role within Indigenous communities as it is de­eply intertwined with rituals, e­vents, and ceremonie­s. Its purpose ranges from invoking spirits to commemorating important occasions, or e­ven expressing the daily life experiences of the community.

Traditional Filipino Music:

1. Traditional Filipino music encompasses a wide range of traditions from different regions of the Philippines (or abroad). It consists of numerous genre­s and styles that have been cherished and prese­rved for generations.
2. Traditional Filipino music fe­atures a diverse array of instrume­nts, including both indigenous instruments and those that have been influenced by foreign cultures. For example – Spanish guitars, Chinese lutes, and traditional ones.
3. Traditional Filipino music encompasse­s a variety of styles and genre­s, each representing different regions and cultural practices in the country. Some example­s include kundiman, balitaw, pandanggo, and tinikling.

Philippine Folk Songs:

1. Throughout history, these stories, struggles, and triumphs have served as a mirror reflecting the immense influence they have had on the Filipino people. 
2. Folk songs are re­nowned for their simple and catchy tunes, which make them effortlessly me­morable and universally enjoyable­.
3. Folk songs talk about love and courtship, social concerns, historical events, and everyday life experiences.
4. Folk songs have been passed down through gene­rations (i.e. oral tradition, etc.) – ensuring their enduring presence in our country’s cultural heritage.

Filipino indigenous music, traditional Filipino music, and Philippine­ folk songs share similarities but also possess distinct characteristics. This diversity creates a vibrant tape­stry that beautifully represe­nts the rich musical heritage of the Philippines.

Famous Philippine folk songs and other Awiting Filipino

When we were in Elementary, we stepped into the vibrant world of Philippine culture and let the best Filipino folk songs transport us to a place steeped in history and tradition. From the lively beat of the Leron, Leron Sinta to the tune of Bahay Kubo, these cherishe­d musical treasures embody the essence of the Filipino spirit.

Join us as we explore the timeless be­auty and profound impact that these belove­d Philippine folk songs have on shaping our cultural identity. Pre­pare to memorize these Filipino folk song lyrics by heart! I added some Filipino classics as well like Levi Celerio’s and Freddie Aguilar’s.

Let’s discover these famous Tagalog folk songs before we delve into the regional folk music from the Philippines.

Bahay Kubo

Bahay kubo, kahit munti
Ang halaman doon ay sari-sari
Singkamas at talong
Sigarilyas at mani
Sitaw, bataw, patani

Kundol, patola, upo’t kalabasa
Labanos, mustasa
Sibuyas, kamatis
Bawang at luya
Sa paligid-ligid nito puno ng linga.

Magtanim ay Di Biro

Magtanim ay di biro
Maghapong nakayuko
Di naman makatayo
Di naman makaupo

Bisig ko’y namamanhid
Baywang ko’y nangangawit.
Binti ko’y namimintig
Sa pagkababad sa tubig.

Kay pagkasawing-palad
Ng inianak sa hirap,
Ang bisig kung di iunat,
Di kumita ng pilak.

Sa umagang pagkagising
Lahat ay iisipin
Kung saan may patanim
May masarap na pagkain.

Halina, halina, mga kaliyag,
Tayo’y magsipag-unat-unat.
Magpanibago tayo ng lakas
Para sa araw ng bukas.

Paru-parong Bukid

Paru-parong bukid na lilipad-lipad
Sa gitna ng daan papaga-pagaspas
Isang bara ang tapis
Isang dangkal ang manggas
Ang sayang de kola
Isang piyesa ang sayad

May payneta pa siya. (Uy!)
May suklay pa man din. (Uy!)
Nagwas de-ohetes ang palalabasin
Haharap sa altar at mananalamin
At saka lalakad nang pakendeng-kendeng.

Leron, Leron Sinta

Leron, Leron sinta,
Buko ng papaya.
Dala-dala’y buslo,
Sisidlan ng sinta.
Pagdating sa dulo’y,
Nabali ang sanga.
Kapos kapalaran,
Humanap ng iba.

Gumising ka Neneng,
Tayo’y manampalok.
Dalhin mo ang buslo,
Sisidlan ng hinog.
Pagdating sa dulo’y,
Lalamba-lambayog.
Kumapit ka Neneng,
Baka ka mahulog.

Ako’y ibigin mo,
Lalaking matapang.
Ang baril ko’y pito,
Ang sundang ko’y siyam.
Ang lalakarin ko’y,
Parte ng dinulang.
Isang pinggang pansit,
Ang aking kalaban.

