ILOCANO MUSIC

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS USED BY ILOCANOS

Arpa

Bamboo Violin

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS USED BY ILOCANOS

ILOCANO FOLK SONGS

Pamulinawen

The most popular of the old songs of music-loving

Ilocanos is the Pamulinawen. It is believed that
it was created by an Ilocano troubadour of preHispanic times who was inspired by the
sweetness of an Ilocana. The maiden might have
been resplendent with character traits cherished
by the women of Ilocandia and for this reason the
troubadour must have called her Pamulinawen
which according to the text of the song is the
sweetest and most illustrious names among
Ilocanos of old.

Pamulinawen is the most unique song of the Ilocanos.

It possesses a certain style which is distinctly Ilocano.
It sounds ancient both in melody and language. It is
cherished for this reason, as a pearl of their ancestral
culture. Because of its uniqueness and universal appeal
to Ilocanos in addition to its antiquity, the song
symbolizes an inspirational fountain from which had
effused all the beautiful poetic and melodious
expressions of tenderness and devotion created by
Ilocano lyricists.
Pamulinawen is the most popular song among
Ilocanos. There is no genuine Ilocano, who does not
know the song by heart. Because of its appeal to the
Ilocanos, it has become the regional theme song of
Ilocandia.

ILOCANO FOLK SONGS

Osi-osi portrays the traditional ways of

courtship. Binigan-bigat (Every Morning) is a
courtship dance depicting a boy who is in love
with a girl from whom he asks pity. Sileleddaang (Grief-stricken or Laden with Sorrow) is a
courtship dance showing the lovers fondness for
each other. Manang Biday, another courtship
dance usually performed by young people.
Sabunganay (Banana Blossom) symbolizes a
young lady who is still too young to be courted
and Pandanggo Laoaguea is a courtship dance
performed by the young and old.

ILOCANO FOLK SONGS

Vintarea maybe performed by one to any number

of pairs in any social gathering such as baptismal,
wedding, birthday or thanksgiving parties.
Kuratsa Pasuquia is a dance during birthday
parties and festivities. Depicting merriment are La
Jota Zapatilla, Barbarukong (Breast Out), La Jota
Laoaguea and Kuratsa Paoayea which are also
presented during social gatherings. Another dance
shown during wedding and baptismal celebrations
are Sagamantica and Arikenken. Chotis
Dingrea is a dance for the elite and is performed
during social functions. Pandanggo is one of the
favorite dances of the old people. Guling-Guling is
a dance for Ash Wednesday. Tambora is usually
shown on the Eve of Christmas.