Philippine Music History

• Philippine music history spans from prehistoric times to the modern era

Prehistoric Music

• Early Negrito music was based on superstitious and religious beliefs
• Tribal priests played primitive instruments such as sticks and wood, creating rhythmic sounds for rituals to ward off evil spirits

Pre-Spanish Era

• Filipinos made musical instruments from bamboo, wood, and metal, producing rhythmic sounds
• Communal dancing and singing featured drums, gongs, and bamboo clappers
• Hindu influences brought reed flutes, gongs, and drums, enriching indigenous music

Chinese, Japanese, and Hindu Contributions (13th Century)

• Oriental melodies and unique instruments such as bells, wooden xylophones, native guitars, and violins were introduced

Spanish and Mexican Influences (16th Century)

• European instruments and the diatonic scale replaced the pentatonic scale of the Orient
• New musical styles like Habanera, Polka, Tango, Jota, Fandango, and Cariñosa emerged
• Filipino composers were inspired by both ancient melodies and foreign influences

American Period

• Folk, patriotic, and religious songs were introduced in schools
• Popular American music became widely appreciated

World War II and Post-War Period

• Music contests in schools promoted music education and careers
• Music schools and student competitions further developed the local music scene

Modern Era

• The Cultural Center of the Philippines became a center for arts and cultural development
• Philippine music blends indigenous and foreign elements
• Distinctive local styles for music, these being Kundiman, Balitaw, Manang Biday, and Kumintang still remain to be very loved

Philippine Folk Songs

• Folk songs have a simple structure and are passed down orally

• They are an important part of the nation's musical heritage

• Slight changes occur as tunes are repeated through the years

• Inday, Inday sa Balitaw is a traditional Filipino folk song from the Tagalog region

• Inday, Inday sa Balitaw humorously narrates kitchen mishaps of Inday, a clumsy maiden with lyrics

  • "Inday, Inday sa Balitaw"
  • "Kahoy nakahapay,"
  • "Sandok nakasuksok,"
  • "Palayok nakataob,"
  • "S'yansing nakabaluktot."
  • "Sinigang na matabang"
  • "Kulang sa sampalok."

• "Dandansoy" is a traditional Visayan folk song from the Hiligaynon-speaking region and is sung as a lullaby and/or farewell song with lyrics

  • "Dandansoy, bayaan ta ikaw"
  • "Pauli ako sa payag"
  • "Ugaling kung ikaw hidlawon"
  • "Ang payag imo lang lantawon."
  • "Inday nga matulog ka na"
  • "Balon mo lang ang inugan"
  • "Ugaling kung ikaw uhawon"
  • "Sa dalan magbuka sang tubod."
  • "Kung magtanim ka nga lubi"
  • "Dapat pariho sa daku"
  • "Ugaling kon ini magbunga"
  • "Lakay, magahingapit ako."

• "Ili-Ili Tulog Anay" is a traditional Visayan lullaby sung to soothe a child to sleep, recognized for its melodic simplicity and emotional depth with lyrics

  • "Ili-ili tulog anay"
  • "Wala diri imong nanay"
  • "Kadto tienda bakal papay"
  • "Ili-ili tulog anay"
  • "Mata kana tabangan mo"
  • "Ikarga ang nakompra ko"
  • "Kay bug-at man sing putos ko"
  • "Tabangan mo ako anay"
  • "Ili-ili tulog anay"
  • "Wala diri imong nanay"
  • "Kadto tienda bakal papay"
  • "Ili-ili tulog anay"