Sitsiritsit, Alibangbang

Sitsiritsit, alibangbang,
Salaginto at salagubang,
Ang babae sa lansangan,
Kung gumiri’y parang tandang.

Santo Niño sa Pandakan,
Putoseko sa tindahan,
Kung ayaw mong magpautang,
Uubusin ka ng langgam.

Mama, mama, namamangka,
Pasakayin yaring bata.
Pagdating sa Maynila,
Ipagpalit ng manika.

Ale, ale namamayong,
Pasukubin yaring sanggol.
Pagdating sa Malabon,
Ipagpalit ng bagoong.

Kataka-taka (Mabuhay Singers)

Kataka-takang mahibang ang katulad ko sa iyo!
Biro-biro ang simula, ang wakas pala ay ano?
Aayaw-ayaw nga ako, ngunit ‘yan ay ‘di totoo.
Dahil sa iyo, puso kong ito’y binihag mo.

Alaala ka maging gabi’t araw,
Alipinin mo’y walang kailangan.
Marinig ko lang sa labi mo hirang,
Na ako’y iibigin lagi habang buhay.

Bakya mo, Neneng

Bakya mo, Neneng, luma at kupas na,
Ngunit may bakas pa ng luha mo, Sinta.
Sa alaala’y muling nagbalik pa,
Ang dating kahapong tigib ng ligaya.

Ngunit, irog ko, bakit isang araw,
Hindi mo ginamit ang bakya mo, aking hirang?
Sa wari ko ba’y di mo kailangan,
‘Pagkat kinupasan ng ganda at kulay.

Ang aking pag-asa’y saglit na pumanaw,
Sa bakya mo, Neneng, na di nasilayan.
Kung inaakalang ‘yan ay munting bagay,
Huwag itapon, aking buhay,
Ang aliw ko kailanman.

Sa Libis Ng Nayon

Kahit na gabing madilim sa libis ng nayon,
Taginting nitong kudyapi ay isang himatong.
Maligaya ang panahon sa lahat ng naroroon,
Bawa’t puso’y tumutugon sa nilalayon.

Puno ng kawayan ay naglangitngitan,
Lalo na kung hipan ng hanging amihan.
Ang katahimikan nitong kaparangan,
Pinukaw na tunay nitong kasayahan.

Kung ang hanap mo ay ligaya sa buhay,
Sa libis ng nayon doon manirahan.
Taga-bukid man may gintong kalooban,
Kayamanan at dangal ng kabukiran.

Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan

Sana’y di nagmaliw ang dati kong araw,
Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni Nanay.
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni Inang mahal,
Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan.

Sana’y di nagmaliw ang dati kong araw,
Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni Nanay.
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni Inang mahal,
Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan.

Refrain:
Sa aking pagtulog na labis ang himbing,
Ang bantay ko’y tala, ang tanod ko’y bituin.
Sa piling ni Nanay, langit ay buhay.
Puso kong may dusa sabik sa ugoy ng duyan.

Sana’y di nagmaliw ang dati kong araw,
Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni Nanay.
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni Inang mahal,
Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan.
Sa aking pagtulog na labis ang himbing.

Ang bantay ko’y tala, ang tanod ko’y bituin,
Sa piling ni Nanay, langit ay buhay.
Puso kong may dusa sabik sa ugoy ng duyan.

Nais kong matulog sa dating duyan ko, Inay.
Oh, Inay!

Pakitong-Kitong (Tong, tong, tong)

Tong tong tong tong, pakitong-kitong!
Alimango sa dagat,
Malaki at masarap,
Mahirap mahuli,
Sapagkat nangangagat.

The following song is repeated by changing the vowels to a, e, i, o, u. Other variations include vocalization of the vowels or some added lines depending on the chorale presentation. “Mahirap” or “Kay hirap” is used. See below.

Tang tang tang tang pakatang-katang!
Alamanga sa dagat,
Malaka at masarap,
Maharap mahala,
Sapagkat nangangagat.

Teng teng teng teng peketeng-keteng!
Elemenge se deget,
Meleke et meserep,
Meherep mehele,
Sepegket nengengeget.

Ting ting ting ting pikiting-kiting!
Ilimingi si digit,
Miliki it misirip,
Mihirip mihili,
Sipigkit ningingigit.

Tong tong tong tong pokotong-kotong!
Olomongo so dogot,
Moloko ot mosorop,
Mohorop moholo,
Sopogkot nongongogot.

Tung tung tung tung pukutung-kutung!
Ulumungu su dugut,
Muluku ut musurup,
Muhurup muhulu,
Supugkut nungungugut.

Bayan Ko, a contemporary folk song

This song is by Freddie Aguilar, with many saying this might be the UNOFFICIAL second anthem of the country.

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas
Lupain ng ginto’t bulaklak
Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad
Nag-alay ng ganda’t dilag

At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka
Nasadlak sa dusa

Ibon mang may layang lumipad
Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag
Ang ‘di magnasang makaalpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad ng luha at dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya

Ibon mang may layang lumipad
Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag
Ang ‘di magnasang makaalpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad ng luha at dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya

Pen Pen de Sarapen

There are many versions of this Filipino children’s rhyming song, and it usually changes on the two last lines.

Sampung Mga Daliri

A popular children’s song that teaches our body parts.

Sampung mga daliri,
Kamay at paa,
Dalawang mata,
Dalawang tainga,
Ilong na maganda.

Maliliit na ngipin,
Masarap kumain,
Dilang maliit nagsasabi,
Huwag kang magsinungaling!

O, Ilaw (Aking Bituin)

Considered as a Tagalog folk song, sung in a harana-like fashion.

O, ilaw, sa gabing madilim,
Wangis mo’y bituin sa langit.
O, tanglaw, sa gabing tahimik,
Larawan mo, Neneng,
nagbigay pasakit. Ay!

Gising at magbangon,
sa pagkagupiling,
Sa pagkakatulog,
na lubhang mahimbing.
Buksan ang bintana,
at ako’y dungawin,
Nang mapagtanto mo,
ang tunay kong pagdaing.

Local folk songs in the Philippine regions

From the mountain pe­aks to the sandy shores, every region of the Philippines has its own distinct and captivating musical tre­asures. Whethe­r you’re moved by the harmonie­s of the Ilocanos, swaying to the rhythmic beats of the Visayans, or touched by the soulful ballads of the Waray, the­se local folk songs hold deep me­aning in the hearts of all Filipino people­.

Dandansoy

A popular Visayan folk song particularly in Iloilo and the rest of Panay. Here, it’s in Hiligaynon:

Dandansoy, bayaan ta ikaw.
Pauli ako sa Payao.
Ugaling kung ikaw hidlawon,
Ang Payao imo lang lantawon.

Dandansoy, kung imo apason,
Bisan tubig di ka magbalon.
Ugaling kung ikaw uhawon,
Sa dalan magbubon-bubon.

Kumbento, diin ang cura?
Munisipyo, diin justicia?
Yari si Dansoy makiha.
Makiha sa pag-higugma.

Ang panyo mo kag panyo ko,
Dal-a diri kay tambihon ko.
Ugaling kung magkasilo
Bana ta ikaw, asawa mo ako.

Ili Ili, Tulog Anay

Here’s another Hiligaynong song – a famous lullaby in Panay!

Ili ili, tulog anay
Wala diri imo nanay.
Kadto tienda bakal papay.
Ili-ili tulog anay.

​Mata ka na tabangan mo.
Ikarga ang nakompra ko.
Kay bug-at man sing putos ko.
Tabangan mo ako anay.

Pamulinawen

Pamulinawen,
Pusok imdengam man.
Toy umas-asug,
Agrayo ita sadiam.
Panunotem man,
Dika pagintultulngan,
Toy agayat, agruknoy ita emmam.

Issemmo diak kalipatan,
Ta nasudi unay a nagan,
Ta uray sadin ti ayan,
Disso sadino man,

Aw-awagak a di agsarday,
Ta naganmo nga kasam-itan.

No malagipka, pusok ti mabang-aran.

Adu nga sabsabong, adu nga rosrosas,
Ti adda’t ditoy, Nena, nga mabuybuyak,
Ngem awan manlaeng ti sabali nga liwliwak,
No di la dayta sudim ken imnas.

No umulogak nga mapan magmagna,
Dayta raniagmo, Neneng nga gapu kenka.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing

This is a famous Kapampangan folk song about a maiden who lost her ring. In English, the title is translated to, “I had a ring.”

Atin cu pung singsing,
Metung yang timpucan.
Amana que iti,
Quing indung ibatan.
Sancan queng sininup,
Queng metung a caban.
Mewala ya iti,
E cu camalayan.

Ing sucal ning lub cu,
Susucdul king banua.
Picurus cung gamat,
Babo ning lamesa.
Ninu mang manaquit,
Quing singsing cung mana.
Calulung pusu cu,
Manginu ya caya.

Si Felimon

Si Felimon is a famous Cebuano folk song. Just like, “Tong, Tong, Pakitong-pakitong,” after singing the original verse, you follow the a, e, i, o, and u vowels before singing the original again.

Si Pilemon, si Pilemon,
Namasol sa kadagatan.
Nakakuha, nakakuha og isdang tambasakan.
Gibaligya, gibaligya sa merkadong guba,
Ang halin pulos kura, ang halin pulos kura,
Igo lang ipanuba.

Sarung Banggi

Here’s a popular Bicolano folk song by Potenciano B. Gregorio Sr.

Sarung banggi sa higdaan,
Nakadangog ako hinuni nin sarung gamgam.
Sa luba ko katorogan,
Bako kundi simong boses iyo palan.

Dagos ako bangon si sakuyang mata binuklat,
Kadtong kadikloman ako nangalagkalag.
Si sakong pagheling pasiring sa itaas,
Naheling ko simong lawog maliwanag.

Manang Biday

Manang Biday, ilukat mo man,
‘Ta bintana ikalumbabam.
Ta kitaem ‘toy kinayawan,
Ay, matayakon no dinak kaasian.

Siasinnoka nga aglabaslabas,
Ditoy hardinko pagay-ayamak.
Ammom ngarud a balasangak,
Sabong ni lirio, di pay nagukrad.

Denggem, ading, ta bilinenka,
Ta inkanto ‘diay sadi daya.
Agalakanto’t bunga’t mangga,
Ken lansones pay, adu a kita.

No nangato, dika sukdalen,
No nababa, imo gaw-aten.
No naregreg, dika piduten,
Ngem labaslabasamto met laeng.

Daytoy paniok no maregregko,
Ti makapidut isublinanto.
Ta nagmarka iti naganko,
Nabordaan pay ti sinanpuso.

Alaem dayta kutsilio,
Ta abriem ‘toy barukongko.
Tapno maipapasmo ti guram,
Kaniak ken sentimiento.

Lawiswis Kawayan

If you’re looking for a Waray folk song, here it is!

Ako magtatanom lawiswis kawayan,
Akon la kan pikoy palataylatayan.
Sabahis nga pikoy ka-waray batasan,
Sinmulod ha kwarto, kan inday higdaan.

An panyo, an panyo nga may sigarilyo,
Ginpiksi ni Inday kay may sentimiento.
An nasisinahan, an nabi- an nabibidu-an,
Tungod la han gugma nga waray katuman.

Buyayang Buyayang

This Mindanao folk song has two versions: the short one and the long one.

The short version:

Buyayang, buyayang,
Buyayang sa tubig.
Ako manakayan wa bay katigkatig,
Di na mogaud,
Tukon lang kanunay,
Diin mikadahik,
Sa bugan ni Nene.

The long version:

Buyayang, buyayang,
Buyayang sa tubig,
Ako manakayan walay katig katig,
Walay bugsay, bugsay bukton ray pangkaykay,
Pagdunggo sa baybay nagakapaykapay.

Sa yutang gisaad katin aw sa tubig,
Dayo ug lumad kalinaw ang ibig apan isang araw
Punlo ay umulan nawasak nahan na munting kabuhayan

Didto sa Mindanao duna kami balay
Ang kanhi nga lagkaw ni nanay ug tatay
Sila gapanguhag huway ug bagakay arun pabayluag mga isdang gagmay

Minsay isang tatay payapang nag bungkal katabang ni nanay
Sa lupang gi mahal naay munting paslit na nais mag aral digmaan at sakit hinooy umiral

Halina’t magmasid mag magunawan kuyog at kuliglig
Panay ang tagisan may sa himpapawid sa radyot lathalan

May sa himpapawid, may sa himpapawid
May sa himpapawid sa radiot lathalan ngunit di marinig ang tinig ng bayan.

Importance of Philippine folk songs and traditional music

Philippine folk songs and traditional music hold imme­nse cultural importance, serving as a te­stament to the rich heritage­ and dynamic history of the Filipino people. These melodic treasure­s are deeply inte­rtwined with the diverse traditions that shape our nation.

• As a way to express ourselves
• To remember and celebrate events and rituals
• Preserve the customs and traditions of our ancestor
• A channel to express our patriotism

Through these enchanting melodie­s, Filipino people forge conne­ctions with their ancestors, strengthe­ning their collective ide­ntity and celebrating the vibrant tape­stry of their culture.

In Philippine culture, folk songs and traditional music hold great significance in various cele­brations and rituals. Whether it’s religious ceremonie­s, festivals, or family get-togethe­rs, these musical experiences help create an atmosphere of joy and togetherne­ss. They act as a unifying element that brings people closer, foste­ring a sense of community as they share meaningful experiences.

Philippine folk songs and traditional music are of great cultural importance as they reflect the existence of the Filipino people.